The Ladies of the Gamma Phi Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) Sorority, Incorporated recently held a week of events from April 16th – April 21st entitled, “A Pretty World.” The theme was based off of the 90’s sitcom, A Different World. Sophomore and newest member of the organization, Na’Keia Stewart stated, “As a new initiate of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, AKA Week gave me a sense of belonging. Although the entire week was a huge success, my favorite event was sidewalk talk. I loved being able to talk to my sisters and other girls around campus about relatable things that happen in our everyday lives.”
The week included a variety of events that would entertain as well as benefit females on the Alcorn State University (ASU) campus. On Monday, April 16th the Week began with the event Kashing Out: Game of Life, where the members of the sorority intended on teaching tips and tricks of being financially stable as a college student and how you can achieve financial success after college.
On Tuesday, April 17th the Ladies held a movie night entitled The Getaway. There were two episodes of A Different World shown that gave a look into life at a predominantly African American college which was very relatable for those who attended the event seeing as they do attend a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) themselves.
Wednesday, April 18th, served as a day to help students de-stress. The Ladies held two events, one being a “Sidewalk Talk,” where students could approach a member of the sorority and talk about anything they wanted. The thought behind this is sometimes it is easier to talk to a stranger than someone close to you. The second event was an arts and crafts night where the Ladies wore pajamas. Attendees were able to paint on a canvas and share what the art meant to them.
Thursday, April 19th was the annual Mr. Ivy Leaf Pageant. The pageant included six contestants who were vying for the titles of Mr. Gamma Phi and Mr. Ivy Leaf. The contestants put on a good show with 90’s themed attire, swim attire and talent that kept the crowd entertained. The runner up and winner of the title Mr. Gamma Phi was Sophomore, Jordan Fields. The winner of the pageant was Sophomore, Tyreq Miles. He won the judges over with an original spoken word piece about love that also shouted out the Ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated themselves. Junior, Chasten Sculark a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated said, “It was an outstanding showcase of talent. It was great exposure for the future leaders of our campus to show their capabilities.”
On Friday, April 20th the event was appropriately named “Fun in the Sun” because it was held outside behind the campus bookstore. It was a time for students to come together and enjoy fresh air, activities and free food. The event included music, basketball and volleyball. It was a time for students to get out and socialize with their peers.
The event held on Saturday, April 21st was for members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated only. They wanted to do an act of service and participated in a highway cleanup to keep their community looking good. This event concluded the Week.