D4 The Afro-American January 10, 2026 - January 16, 2026
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. members join to support women of D.C., Maryland and Virginia area By Patricia McDougall Special to the AFRO On Jan. 3, thousands of women from Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.’s North Atlantic and Mid-Atlantic regions came together for a Joint Metropolitan Founders’ Day Luncheon Celebration at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in Maryland. The event theme was “United Sisterhood, Anchored in Legacy celebrating 118 Years.” Members from the Washington, D.C., Maryland and
Virginia area joined together to support the Greater D.C. Diaper Bank Program. The funds raised will support mothers and children in need of diapers and other baby items. Actress and cultural icon Phylicia Rashad, a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. from Howard University’s Alpha Chapter, was the special guest luncheon speaker. She gave a powerful speech in the room filled with a sea of salmon pink and apple green. All AFRO Photos / Patricia McDougall
Shown here, the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Board of Directors: Tracey Morant Adams (left), Tiffany Moore Russell, Nadine Vargas Stewart, Elicia Pegues Spearman, Charletta Wilson Jacks, Danette Anthony Reed, Carolyn Gause Randolph, Kiahna W. Davis, Nichole H. Jordan and Carrie J. Clark.
Tanya Hubbard (left), Michelle Davis and Shanta Toney fellowship together at the luncheon.
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. International President Danette Anthony Reed gives the Founder’s Day charge.
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. members Noah Harris (left) and Nyla Gray, of the Eta Chapter at Bowie State University, perform for attendees as FOX 5 D.C. anchor and host Marissa Mitchell (back left) and Mid-Atlantic Regional Director Nadine Vargas Stewart look on.
Soror Melody Johnson Morales (left), Soror Antionette Duncombe and Soror Tracy Terrell address the crowd.
Special guest and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. member, Phylicia Rashad (left) stands before the crowd along with AKA North Atlantic Regional Director Elicia Pegues Spearman.
Kimberly Pennamon (left), Deloris (Dee) Martin and Sharon Pindle were proud to serve as hostess and otherwise facilitate the smooth running of the event.
Lashaun Phillips Martin (left), Nancy Gaskins, Tonja Ringgold, Doxie McCoy, Angela Hendrix Best and Marie Bibbs come together in a beautiful display of sisterhood.
Members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. gather at the Joint Metropolitan Founders’ Day Celebration Luncheon at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center.
Tynisha Jones (left) and Lydia McCargo-Reed, of the Rho Xi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., show off their finest pink and green.
Veronica Jackson performs at the celebration.
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B4 The Afro-American January 10, 2026 - January 16, 2026
Each year roughly 20-25 bands march in Pasadena, Calif. at the Rose Bowl parade. In 2026, the Magnificent Marching Machine made their debut at the historic event.
Morgan State University’s Magnificent Marching Machine makes Rose Bowl parade debut By Alexis Taylor AFRO Managing Editor Members of Morgan State University’s Magnificent Marching Machine started the year off strong, proudly representing the historically Black institution at the 137th Tournament of Roses (Rose Bowl) parade on Jan. 1, 2026. The marching band of the National Treasure, led by Dr. Jorim Reid, added the flavor and style of more than 100 historically Black colleges and universities (HBCU) to the esteemed 5.5 mile parade route through Pasadena, Calif. The band arrived in California on Dec. 28, settled in and began rehearsals for the big day. On Dec. 29, they toured Hollywood, Calif. before performing at a Main Street parade hosted by the Disney Imagination Campus. The next day, Dec. 30, the Magnificent Marching Machine was featured at Bandfest and explored downtown Los Angeles. More rehearsals were slated for Dec. 31, along with a visit to Universal Studios Hollywood. After the Jan. 1 performance, the musicians enjoyed a Celebration Dinner Dance and time at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Park on Jan. 2, before returning to Charm City on Jan. 3. The first Rose Bowl football game was held in 1902 and this year, the Indiana Hoosiers and the Alabama Crimson Tide went head to head inside of Pasadena’s Rose Bowl Stadium. Indiana decimated the competition, producing a final score of 38-3. The college football national championship will take place on Jan. 19 in Miami. Each year the Rose Bowl game serves
The Magnificent Marching Machine of Morgan State University marches in the Rose Bowl parade on Jan. 1.
Members of Morgan State University’s Magnificent Marching Machine rehearse the day before the Rose Bowl parade in Pasadena, Ca.
The ladies of the Regal Essence Flagline perfect their twirls in preparation for the big parade. as just one of multiple college football playoff quarterfinals. Though the game is one of the most-watched college football events each year, the parade immediately before the game is just as popular. According to information released by organizers of the 137th Tournament of Roses, the event originally began in 1890 as a time to showcase creativity and the floral offerings of California in winter. The tournament was then followed by “an afternoon of chariot races, jousting, foot races and tug-of-war.” Today, a trio of judges
decide the tournament winners, judging each parade float by the design presented, floral presentation and entertainment value. The parade features floats, equestrian units and about 20-25 marching bands, which can only perform in the event once every four years. Jan. 1 served as the Magnificent Marching Machine’s Rose Bowl parade debut. The band marched under the parade theme of “The Magic in Teamwork,” a fitting title, as former NBA star Earvin “Magic” Johnson served as grand marshal. All photos courtesy of Morgan State University
The Magnificent Marching Machine provides a magical experience for the lucky crowd at Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif.
Dr. Jorim Reid (far left) proudly leads a sea of talented musicians, decked out in their orange and blue.
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