Great Lakes Gazette Volume 8 by AKA GREAT LAKES REGION

Gwendolyn L . Kirtley

Dear Sorors of The Great Lakes Region,

As we approach a monumental milestone in our beloved sisterhood, we are filled with joy in celebrating The “Great” Great Lakes turning 100! This centennial celebration is not only a testament to our enduring legacy but also is a time to reflect on the countless lives we have touched, the bonds we have strengthened, and the unwavering commitment we have upheld as women of excellence.

Under the visionary leadership of our esteemed Regional Directors, our region has continued to flourish and evolve, always striving to uphold the values and mission of our sorority. Their guidance has been instrumental in navigating our journey through the years, ensuring that we remain united, purposeful, and impactful in all our endeavors. As we gather to celebrate in Cleveland, the birthplace of our region, we honor their dedication and the profound impact they have made in our sorority.

Cleveland will soon be the epicenter of a grand celebration, where we will come together to honor our past, celebrate our present, and look forward to a bright and promising future. This upcoming event promises to be a memorable experience filled with joy, reflection, and, most importantly, sisterhood!

The Regional Newsletter Committee is thrilled and honored to play a part in documenting and sharing the stories, achievements, and moments that make our region so special. We are committed to publishing all of the wonderful articles and news you submit to us. It is our pleasure to ensure that the legacy of our region is preserved and celebrated in the pages of our regional newsletter, The Great Lakes Gazette.

With sisterly love,

“Chipp Chipp Hooray!” 71st Boule

Over 19,000 members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®, gathered at the Kaye Bailey Hutchenson Convention Center in Dallas Texas for the 71st Biennial Boule. Sorors were pretty in pink, gorgeous in green, “Fired Up, and Ready to Soar” about the business of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®. The city was alive with excitement as sorors poured into each plenary prepared to receive biennial reports and community impact of Madam Supreme, Danette Anthony Reed’s Administration. The sorors of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® painted the sky pink and green beginning with our “Welcome to Texas” gathering at Gilley’s, our International Awards, and Regional Gatherings, and ending with shades of pink for the Boule’s Closing Extravaganza.

Chapters received International Program Awards for Exemplary Implementation of the Youth Leadership Institute as part of the Empower Our Families Initiative and the Special Generation Next Committee, designed to promote engagement and perpetuity of our illustrious Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®. Madam Supreme reminded sorors to keep their focus on our Core Values: Customer Service, Courage, Accountability, Cooperation/Collaboration, Innovation/Creativity, and to always remain sisterly. Sorors responded with resounding applause that included Madam Supremes’ Program Initiative Mantra: “Chipp Chipp Hooray, Chipp Chipp Hooray!”

Newly inducted honorary members were Tamron Hall, Emmy Award-winning TV host and journalist; Attica Locke, New York Times best-selling author; Tembi Locke, a New York Times best-selling author, screenwriter and producer. Surprises and special guests were sprinkled throughout the conference including appearances by Madam Vice President Kamala Harris, gospel singer and songwriter, Soror Erica Campbell, Olympic Gold Medalist Soror Allyson Felix, Award-Winning Journalist Soror Brittney Johnson, and the melodious sounds of Bishop Marvin L. Sapp. The Educational Advancement Foundation (EAF) received gifts in the amount of over $47,000 and Sorors collectively broke the Guinness World Record for most hygiene kits assembled in one hour.

LaRonda M. Paden, Alpha Rho Omega Chapter

Great Lakes Great Lakes

Great Lakes Initiates, 1950's

Honorary Soror Rosa Parks

Great Lakes Centennial History Display at the 2008 Boule Washington, DC

Histo Histo

- August 2024

Source: Launching New Dimensions of History in The Great Lakes Region of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority 2014 to 2018: A Compendium – Toni S. Kendrick, Great Lakes Regional Director and Octavia Walters Cabey, Editor – updated 2024

Past Supreme Basilei: Bernice Sumlin, Mattelia B. Grays, Linda White, Faye Bryant with Grace Daniels (center)

Octavia Walters Cabey, Great Lakes Region

Golden Sorors

Clockwise from left: Leona Wright Farris, Jeanetta Welch Brown (deceased), Edith Delaney Mitchell (deceased), and Jane Jackson Caddell

Madam Regional Director Gwendolyn L. Kirtley and 24th Great Lakes Regional Director Soror Rachel E. Ashburn Mallory at the 2024 Boule

Years on the Vine Years on the Vine

The Great Lakes Region of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® is the fourth region established of the ten regions that the sorority encompasses. Among its rich history, The Great Lakes Region produced six Supreme Basilei and is the home of the Sorority’s first graduate chapter, Alpha Omega, which was chartered as Eta Chapter in 1917 on the campus of Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. Alpha Omega Chapter is the chapter of our current Regional Director, Soror Gwendolyn L. Kirtley.

As The Great Lakes Region reaches its historic milestone of one hundred years, it is appropriate to highlight chapters that were chartered in our region 100 and 75 years ago since the region’s establishment in 1924! These milestones are intended to memorialize the significant impact that has occurred in support of service and sisterhood. This level of achievement serves as a testament to a sisterhood of ninetyseven graduate and undergraduate chapters in the region, comprising over 7,000 members who are well educated, successful, and service driven women focused on enhancing the lives of people within their geographical territories. The legacy of our Founders continues to live through these chapters.

What has stood the test of time for these 100 years, is the commitment of members who have adhered to the practices, traditions, and rituals inherited from our Founders when the sorority was founded in 1908. Being steeped in tradition has helped the Great Lakes Region to “soar” and remain engaged to make significant achievements. Growth of the region over time can be likened to ivies on a vine. The vine is a source of life for the ivies that branch off it. As the ivies begin to grow, so do the branches. This represents our growth in the number of chapters and accomplishments for 100 years.

In this issue we feature those chapters in the region that join the ranks of 100, 75, 50 and 25 years of service in 2024.

Soror Michele A. Williams, Tau Alpha Omega Chapter

Soror Kathryn A. Walker, General Member

100 YEARS 100 YEARS

Rho Omega

Sigma Omega

75 YEARS 75 YEARS

Xi

Epsilon Delta Omega

Epsilon Alpha Omega

Epsilon Mu Omega

25 YEARS 25 YEARS

@AKAgreatlakes

Greetings Sorors!

As the Social Media Chairman for the Great Lakes Region, I'm thrilled to share the Embracing the Power of Social Media in the Great Lakes Region and excitement surrounding our social media endeavors. Social media is not just a platform; it's a powerful tool that amplifies our voices, showcases our achievements, and strengthens our sisterhood.

In our centennial year, our social media presence has never been more critical. It's where we celebrate milestones, connect with each other, and engage with our communities. Our recent campaigns have highlighted our rich history and the impactful work we're doing across the region.

The excitement is palpable as we prepare for upcoming events like our centennial celebration Social media allows us to share these moments in real time, creating a shared experience that unites us, no matter where we are. Let's continue to harness this energy, innovate, and inspire through our social channels. Follow us and tag us to showcase your great work!

CELEBRATING OUR

Centennial Centennial Centennial Influencers Influencers Influencers A Social Media Milestone

As the Social Media Chairman for the Great Lakes Region, I am honored to spotlight our incredible centennial influencers. These dynamic sorority sisters have been instrumental in amplifying our centennial celebrations through their engaging and inspiring social media presence

Our centennial influencers embody the spirit of Alpha Kappa Alpha, showcasing our legacy of service, sisterhood, and leadership. They have creatively highlighted our history and milestones, bringing our rich heritage to the forefront of social media Their posts, stories, and live sessions have not only celebrated our achievements but also engaged and inspired a broader audience.

The enthusiasm and dedication of our centennial influencers have energized our region, fostering a deeper connection among members and amplifying our impact in the community. As we continue to celebrate our centennial year, let us support and celebrate these influencers who represent the best of Alpha Kappa Alpha.

LaurenCotton EtaIotaOmega IG-laurencotton 3 TikTok-lc0tt3

RhondaCrockett AlphaSigmaOmega FB-RhondaCrockett IG-MrsC2u

KaiDeShields SigmaOmega IG-@ ktatyanna TikTok-@ktatyanna YT-@ktatyanna

KirbyR.Gibson ChiEpsilonOmega FB-KirbyR Gibson IG-kirbz1989 X-krgibson89 LinkedIn-KirbyR Gibson

JazzmenHickson DeltaNuOmega FB-JazzmenHickson IG-jazzmen hickson TikTok-@jazzmenhickson Snapchat-jazzmenjazzyj YT-:jazzmenhickson7213 X-@JazzmenHarris LinkedIn-JazzmenHickson

CandaceHuff PhiPsiOmega FB-candacenhuff IG-candacenhuff YT-candacenhuff X-candacenhuff

FranceskaJones AlphaOmega IG-@franceskajones FB-FranceskaJones YT-@DrFranceskaJones TikTok-@franceskajones LinkedIn-Dr.Franceska Jones

ReneeMatthews PiTauOmega

YouTube-@AskDrRenee FB-AskDrRenee IG-@AskDrRenee X-@AskDrRenee Threads-@AskDrRenee Pinterest-@AskDrRenee TikTok-@AskDrRenee Snapchat-@AskDrRenee

TamitraPeavy AlphaOmega FB-tamitrapeavy IG-tamitra.peavy

TaNishaPrater

AlphaRhoOmega IG-thriftontheave TikTok-thriftontheave

ChristenRochon

LambdaPiOmega FB-ChristenRochon FB-@CandidlyChristen IG-@CandidlyChristen LinkedIn-ChristenRochon

YvonneSolomon

PiTauOmega FB-YvieSolomon IG-@yviepyt TikTok-@yvieaka

TaneshaStinson

AlphaRhoOmega FB-TaneshaStinson IG-@myflamingoapparel

KimberleySundy

LambdaPiOmega IG-kbowsundy

Threads-kbowsundy

LinkedIn-KimberleySundy X-kmbowsundy

JasmineSwain

PiTauOmega FB-JasmineSwain

IG-@Thejasmineswain Threads-Thejasmineswain LinkedIn-JasmineSwain

Soror Doria Barnes Great Lakes Regional Social Media Chairman Lambda Pi Omega Chapter

AlexisKerr TauAlphaOmega FB-AlexisKerr IG-@IamAlexisKerr LinkedIn - Alexis A Kerr

KeishaPowell-Young

EtaIotaOmega IG-@PrissyMissKP TikTok-@PrissyMissKP

Growing Together Growing Together

THE POWER OF INTEREST GROUPS IN EXPANDING OUR LEGACY

Great Lakes Great Lakes

DETROIT RENAISSANCE PEARLS

Serving the Eastside of the City of Detroit, Harper Woods, & Grosse Pointes

SISTERS SOARING

TOGETHER

Serving the communities of Farmington Hills and Farmington, Michigan

GRADUATE INTEREST GROUPS

POLISHED PEARLS WITH A VISION FAIR

Serving the community of River Rouge and Downriver, Michigan

THE PEARLS OF SISTERHOOD AND SERVICE

Serving the communities of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania and surrounding areas

celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Great Lakes Region of our beloved sisterhood, we minded of the incredible journey we have walked together A century of faith, service, mmitment is not merely a milestone; it’s a testimony to the enduring power of a strong tion undergirded by the Word of God

ndation Built on Christ

undation is rooted in Christ, the solid rock upon which we stand In Matthew 7:24-25, eminds us, “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock” As a region, we have weathered many storms over the past 100 years trials, challenges, and moments of uncertainty Yet, our foundation in Christ has kept us steady and unshaken

Unity in Purpose

Throughout our history, we have been united by a common purpose: to serve God and our community with love and integrity In Ephesians 2:19-22, Paul writes, “Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone In him, the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord And in him, you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit” Our unity in Christ has allowed us to grow and flourish, building upon the work of those who came before us and leaving a legacy for those who will follow

Faithfulness Through the Generations

As we reflect on the past century, we see God’s faithfulness in every generation From our humble beginnings to the thriving region, we are today, the Lord has been our guide and provider Psalm 100:5 declares, “For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations” This verse is a reminder that the same God who has been with us for the last 100 years will continue to guide and sustain us in the years to come

Looking Ahead

As we celebrate our centennial, let us also look forward with hope and confidence, knowing that our strong foundation in Christ will continue to uphold us Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Our future is secure, not because of our own strength, but because we are anchored in the One who is faithful and true.

Commemorating 100 years of God’s goodness in the Great Lakes Region, let us renew our commitment to maintaining the strong foundation that has brought us this far. May we continue to build upon it with love, faith, and unity, always looking to Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). To God be the glory for the great things He has done and will continue to do in the Great Lakes Region. Here’s to the next 100 years, standing firm on the solid foundation of Christ!

In

Service

&

Faith, Soror Dwonna D. Lenoir, Phi Psi Omega Chapter

Personal Insights from “Supreme Voyages of the Century

Alpha Kappa Alpha’s Great Lakes Region is unique in so many ways. During the early decades of the sorority’s existence, it was formed after geographic boundaries were redrawn from areas in nearby regions. It is well documented that our own L. Pearl Mitchell and others were major players whose expertise and leadership skills were frequently tapped for Alpha Kappa Alpha’s strategic planning efforts. The sorority was committed to implementing a viable organizational structure to better support growth and expansion, and our talented Great Lakes leaders helped make it happen. The Directorate realized that establishing smaller units (territories/regions) could help facilitate consistent communication, contain travel distances for meetings, and provide greater accessibility to venues where members could become more engaged in addressing concerns and offering suggestions to strengthen the Sisterhood.

With only four HBCUs – Central State, Wilberforce, West Virginia, and Bluefield State Universities, the region never had the large pool of Black collegiates, or huge minority populations typically associated with Membership Experiences held in southern states. Undaunted, the region continued its upward trajectory. Over a 100-year span, Great Lakes produced six International Presidents, more than any other region, regardless of size. Even though the population grew to more than 7000 graduate and undergraduate members, producing six international presidents is quite remarkable since the region ranks seventh in population among the ten regions. Each Great Lakes National/International President successfully approached her unique challenges with passion and resolve. Most of their initiatives have made an indelible mark and lasting impact on the sorority’s legacy and worldwide contributions.

Click here to hear each President from Great Lakes share in own words how she navigated her “Supreme” Leadersh Voyage of the Century.

Written by The Great Lakes Centennial History Committ

Centennial

Ivies Beyond Ivies Beyond the Wall the Wall

Ivy Angels

One of the most gratifying benefits of Alpha Kappa Alpha membership is building longlasting relationships with other sorors. These connections often form between coinitiates from the same line, members working together on chapter projects and committees, soror-squads focusing on common interests, or AKApals extending their reach beyond Great Lakes. Experienced and seasoned sorors often become our “Angels” who assume nurturing and mentoring roles in our lives. They help steady the ship for new sorors embarking on their voyage and extend lifelines to support those in need.

Most of us grow accustomed to sharing common experiences with friends. As sorors we enjoy traveling together to cluster meetings, regional conferences and Boules, and having fun celebrating anniversaries and birthdays. When this pattern is interrupted by the loss of a soror, our grief is profound. While our current membership exceeds 7000, throughout this century, our region has welcomed in, and said farewell, to hundreds of sorors, our “Angels.” Many were blessed to observe their silver, gold, pearl and diamond milestones before becoming an “Ivy Beyond the Wall.”

Then there were others who left us before even reaching their first milestone. Despite the circumstances, the power of sisterly bonds can not be overstated. We miss all of them and we cherish their memories. Our affection is not based on how long they served, but the quality of our interactions and sisterly deeds. The Centennial History Committee has prepared a memorial video to pay tribute to ALL Great Lakes “Ivy Beyond the Wall.” Due to multimedia size and presentation time limitations, we have spotlighted a few sorors from the decades of 1930 – 2023, with photos and brief narratives of their lives. Click this link to view the “Remembering Our Ivy Angels” video.

Written by The Great Lakes Centennial History Committee

International Committees GREAT LAKES

Continuing to Catch the Vision in 2024 by Collectively Connecting Through Acts of Service

Corner

SOUTHERNOHIO

ClusterNews

SORORJOIFOY,UNDERGRADUATECLUSTERCOORDINATOR

SOUTHERN OHIO UNDERGRADUATES AT THE 71ST BOULE

Southern Ohio Undergraduates were present and ready to serve at the 71st Boule Sorors attended the Undergraduate Summit and many other meetings and events helping them to network, find AKA Pals and gain vital information to take back to their chapters.

SOUTHERN OHIO UNDERGRADUATES CELEBRATE BLACK DOLLAR DAYS

Our Southern Ohio Undergraduates helped to “Build Our Economic Wealth” during the month of June by participating in the sorority’s “Black Dollar Days.” Soror Olivia Ratliff, Rho Psi Chapter, shopped Black-owned Brands at Target. Sorors from Omicron chapter enjoyed various black-owned restaurants across Southern Ohio. Sorors from Lambda Mu participated throughout the month of June buying from black restaurants, self-care services, retail shops and brands at Target and Walmart.

Soaring Into The Next Century: Honoring The Past, Inspiring The Future

WESTERN NEW YORK WESTERN NEW YORK

Saturday, October 5, 2024

Amherst, NY Amherst, NY

NORTHERN OHIO / WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA

Saturday, October 12, 2024

Akron, OH Akron, OH

MICHIGAN MICHIGAN

Saturday, October 19, 2024

Novi, MI Novi, MI

WEST VIRGINIA WEST VIRGINIA

Saturday, October 26, 2024

Charleston, WV Charleston, WV

SOUTHERN OHIO SOUTHERN OHIO

Saturday, November 2, 2024

Dayton, OH Dayton, OH

Across

Great Lakes Region

SOUTHERNOHIO

our most notable politicians included State Representative Dontavius L. Jarrells, Ohio House of Representatives, District 1 and State Senator Hearcel F. Craig, Ohio Senate,

Soror

Photocredit: Before and After Photography

MadamRegionalDirectorwithStateSenator HearcelF.Craig,OhioSenate,District15.

StateSenatorHearcelF.Craig,OhioSenate,District15,andSoror AnnaBanksSimeon,AlphaSigmaOmegaChapterVice-President, VoterServices,LeagueofWomenVotersMetropolitanColumbus

SororRachelAshburnMallory,24thGLRegionalDirector, DontaviusL.Jarrells,OhioHouseofRepresentatives,District1 andSororKaydianComer,2024 OhioAKADACChairmanand OhioCSAStateCoordinator

Pink tea roses to this year’s event chairman, Soror Kaydian Comer of Psi Eta Omega Chapter.

Kaydian and the planning committee did an outstanding job.

WESTVIRGINIA

Forty-five Sorors from all graduate chapters in West Virginia participated, with the event organized by West Virginia Cluster Co-Connection and Social Action Co-Chairmen, Sorors Janna Coleman and Karen Williams. Soror Pat Petty Wilson, 23rd Great Lakes Regional Director, delivered remarks emphasizing unity and advocacy

In the afternoon, Soror Anitra Hamilton, a member of the West Virginia House of Delegates and Gamma Chi also addressed the attendees,

On dy

MICHIGAN

League of Women Voters and Terry Pruitt from the NAACP. Their insights energized our organization and emphasized the importance of voting.

Special guests Lt Governor Garlin

Gilchrist and Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson also addressed the sorors, who had the opportunity to attend a House session and be recognized on the floor.

Thanks to Sorors Lisa Coney, Marilyn Skinner Britt and Mia McNeil-Lenoard for organizing such a motivating and impactful event!

attend additional workshops, obtain information at agency booths and shop with vendors The AKA reception provided Soror’s the opportunity to recognize and hear from important NYS leaders such as State Comptroller, Thomas D. Napoli and New York City Mayor, Eric Adams. The day ended with Western New York Cluster Coordinator, Soror Tanya L. Davis, bringing greetings on behalf of Great Lakes Regional Director, Soror Gwendolyn E. Kirtley, and North Atlantic Cluster Coordinator, Soror Andrea West, bringing greetings on behalf of North Atlantic Regional Director, Soror Elicia Pegues Spearman

NORTHERNOHIO/ WESTERNPENNSYLVANIA

NOWPA SORORS PRESENT AND SOARING!

Sorors from NOWPA Cluster attended the 2024 Ohio AKA Day at the Capitol in Columbus, Ohio Sorors attended workshops and listened to panel discussions on topics ranging from Mobilizing for Change to Health Equity and What's At Stake! We are ready to Soar To The Polls!

""GreaterTogether" GreaterTogether"

Empower Our

Soror Ra'Shanda M Glenn, Basileus and Empower Our Families Committee Members

Mental Health Impact Day Expert Panelists

Eta Upsilon Omega members

Empower Our

Alpha Rho Omega Members Move and Groove for Better Health

Build Our

Eta Iota Omega Chapter exceeds $1,908 spend goal to support Black-Owned

business for Black Dollar Days

Inkster, MI – Eta Iota Omega Chapter kicked off Black Dollar Days at Flood's Bar and Grill, surpassing their spending goal of $1,908. Members enjoyed great food and camaraderie while supporting the Black women-owned establishment.

The chapter came together with a mission to uplift Black businesses and exceed their financial target, significantly impacting Flood's Bar and Grill. This iconic restaurant, co-owned by Stephanie Byrd and Cristina Byrd, continues their family's generational legacy in the hospitality industry, offering a vibrant dining experience.

Eta Iota Omega's dedication to fostering economic empowerment within the Black community was evident through their collective effort and enthusiasm. By choosing to support Flood's Bar and Grill, the chapter enjoyed a memorable evening and contributed to the ongoing success of a local business committed to excellence

Alpha Rho Omega Chapter committee members and "Fast Freddie" Anderson

Members of Eta Iota Omega Chapter gathered at Flood’s Bar and Grill during Black Dollar Days