By: Ekecia M. Grayson, Esq.
On March 16, 2011, the ladies of the Florida chapters of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. descended in record numbers on the state capitol in Tallahassee, FL for its annual AKA Day at the Capitol. This year’s event was conducted under the leadership of Marsha L. Brown, South Atlantic Regional Director, Roslyn Phillips-Mixon, South Atlantic International Connection Chairman, Valerie Brant-Wilson, FL Connection Chairman and Ekecia M. Grayson, Esq., 2011 FL AKA Day at the Capitol Chairman, under the theme “A Call to Action through Timeless Service”.
The festivities began with a lively jazz mixer where members hosted its welcome reception which was largely attended by state and local officials, including members of the state Senate and House of Representatives. AKA members arrived at the Capitol bright and early the following morning to embark upon a full day of advocacy. Opening session convened in the House of Representatives Chamber where current members of the state legislature educated sorority members on proposed legislation regarding topics such as health, education, economics, redistricting, social justice and human rights, and pension reform.
The subsequent session, which was conducted in the FL Historic Capitol Senate Chamber,consisted of continued presentations from state legislative leaders, including a stirring call to action from the President of the Florida Education Association, Andy Ford. The agenda also featured a special interactive presentation for undergraduate members regarding proposed legislation banning use of wireless devices while driving.
The Alpha Kappa Alpha members did not rest on their laurels during their lunch period. Their advocacy continued in a working luncheon where they participated in workshops and were delivered a keynote address by FL Lieutenant Governor, and Alpha Kappa Alpha member, Jennifer Carroll. During their working luncheon, members were trained on effective advocacy techniques which they would utilize that afternoon in their meetings with legislators from their respective districts. Members were also delighted to receive a special video greeting from Alpha Kappa Alpha member, Congresswoman Fredericka Wilson, an avid participant of FL AKA Day at the Capitol who was unable to attend this year due to congressional legislative session.
After becoming educated on the issues and equipping themselves with effective techniques for advocacy, Alpha Kappa Alpha members concluded their day by meeting with legislators from their respective districts. In these meetings, members were given the opportunity to speak to lawmakers advocating for or against legislation that impacts the minority and low-income communities which AKA members tirelessly serve. The day of advocacy concluded with the reading of resolutions in both the state Senate and House of Representatives recognizing the Florida chapters of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. for their service to all mankind.
Historically, the members of Alpha Kappa Alpha have been convening on state capitols since 1980. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, the first Greek-lettered organization established by African American college women, was founded on January 15, 1908 at Howard University in Washington D.C. This international service, not for profit organization has more than 959 chapters, with a membership of 265,000 active members throughout the United States, Bahamas, Virgin Islands, Korea, Africa, and Germany and is run under the dynamic leadership of our 28th International President, Carolyn House Stewart, Esq.
