2025 Founders' Day Observance Weekend Program Booklet (1)

2025 JOINT CLUSTER 1 FOUNDERS’ DAY OBSERVANCE WEEKEND

January 2025

The Honorable Tiffany Moore Russell, Esquire South Atlantic Regional Director

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® Hosted by the Zeta Rho Omega, Eta Eta Omega, and Alpha Gamma Delta Omega Chapters

Vernique P. Williams

South Atlantic Region Graduate Cluster I Coordinator

Asia Blocker

South Atlantic Region Undergraduate Cluster I Coordinator

Table of Contents Our History 3 Our Founders 4 Greetings from the International President and CEO 5 Greetings from the South Atlantic Regional Director 6 Greetings from the Graduate Cluster I Coordinator 7 Greetings from the Undergraduate Cluster I Coordinator 8 Greetings from the 2025 Cluster I Founders’ Day Weekend Chairman 9 Greetings from the 2025 Cluster I Founders’ Day Weekend Co-Chairmen 10-11 Cluster I Chapters 12 Founders’ Day Brunch Program 14-15 Ecumenical Worship Service Program 16-17 Sunny Hostin, Esquire Bio 19 REv. Dr. Frederick Haynes, III Bio 20 Sponsors 22-26 About Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® 27 Alpha Kappa alpha Sorority, Incorporated® International Programs 28

United In sisterhood, Unstoppable In service: Soaring for 117 years

Ethel Hedgemon Lyle 1885-1950

Our History

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated was founded on January 15, 1908, at Howard University by nine pioneering collegiate women: Ethel Hedgemon Lyle, Anna Easter Brown, Beulah Burke, Lillie Burke, Marjorie Hill, Margaret Flagg Holmes, Lavinia Norman, Lucy Diggs Slowe, and Marie Woolfolk Taylor. Ethel Hedgemon Lyle played a crucial role in its establishment, conceptualizing the idea of fostering sisterhood at Howard University, which laid the groundwork for the sorority.

To ensure the sorority's continuity, seven sophomores from the Class of 1910, Joanna Berry Shields, Norma Boyd, Ethel Jones Mowbray, Alice Murray, Sarah Merriwether Nutter, Carrie Snowden, and Harriet Terry, were invited to join Alpha Kappa Alpha, granting them founder status.

A significant milestone was reached on January 29, 1913, when the sorority was incorporated, marking it as the first Black Greek letter organization to achieve national incorporation. This achievement was made possible through the dedicated efforts of members led by Nellie May Quander, Norma E. Boyd, and Minnie Beatrice Smith.

Founders’ Day stands as a poignant commemoration of the sorority's lasting legacy and its dedication to driving positive change and fostering a sense of community among like-minded individuals. From its modest origins, Alpha Kappa Alpha has transformed into an influential organization that continues to motivate and empower individuals globally.

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Our founders The Original 9

Anna Easter Brown

Beulah Elizabeth Burke

Ethel Hedgemon Lyle

Lillie Burke

Lavinia Norman

Marjorie Hill

Lucy Diggs Slowe

Margaret Flagg Holmes

Marie Woolfolk Taylor

the sophomores

Joanna Berry Shields

Norma Elizabeth Boyd

Ethel Jones Mowbray

Sarah Meriwether Nutter

Alice Porter Murray

“...Service to all mankind” Carrie Snowden

Harriet Josephine Terry

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5

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Greetings from the Graduate Cluster I Coordinator

Yernique Y. Williams Graduate Cluster I Coordinator

United

In sisterhood,

Unstoppable

In service:

Soaring

for 117 years

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Greetings from the Undergraduate Cluster I Coordinator

Asia Blocker Undergraduate Cluster I Coordinator

United

In sisterhood,

Unstoppable

In service:

Soaring

for 117 years

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Greetings the Greetings fromfrom the Cluster I Undergraduate Cluster I Coordinator Founders’ Day Weekend Chairman

Nikki Austin-Shipp President, Zeta Rho Omega Chapter

United

In sisterhood,

Unstoppable

In service:

Soaring

for 117 years

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Greetings from the Cluster I Founders’ Day Weekend Co-Chairman

Kaitlin Coleman President, Eta Eta Omega Chapter

United

In sisterhood,

Unstoppable

In service:

Soaring

for 117 years

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Greetings from the Cluster I Founders’ Day Weekend Co-Chairman

Nefertari Rigsby President, Alpha Gamma Delta Omega Chapter

United

In sisterhood,

Unstoppable

In service:

Soaring

for 117 years

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Cluster I Chapters Graduate

Gamma Zeta Omega Zeta Tau Omega Zeta Rho Omega Eta Eta Omega Kappa Kappa Omega Mu Rho Omega Xi Pi Omega Pi Delta Omega Upsilon Xi Omega Chi Psi Omega Psi Pi Omega Alpha Alpha Beta Omega Alpha Alpha Upsilon Omega Alpha Gamma Delta Omega

Delta Eta Iota Nu Sigma Chi Sigma Iota Sigma Pi

Miami-Dade West Palm Beach Fort Lauderdale St. Lucie and Indian River Pompano Beach Belle Glade Delray Beach South Miami-Dade Plantation Coral Springs Stuart Miramar Wellington Central Miami

Undergraduate

Florida Memorial University - Miami Gardens University of Miami - Coral Gables Nova Southeastern University - Fort Lauderdale Florida Atlantic University - Boca Raton Florida International University - Miami

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Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® South Atlantic Region

2025 Cluster I Founders’ Day Weekend

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117th Founders’ Day Brunch Program Presiding Ms. Tracy A. Roach Cluster 1 2025 Founders’ Day Brunch Chairman

Processional of Dais Meditation Dr. Norma Solomon White 25th International President and 8th South Atlantic Regional Director

Introduction of Dais and Special Guests Ms. Rendolyn Amaker South Atlantic Regional Protocol Co-Chairman

Welcome and Occasion Ms. Janice Spann-Givens Cluster 1 2025 Founders’ Day Brunch Co-Chairman

Greetings Ms. Tracy A. Roach Cluster 1 2025 Founders’ Day Brunch Chairman Ms. Vernique Y. Williams Graduate Cluster I Coordinator The Honorable Frederica S.Wilson United States Representative and 11th South Atlantic Regional Director The Honorable Tiffany Moore Russell, Esquire South Atlantic Regional Director Ms. Charletta Wilson Jacks First International Vice President Ms. Danette Anthony Reed International President & CEO

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117th Founders’ Day Brunch Program Tribute to Founders Ms. Tamika Slack Cluster 1 2025 Founders’ Day Brunch Co-Chairman

Grace Brunch Introduction of Keynote Speaker Ms. Nikki Austin-Shipp, MBA Cluster 1 2025 Founders’ Day Weekend Chairman

Keynote Speaker Ms. Sunny Hostin, Esquire Lawyer, Journalist, 5x Emmy Award-winning co-host of ABC’s 'The View' and New York Times best-selling author

Tune In...Finish the Lyrics

Ms. Tracy A. Roach Cluster 1 2025 Founders’ Day Brunch Chairman

Award Presentions Ms. Nefertari Rigsby, Esquire Cluster 1 2025 Founders’ Day Weekend Co-Chairman Ms. Kaitlin Coleman Cluster 1 2025 Founders’ Day Weekend Co-Chairman

Closing Remarks Ms. Nikki Austin-Shipp, MBA Cluster 1 2025 Founders’ Day Weekend Chairman Ms. Asia Blocker Undergraduate Cluster I Coordinator Ms. Vernique Y. Williams Graduate Cluster I Coordinator

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Ecumenical Worship Service Program Presiding Ms. Monica McCoy Cluster 1 2025 Ecumenical Worship Service Chairman

Musical Prelude Entrance of the Dais Call to Worship Ms. Monica McCoy Cluster 1 2025 Ecumenical Worship Service Chairman

Scripture Ms. Asia Blocker Undergraduate Cluster 1 Coordinator

Invocation/Meditation Dr. Norma Solomon White 25th International President and 8th South Atlantic Regional Director

Welcome and Occasion Ms. Vernique Y. Williams Graduate Cluster I Coordinator

Musical Selection Altar Call Dr. Todra Anderson-Rhodes Cluster 1 2025 Ecumenical Worship Service Co-Chairman

Scripture Ms. Fercella Davis Panier Cluster 1 2025 Ecumenical Worship Service Co-Chairman

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Ecumenical Worship Service Program Introduction of Guest Preacher Ms. Nikki Austin-Shipp, MBA Cluster 1 2025 Founders’ Day Weekend Chairman

Musical Selection Proclamation of the Word Dr. Frederick Douglas Haynes, III Senior Pastor of Friendship-West Baptist Church

Call to Discipleship Dr. Frederick Douglas Haynes, III Senior Pastor of Friendship-West Baptist Church

Musical Selection Closing Remarks Ms. Monica McCoy Cluster 1 2025 Ecumenical Worship Service Chairman The Honorable Rosalind Osgood State Senator, District 32 Ms. Nikki Austin-Shipp, MBA Cluster 1 2025 Founders’ Day Weekend Chairman Ms. Vernique Y. Williams Graduate Cluster I Coordinator

Benediction Dr. Frederick Douglas Haynes, III Senior Pastor of Friendship-West Baptist Church

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Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® South Atlantic Region

2025 Cluster I Founders’ Day Weekend

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Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority, Incorporated® South Atlantic Region - Cluster I Founders’ Day Brunch speaker

Sunny Hostin

United

In sisterhood,

Unstoppable

In service:

Soaring

for 117 years

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Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® South Atlantic Region - Cluster I Ecumenical Worship Service speaker

Rev. Dr. Frederick D. Haynes, III

United

In sisterhood,

Unstoppable

In service:

Soaring

for 117 years

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Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® South Atlantic Region

2025 Cluster I Founders’ Day Observance Weekend

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Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® South Atlantic Region

2025 Cluster I Founders’ Day Observance Weekend

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Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® South Atlantic Region

2025 Cluster I Founders’ Day Observance Weekend

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Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® (AKA), an international service organization, was founded on the campus of Howard University in Washington, DC in 1908. It is the oldest Greek-letter organization established by African American college-educated women. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated is comprised of more than 360,000 initiated members in graduate and undergraduate chapters located in 12 countries and territories, including the United States, Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada, United Arab Emirates, Germany, Japan, Liberia, Nigeria, South Korea, South Africa, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Led by International President and CEO, Danette Anthony Reed of Dallas, Texas, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority often is hailed as “America’s premier Greek-letter organization for African American women.”

We conduct year-round programming that positively impacts our communities.

Currently, our International Programs are Empower Our Families, Enhance Our Environment, Advocate for Social Justice, Build Our Economic Wealth, and Uplift Our Local Community. We always strive to Strengthen Our Sisterhood as we bond in this service. Between 2022-2024, we have: worked with over 10,000 youth leaders in our Youth Leadership Institute; spent over $30 million dollars during our Black Dollar Days; planted 40,921 trees; registered 161,155 voters; and volunteered over 1,069,079 hours.

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Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®

INTERNATIONAL PROGRAM INITIATIVES Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®️ ®️ consistently focuses its service programs on addressing significant societal issues. This tradition of service and social activism continues to be the hallmark of the sorority and its members in our respective communities and around the globe for over 116 years. Cluster I, which is composed of 14 graduate and 5 undergraduate chapters from Fort Pierce to South Miami, will be hosting our second Cluster I Founders’ Day Observance Weekend from January 24-26, 2025, at Margaritaville in Hollywood, FL. We will unite that weekend to reaffirm our commitment to providing “Service to All Mankind” within our local communities. Cluster I is one of the eight clusters in the South Atlantic Region, the largest region of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®️. The region consists of graduate and undergraduate chapters located in Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina.

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Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® Hosted by the Zeta Rho Omega, Eta Eta Omega, and Alpha Gamma Delta Omega Chapters

The Honorable Tiffany Moore Russell, Esquire South Atlantic Regional Director

Vernique P. Williams South Atlantic Region Graduate Cluster I Coordinator

Asia Blocker South Atlantic Region Undergraduate Cluster I Coordinator

Nikki Austin-Shipp Cluster I Founders’ Weekend Chairman

Kaitlin Coleman Cluster I Founders’ Weekend CoChairman

Nefertari Rigsby Cluster I Founders’ Weekend Co-Chairman

Pamela Williams Cluster I Founders’ Weekend Administrator

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