Detroit is in for an influx of visitors this weekend as Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated brings more than 2,500 sorority members to the city.
The Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority (AKA) will host its 88th Great Lakes Regional Conference at Cobo Center from April 18-21. Planning the conference are the nine graduate chapters and five undergraduate chapters that are native to the Metro Detroit area.
Alpha Kappa Alpha is the oldest black sorority in existence. It is the first sorority founded in 1908 by African-American women at historically black Howard University.
AKA’s Great Lakes region encompasses 97 graduate and undergraduate chapters in Michigan, Ohio, Western New York, Western Pennsylvania and West Virginia. With members coming from multiple surrounding states, we can expect even more than the estimated 2,500 sorority members to impact Detroit’s economy. Additional visitors may include friends and family members of the conference’s attendees.
In addition to the abundance of pink and green, we can also expect to see an increase in revenue in downtown Detroit as attendees and their family and/or friends explore the city during their weekend stay.
It is estimated – through restaurants, retail shopping and hotel stays – that the thousands of out-of-town visitors in downtown Detroit will spend more than $1 million in the area during this Easter holiday weekend.
With all the new sights to see and things and places to explore in Downtown Detroit, Great Lakes regional director Carrie J. Clark stated, “We are thrilled to be in Detroit for our regional conference. Detroit is a fascinating city with great food, shopping and entertainment. I’m sure our members will take advantage of all the city has to offer during the weekend conference.”
Clark is also a member of a Metro Detroit chapter of the sorority.
Most may view sororities (and fraternities) as organizations that do nothing but party, but during an interview with BLAC Detroit Magazine, Clark said, “We have thousands of hours to prove that we do more than just socialize when we are together; we truly make a difference – not just in our respective communities but across the world.”
The ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha will also offer services and events to the public.
On Thursday, April 18 from 10-4 p.m., the public is invited to drop off old prescription eyeglasses and gently worn shoes, which will be redistributed to those in need around the world. The drop off location is the Detroit Marriot at the Renaissance Center and will benefit Soles4Souls and Lions Club International.
On Friday, April 19 at 7 p.m., the community is invited to attend the sorority’s public meeting at the Cobo Center. The event will recognize Detroit dignitaries and community leaders.
Finally, on Saturday, April 20, the AKA Mobile Mammography Unit will be open to the public in dedication to women’s health and early detection of breast cancer. Uninsured women can call to schedule an appointment for a 3D mammogram at 888-233- 6121 or schedule online at www.assuredimaging.com/AKA. No referral is necessary.
“We’ve been around for 110 years. My hope and my dream is that we’ll be around for another 110-plus, doing the work that our founders started this organization on,” regional director Clark said. “and that is to be of service to all mankind.”
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