Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority returns to ‘take over’ Milwaukee for Central Regional Conference

Thousands of women dedicated to leadership and community service will take over Milwaukee this week. The Cream City will welcome Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated (AKA) for its 89^th Central Regional Conference, April 6-9, at the Wisconsin Center.

In addition to exploring the city, the event is a time for members to reconvene, learn more about the current trajectory of the organization, participate in local philanthropy and celebrate sisterhood. AKA governance call the conference “a training ground for leadership, business and continued service”.

The Central Region will host two sorority community service projects: a blood drive in partnership with Versiti, and a food drive to combat childhood hunger (CHIPP). The organization invites the public to participate with food donations or gift cards on April 7, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Donations can be brought to the Wisconsin Center Vendor Exhibit Hall.

There are also opportunities for non-members to be involved. The sorority will honor some of Milwaukee’s influential leaders at its “A Showcase of Those Who Soar” Public Meeting on Friday, April 7, at 6 p.m. at the Wisconsin Center. TV Judge Mablean Ephriam will be the keynote speaker. The sorority will also recognize Divine 9 leaders from the National Panhellenic Council.

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated was founded in 1908 at Howard University. It is the first and oldest Greek-letter sorority established by African American, college-educated women. Its membership, of more than 355,000 worldwide, begins at the undergraduate level and extends throughout adulthood (graduate). The Central Region is home to nearly 10,000 active members and chapters in nine states, including Wisconsin.

Notable Milwaukee-area members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. include Ald. Milele Coggs of District 6; former alderwoman Nikiya Harris-Dodd of District 5; Sen. Lena Taylor of the 4th District; Assembly Representative LaKeshia Myers of District 12; and Milwaukee County’s Chief Judge, the Honorable Judge Maxine White.

HYFIN’s Kim Shine* talked with Central Regional Director Kiahna W. Davis. Listen below to their conversation about the upcoming conference and its planned impact on Milwaukee, the sorority’s influence on Davis and why membership is a lifelong commitment to her.

*Kim is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. The following interview has been edited for brevity and clarity.

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