'Service to all mankind': Generations of Black women gather in Milwaukee for Alpha Kappa Alpha regional conference
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- More than 3,500 women from eight Midwestern states are gathering in Milwaukee to celebrate sisterhood and service.
The 89th annual Central Regional Conference for Alpha Kappa Alpha is taking place April 6-9 at the Wisconsin Center.
Alpha Kappa Alpha is the first historically Black sorority in the world, providing service for 115 years.
AKA has 1,061 chapters in 11 countries, and four chapters in Milwaukee.
"Most people, when you think about sororities, you think you come in and you join in college, but Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority you join for life," said Danette Reed, the international president/CEO of AKA.
AKA's regional conference brings workshops, philanthropy, and networking to thousands of Black women from several generations.
"My mother's been a member for 65 years, I've been a member for over 46 years, and my daughter has been a member for over six years," Reed said.
AKA began at Howard University in 1908, when it wasn't typical to see Black women in higher education.
The then-small group took on a mission of service that keeps growing.
"For us to continue on that, and live and follow in the footprints of our founders, it's just amazing," said Berthena Brister, the 89th Regional Conference chairwoman.
Their goal is to leave communities better than they found them.
At the Milwaukee conference, AKA is collecting food donations for their Childhood Hunger Initiative Power Pack Program.
"There is a food disparity in this city. So, our goal is to make sure that we embrace that, we understand it, and we try to combat it as much as we can," Brister said.
The food drive is one of AKA's many service projects making an impact, from the environment to the economy.
"Our mission is service to all mankind. So, we do things to help serve our local communities, as well as impact the global community," Reed said.
The food drive is open to the public on Friday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Wisconsin Center.
The Hoan Bridge will be lit pink and green throughout the weekend to honor Alpha Kappa Alpha.