Mayor Taveras Dedicates a Week to Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority

2,500 AKA Sisters celebrate history of service and empowerment in Providence Mayor honors oldest international sorority for service to community Estimated $1.15 million economic impact from Convention

---

Mayor Angel Taveras declared this week "Alpha Kappa Alpha Week" in the City of Providence to honor more than 2,500 members and friends of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority who are attending the historic sorority's 81st Annual North Atlantic Regional Conference at the Rhode Island Convention Center. The convention, held in Providence for this first time in 20 years, is expected to generate $3 million of economic activity in the Capital City.

"City hotels, streets and shops and restaurants will be alive with the activity and energy of 2,500 Alpha Kappa Alpha sisters," Mayor Taveras said. "I am honored to welcome AKA to Providence and declare this week 'Alpha Kappa Alpha Week' across our city. AKA's presence in Providence is a demonstration of their historic commitment to community service, and I am excited that they will take time out of their weekend to give back to our community."

Earlier today, Mayor Taveras signed a proclamation officially declaring April 19, 2012 through April 25, 2012 as 'Alpha Kappa Alpha Week' across the City of the Providence. The Mayor is scheduled to welcome the sisters and their families to Providence at events this evening.

The members of AKA Sorority will be carrying out two special service projects, during their stay in Providence. Members will host a youth summit for Providence-area youth, emphasizing key issues impacting health and well-being, on Saturday, April 21, at the West End Community Center from 9:30 am until noon. During this summit, sorority leaders will cover topics of healthy relationships, fighting obesity, bullying and drug and alcohol abuse prevention.

The North Atlantic Regional Conference is organized by area chapters from Rhode Island, Connecticut and Massachusetts. The University of Rhode Island and Brown University both have undergraduate chapters of the sorority.

The AKA Sorority, founded in 1908 at Howard University, has a mission of community service. Under the leadership of the international president, Carolyn House Steward, they are conducting programs under the theme, "Global Leadership through Timeless Service," including an Emerging Young Leaders program, health initiatives, economic security, social justice/ human rights, and leadership training for community service.