Latest news with #AlphaKappaAlphaSorority
Black America Web
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Black America Web
Gabby Thomas, Beverly Johnson, Laura Coates & Karine Jean-Pierre Prettily Pose For Pics After Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Honorary Membership
After Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. added serious star power to its sisterhood, during its 2025 Leadership Seminar, the honorary members who were bestowed 20 pearls prettily posed for pics to represent the First Black sorority. Source: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. During the seminar titled 'Pathways to Soar: Unlocking Impactful Leadership,' held in Anaheim, California, the storied organization welcomed four powerhouse women as honorary members: Olympic track star Gabby Thomas, and supermodel trailblazer Beverly Johnson, CNN anchor and legal analyst Laura Coates, and former White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre. With more than 9,000 members gathered from around the globe, the ceremony marked a moment of inspiration, excellence, and Black girl magic. According to a post shared on the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Instagram page on July 14, all four of the extraordinary women selected for the honorary member award were chosen for being FIRST in their excellence in leadership, groundbreaking achievements, and transformative service that uplift communities around the world. 'Welcoming these phenomenal women into our Sisterhood is a powerful testament to our legacy of distinction,' International President & CEO Danette Anthony Reed told Watch the Yard . 'Their voices and vision will further strengthen our mission of impactful service to all mankind.' In an Instagram post, the ewly inducted honorary members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. expressed heartfelt gratitude and excitement following their induction. Former White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre shared her disbelief and joy, saying, 'I can't believe it. You all won't believe it. I am now officially a member of the beautiful sorority, AKA. Thank you, thank you, thank you!' CNN anchor and legal analyst Laura Coates echoed the sentiment, saying, 'Hey everyone, I'm Laura Coates. Can you believe it? I'm officially a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority.' Olympian Gabby Thomas also celebrated the honor, stating, 'I'm so thrilled to be a member of the beautiful Alpha Kappa Alpha! I'm so excited to start my new journey of Sisterhood!' Supermodel and trailblazer Beverly Johnson shared a deeply emotional message: 'I'm so honored to be a sorority sister. I cannot tell you how proud I am. I cannot tell you, my heart is so full. I can barely speak, but thank you God!' Not only that, but Tuesday, the newest honorary memebers were featuredd in a social media post posing for pics with their heads held high and their ivies up. 'Heads held high, and Ivies up.. Because this is a Serious Matter!' the official Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Instagram captioned a post. 'Our newest Honorary Members, @gabbythomas, @k_jeanpierre, @thelauracoates, and @iambeverlyjohnson are already giving Pretty Girl style in full formation! We look forward to seeing them all Soar in Sisterhood.🩷💚 #AKAHonoraryMembers #SoaringWithAKA #AKA1908 Let's meet the latest honorary AKAs. Source: Dia Dipasupil / Getty Laura Coates, CNN's Chief Legal Analyst and Anchor, is the first and only Black woman to hold the title. Before joining CNN, Coates served as a trial attorney in the U.S. Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division, focusing on voting rights enforcement, and later as an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, where she prosecuted serious felony cases including drug trafficking, domestic violence, and sexual assault, according to her website. In 2016, she authored the bestselling book You Have the Right: A Constitutional Guide to Policing the Police , demystifying citizens' Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Amendment rights, and advocating for greater police accountability. Now the host of Laura Coates Live on CNN, she continues to bring clarity to pressing legal and political issues. Notably, Coates delivered extensive coverage of last year's presidential race, hitting the ground in places like Michigan to talk with voters and hear their reactions. She has also had a pulse on the intense sex trafficking trial of Sean 'Diddy' Combs, delivering updates along every step of the case, a testament to her commitment. Source: Roger Wimmer/ISI Photos / Getty Gabby Thomas has solidified her status as one of the world's elite sprinters, excelling in both the 100-meter and 200-meter events. Her breakout moment came in 2021 when she ran 21.61 seconds in the 200m at the U.S. Olympic Trials, making her the second-fastest woman in history at the time, according to Team USA. She improved that mark to 21.60 seconds at the 2023 USATF Championships, cementing her legacy in the sport. Thomas made her Olympic debut at the Tokyo 2020 Games, where she earned a bronze medal in the 200m and a silver medal as the anchor of the U.S. 4×100-meter relay team. She followed up with a dominant performance at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, capturing gold in the 200m with a time of 21.83 seconds and another gold in the 4x100m relay alongside Melissa Jefferson, Twanisha Terry, and Sha'Carri Richardson. Her accomplishments extend beyond the Olympics. Thomas has claimed multiple Diamond League titles (2018, 2019, 2024) and won gold at the 2022 World Athletics Championships in the 4x100m relay, setting a championship record of 41.03 seconds. In 2023, she took silver in the 200m at the World Championships with a blazing 21.81 finish. A standout both on and off the track, Thomas graduated from Harvard University in 2019 with a degree in neurobiology and global health. She later earned a master's degree in epidemiology from the University of Texas Health Science Center. Throughout her journey, she has been a passionate advocate for increasing diversity in STEM fields and uses her platform to inspire young women of color to pursue careers in science and technology. Source: The Washington Post / Getty Karine Jean-Pierre made history as the first Black person and the longest-serving woman to hold the position of White House Press Secretary. With a distinguished career in political strategy and public service, she has been a leading voice in American politics and advocacy. Prior to her historic White House role, Jean-Pierre served as a Public Affairs Officer for and worked as a political analyst for NBC and MSNBC, the McSilver Institute notes. During the Obama-Biden administration, she held several key leadership positions, including Regional Political Director for the White House Office of Political Affairs and Deputy Battleground States Director for President Obama's 2012 re-election campaign. She also served as Southeast Regional Political Director during Obama's 2008 presidential run. Her career spans across advocacy and legislative work as well—she was Campaign Manager for the ACLU's Reproductive Freedom Initiative and held roles as Deputy Chief of Staff and Director of Legislative and Budget Affairs for two members of the New York City Council. Born in Martinique and raised in New York, Jean-Pierre is a graduate of Columbia University. Source: Courtesy / WeTV Beverly Johnson is a trailblazing supermodel, actress, entrepreneur, and author who made history as the first Black woman to appear on the cover of Vogue in 1974 and later on Elle . Her groundbreaking achievements opened doors for generations of models of color and reshaped the fashion industry's standards of beauty and inclusion. Beyond modeling, Johnson has built a diverse career as an actress and businesswoman. She has made appearances in films such as Crossroads and Tyler Perry's Good Deeds . The icon is also the founder of The Beverly Johnson Luxurious Lifestyle Brand, which reflects her passion for beauty, wellness, and empowerment. Congrats to these honorable sisters of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. The post Gabby Thomas, Beverly Johnson, Laura Coates & Karine Jean-Pierre Prettily Pose For Pics After Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Honorary Membership appeared first on Bossip. SEE ALSO Gabby Thomas, Beverly Johnson, Laura Coates & Karine Jean-Pierre Prettily Pose For Pics After Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Honorary Membership was originally published on
Black America Web
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Black America Web
Alpha Kappa Alpha Welcomes Trailblazing Honorary Members
Source: In a historic celebration of legacy and excellence, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® inducted four groundbreaking women as Honorary Members during the 2025 Leadership Seminar in Anaheim, California. These trailblazers, each a pioneer in her field, exemplify the sorority's enduring commitment to scholarship, service, and sisterhood. RELATED STORY: Famous Female Athletes in The Divine Nine RELATED STORY: 10 Black Celebrity Sorority Sisters And Frats We Love Founded in 1908 at Howard University by Ethel Hedgemon Lyle and eight visionary women, Alpha Kappa Alpha became the first black Greek-letter sorority. With its motto, 'By merit and by culture,' the sorority has championed progress and uplifted communities for over a century. From its early initiatives like the Mississippi Health Project during the Great Depression to its modern-day efforts raising millions for HBCUs, Alpha Kappa Alpha has consistently been a force for change. STAY INFORMED! CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER! The 2025 honorary inductees continue this legacy of impact: 🩷 Laura Coates – CNN's Chief Legal Analyst and Anchor, breaking barriers as the first African American woman in this role. 💚 Karine Jean-Pierre – The first Black person and longest-serving woman to serve as White House Press Secretary, redefining leadership in government. 🩷 Beverly Johnson – A supermodel and entrepreneur, she made history as the first Black woman on the cover of Vogue magazine. 💚 Gabby Thomas – An Olympic medalist and the first Ivy League graduate to win an Olympic track & field medal, inspiring excellence in academics and athletics. READ MORE STORIES: Classic UNO Card Game Lands in Las Vegas Casinos Tyler Perry Accuser Breaks Silence On Sexual Assault Allegations: 'I Couldn't Stay Silent Anymore' Klay Thompson and Megan Thee Stallion Go Instagram Official Led by International President & CEO Danette Anthony Reed, the induction ceremony celebrated these women's transformative achievements and their alignment with the sorority's mission. As Alpha Kappa Alpha continues to honor its past while shaping the future, these honorary members embody the spirit of progress and sisterhood that has defined the sorority since its founding. SEE ALSO
Axios
23-06-2025
- General
- Axios
How to observe Juneteenth in NWA
Juneteenth is on Thursday. It became a federal holiday in 2021 and commemorates the day in 1865 when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, learned President Abraham Lincoln had signed the Emancipation Proclamation two years earlier. Here's how to learn more about the holiday and celebrate in NWA. Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art the Phi Alpha Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority is celebrating with kid-friendly activities and gallery talks throughout the permanent collection focusing on Black history. 11am-4pm Thursday. Free. Freedom Festival, hosted by Music Moves and The Community Cohesion Project Foundation, includes a market and live music starting at 2pm Saturday at Luther George Park in Springdale throughout the night. Free.
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Alpha Kappa Alpha makes huge global expansion
The post Alpha Kappa Alpha makes huge global expansion appeared first on ClutchPoints. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, chartered a new chapter in London, United Kingdom, broadening its worldwide reach. The sorority established the Alpha Delta Alpha Omega Chapter on May 30. Among the 25 charter members, the women have successful careers in real estate, finance, medicine, business, and other fields. The group's dedication to community involvement has led them to collaborate with over a dozen local groups during the past year. More than 350 Childhood Hunger Power Packs (also known as CHIPP™ weekend meals) have been distributed, more than 200 Blessing Bags have been put together, an eight-week entrepreneurship training program for women has been facilitated, more than 200 volunteer hours have been completed, and more than £3,000 has been invested in Black-owned businesses. With the help of volunteers and visiting sorority members, the chapter will maintain this focus via its first formal service initiatives. Members will plan events like gathering professional clothing for women returning to work and collecting and distributing children's books written by Black writers. 'These women are already making an enormous difference in and around London,' said Carrie J. Clark, International Regional Director for Alpha Kappa Alpha. 'They are an amazing group of servant leaders who I am confident will expand Alpha Kappa Alpha's legacy of service in the Greater London area for years to come.' The sorority has spearheaded several international projects, including building schools in South Africa during apartheid, providing aid to women and children in Liberia, and reducing poverty in sub-Saharan Africa. Additionally, the sorority founded the For Members Only Federal Credit Union, the nation's first Black-owned, female-led, sorority-based digital financial institution. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, is the oldest Greek-letter sorority founded by Black college women. The sorority was founded in 1908 on the Howard University campus in Washington, D.C., by nine collegiate women. With more than 365,000 members, it now has members in over 13 countries and territories, including the United Kingdom.
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
AKA regional conference in Tampa leads to multi-million dollar impact
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) – Nearly 7,000 members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated are making a major financial and community impact during its annual regional conference. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated is the first Black Greek-letter organization founded in the United States. Created by college-educated women on the campus of Howard University in 1908, the sorority's foundation is built on sisterhood, scholarship and service. Those values will be on full display Easter week and weekend in Tampa. Starbucks introducing new dress code for baristas, a move protested by some The South Atlantic Region of AKA, which is comprised of Florida, Georgia and South Carolina members, are meeting in Tampa for their 72nd Annual South Atlantic Regional Conference. According to Visit Tampa Bay, with more than 8,000 hotel rooms booked in the city, preliminary estimates show an $8 million economic impact. While the organization will be conducting a lot of business, they'll also be giving back to the Tampa community. 'One of our initiatives of our national office is childhood hunger initiatives, so we are going to be packing bags, giving out food to designated schools here in Tampa Bay,' said Tiffany Moore Russell. 'Then we're going to receive donations from chapters all over the region to give back to homeless organizations here in Tampa.' AKA will donate the backpacks to B.C. Graham Elementary School and the food bags will be donated to Metropolitan Ministries. It has been 17 years since AKA hosted a regional conference in Tampa. Russell said the organization plans to spend its dollars at local minority-owned businesses while also allowing the city to see and feel AKA's core values of sisterhood, scholarship, and service to all mankind. IMAGES: Florida Highway Patrol shows off new ride 'We want people to know that we are not just what they see on TV,' Russell said. 'Yes, we have a good time, yes, we stroll, ye,s we step. That's the cultural celebration of our organization. We also serve, we also do social action and connection education. We also give back to children, we also have so many youth programs. That's what we want people to see in all of our D9 organizations.' There are events open to the public, including a political forum on 'The 2024 Election: Where Do We Go From Here.' The public is invited to attend on Thursday, April 17, from 2-3 p.m. at the Tampa Convention Center. Later that evening, the conference will host a Public Meeting from 8-10 p.m. featuring Ms. Jotaka Eaddy, founder/CEO of Full Circle Strategies and founder of the#WinWithBlackWomen movement, as the keynote speaker. The Public Meeting brings together community leaders, elected officials, conference participants and others to celebrate leadership, service, and community engagement. Visit Tampa Bay's President and CEO, Santiago C. Corrada, released the following statement: 'Tampa Bay is proud to host Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated's 2025 South Atlantic Regional Conference April 16- 20. This is the third time Tampa has hosted the regional conference for this historic Divine Nine organization, and we're delighted to welcome them back to the heart of Florida's Gulf Coast. Founded in 1908, AKA is the oldest Greek-letter organization established by African American college-educated women and its tenets, particularly to be of 'Service to All Mankind', are in keeping with the open and welcoming spirit of the Tampa Bay region. We know this year's conference will be an amazing success. With 8,000 hotel room nights booked and preliminary estimates of close to $8 million in direct economic impact, Hillsborough County's stands to see a major positive financial and community impact from this gathering over Easter weekend.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
