A group of five-hundred members from Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. embarked on a journey to Ghana in celebration of their organization's 118th Founders' Day. It was a momentous occasion for the first Black Greek-lettered sorority to commemorate their special day outside of the U.S., according to My Joy Online. The trip was filled with meaningful activities such as paying homage to their African roots, honoring the sorority's legacy, and giving back to the local community.
Their itinerary included visits to significant historical sites like Cape Coast Castle and the Assin Manso Slave River, which played a crucial role in the transatlantic slave trade. Additionally, the trip featured a community service component, which was an integral part of their mission.
Danette Anthony Reed, the supreme basileus of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, shared the purpose behind their community service project. She explained that they were packing 1,000 PowerPacks as part of their CHIP Childhood Hunger Initiative, which contained essential food items like rice, tomato paste, and packaged fish. Every member of the group contributed in their own way, making it a collective effort.
In light of the sorority's visit, local officials were delighted and praised their efforts. Diallo Sumbry, the CEO of Adinkra Group and one of the organizers of the trip, expressed his belief that the presence of Alpha Kappa Alpha members would not only boost tourism but also strengthen cultural ties and deepen business connections between Ghana and the United States.
He also remarked on the significance of their visit, stating that it was a testament to the success of Ghana's 2019 Year of Return and the Beyond the Return initiative, which aimed to strengthen ties with the diaspora in terms of culture, history, and economy.
Gilbert Abeiku, the deputy chief executive officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority, also shared his excitement for the sorority's decision to celebrate their 118th Founders' Day in Ghana. He called it a historical moment, as it was the first time a large group of college-educated Black women from America had chosen to commemorate their special day and pave the way for a new chapter in Ghana.
The sorority's Accra-based interest group, the Black Star Pearls of Ghana, is also working towards becoming a formal chapter while serving communities in Accra and Kumasi. On Earth Day 2025, they planted 108 coconut trees at the Aburi Botanical Gardens to honor their organization's founding in 1908.
This event comes after the launch of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity's Leadership Institute at the founding place of Cornell University, showcasing the efforts of both fraternities in empowering and uplifting their communities. It is a testament to the impact and influence of Black Greek-lettered organizations and their dedication to making a positive change in the world.
