More than 40 members of the Beta Alpha chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. gathered around their tree located behind Paddyfote Hall to commemorate the organization’s 100-year anniversary.
Dressed in black suits and holding wooden ivy shields ordained with 20 pearls, members paid homage to their founders. “The 20 pearls represent the 20 founders and incorporators,” said Marcitta Barrington, 23, a senior animal science student from Atlanta.
AKA members sang hymns and chants in praise of their centennial as a way to promote sisterhood.
“We are all trying to continue to uplift the legacy that the founders left for us,” said Talia Smith, 23, a fifth-year business administration student from Miami. “It means a lot for me that we’ve come this far.”
After the gathering at the first tree, the AKAs walked to a second tree behind Truth, Wheatley and Cropper dormtories to once again sing and chant in celebration.
“It’s fantastic to see 100 years,” said Chapter President Franchesca Taylor, 21, a fourth-year business student from Mobile, Ala. “Not many black organizations live to see so many years.”
The AKAs continue their centennial celebration with several campus events throughout the week.