Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. North Atlantic Regional Director Elicia Pegues Spearman and Mid-Atlantic Regional Director Nadine Vargas Stewart during the organization’s Joint Metropolitan Founders’ Day celebration on Jan. 3 at the Gaylord National Resort in National Harbor, Maryland. (Cleveland Nelson/The Washington Informer)
Thousands of members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (AKA), gathered at the Gaylord National Resort in National Harbor, Maryland for the Joint Metropolitan Founders’ Day on Saturday, Jan. 3 for a day of fellowship, fun and service.
Actress Phylicia Rashad takes part in the Joint Metropolitan Founders’ Day on Saturday, Jan. 3 at the Gaylord National Resort in National Harbor, Maryland. (Cleveland Nelson/The Washington Informer)
“Gathering as sisters 118 years after Alpha Kappa Alpha’s founding at Howard University is a powerful testament to how we continue to advance our timeless mission to provide ‘Service to All Mankind,’” said Spearman.
The celebratory day featured a brunch program with world-renowned actress, arts educator and director Phylicia Rashad, a member of the sorority, and an address from AKA International President and CEO Danette Anthony Reed.
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. International President and CEO Danette Anthony Reed speaks at the Joint Metropolitan Founders’ Day celebration on Jan. 3 at the Gaylord National Resort. (Cleveland Nelson/The Washington Informer)
In addition, the event included a service project in partnership with Greater DC Diaper Bank, called “Women Supporting Women— One Essential at a Time.” Through the project, members of AKA living in D.C., Maryland and Virginia worked together to provide supplies for vulnerable families supported by two DC Diaper Bank programs: The Baby Pantry and The Monthly.
“Service is the heartbeat of Alpha Kappa Alpha, and our members consistently rise to meet the needs of women and children with extraordinary compassion,” said Stewart. “By giving generously, we not only provide essential resources for families today—we honor 118 years of a proud legacy rooted in uplifting our communities locally and across the globe. This is who we are, and this is the enduring impact of our founders’ vision.”
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. North Atlantic Regional Director Elicia Pegues Spearman and Mid-Atlantic Regional Director Nadine Vargas Stewart during the organization’s Joint Metropolitan Founders’ Day celebration on Jan. 3 at the Gaylord National Resort in National Harbor, Maryland. (Cleveland Nelson/The Washington Informer)Actress Phylicia Rashad (Cleveland Nelson/The Washington Informer)Fox 5 DC anchor Marissa Mitchell (Cleveland Nelson/The Washington Informer)North Atlantic Regional Director Elicia Pegues Spearman (Cleveland Nelson/The Washington Informer)Mid-Atlantic Regional Director Nadine Vargas Stewart (Cleveland Nelson/The Washington Informer)Event co-chairs Gina Scott and Kim Kendrick (Cleveland Nelson/The Washington Informer)Violinist Veronica Jackson (Cleveland Nelson/The Washington Informer)Vocalist Miriamm Wright McKinney (Cleveland Nelson/The Washington Informer)North Carolina Central University student Mykenzi Davis-Cowart (Cleveland Nelson/The Washington Informer)Alpha Kappa Alpha International President and CEO Danette Anthony Reed (Cleveland Nelson/The Washington Informer)Greater DC Diaper Bank staff and members of Alpha Kappa Alpha (Cleveland Nelson/The Washington Informer)Thousands of members of Alpha Kappa Alpha fill the hall for a Founders’ Day brunch. (Cleveland Nelson/The Washington Informer)
