100 Years of Sisterhood

The week of July 14 - 17 was a historical moment for Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority--100 years of service to the African American community. The nation's capital was filled with ladies donned in pink and green. The centennial celebration was heartwarming and tear-jerking for me. I got to see line sisters with whom I pledged and sorors from my former home Atlanta, GA. It also reminded me that my life-long friend and soror, Melanie, was no longer here.

Thursday, July 13, was Unity Day. Sorors gathered at the site of the National Council for Negro Women on Pennsylvania Avenue. The unique aspect of the day was that it was not solely for AKAs--members of Delta Sigma Theta and Zeta Phi Beta sororities as well as brothers from Omega Psi Phi, Kappa Alpha Psi, and Alpha Phi Alpha were also present, even though the crowd was heavily AKA. We marched to the capitol to present issues of concern to the African American community to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Sorors ranged in age from 80 years, proudly boasting the status of Golden Soror, to future sorors still in elementary school wearing t-shirts with phrases such as "Future AKA" or "My Mom is an AKA."

This week reminded me of the importance of lasting relationships and meaningful endeavors. I enjoyed reminiscing with ladies from my college years, sharing stories about big sisters and now funny endeavors and activities. A few have gone on to a better place and their memory challenges us to make the most of each moment and leave a lasting legacy. The absence of Mel forced me to grasp the importance of friendship and also caused me to voice my love and admiration for the remarkable women I call sister and friend. Skee Wee!