This collectible fashion doll was specially crafted by Madame Alexander® to celebrate the women of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc celebrates its centennial on January 15, 2008 and as the first African-American Sorority, she gave life to those who followed. As a tribute, The Sisterhood Boutique has created this collector's item for those who love, serve, and support the ideals of the sorority. The first in a series of Greek Lettered Organizations inspired dolls, IVY ROSE is an artistic representation of beauty, elegance and grace.

"Alpha Kappa Alpha women are beautiful, intelligent, and resilient. They have an unquenchable desire for truth and wisdom," states Rochelle McAllister, creator of IVY ROSE and CEO of The Sisterhood Boutique. "Each aspect of our IVY ROSE doll has been meticulously considered to celebrate the women of Alpha Kappa Alpha.

The initial concept for The Sisterhood Boutique came about when the owner, Rochelle McAllister, was preparing to apply to business school. Pulling from her childhood love of Barbie®, devotion to   more »

With the overwhelming endorsement of the Emancipation Proclamation, and the election of Abraham Lincoln to a second term in 1863, a foregone conclusion was that the stage was set for the complete elimination of physical slavery. Still in question, however, was what to do with four million newly freed depraved slaves? Clearly, one philosophy held that there was simply no way for Colored and Whites to co-exist as equals in these United States. Another, was that what served other ethnic groups migrating to this country should likewise serve freed Colored people. The American Missionary Association subscribed  to this philosophy of which the substance was EDUCATION. Education not for subordination, rather Freedom and Liberation-for the most deprived - for the fullest development of man and womanhood.    

In Ante-Bellum days, the State of Georgia forbade the teaching of reading and writing to black people. But soon after the Civil War, 1868, the American Missionary Association, now part of   more »

The Nu Xi Omega and Iota Psi chapters of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority had organized a book giveaway session at the community center.

The book distributions was part of an initiative started by the sorority called Project H.O.P.E., which stands for "Help Other People Succeed."

"One of our major focus is education and the black family," explained Andrea Moten, president of the Nu Xi Omega chapter.

She added that sorority members knew there was a need in this area.

"It's a community that may not have that much access to books and other educational tools," she said, explaining that they were giving away books to inspire reading and to improve literacy among young children.

The chapters will also provide new books to the bookcase previously donated to help the community center maintain a library.

The event, which was open to the youngsters who live in residences operated by the New Brunswick Housing Authority, was well-attended, as kids poured in   more »

Alpha Psi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., a seventy-five year old chapter, continues its legacy of leadership and rendering service to mankind. Recently, President Wylene Mapson presented a $ 1,000 check to Campaign Co-chair, Bertha Todd for the 1898 Memorial. This special memorial is scheduled to be completed in early 2008. A corresponding book entitled Moving Forward Together will also be completed and available for distribution in the early spring. its kind located in the United States. The park will be dedicated, and the book will be published in early 2008.more »

The Mu Delta Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha held its sixth annual Miss Freshman Pageant at Marvin Center Sunday, showcasing five ladies from the class of 2011.

Tiffany Shaw won the title of Miss Freshman and $1,000 in scholarship money. She also received the top fundraiser award for raising almost $1,500 for the Level Ten Organization, a group that strives to minimize the educational gaps in under-served communities in D.C.

"I originally decided to join the Miss Freshman pageant as a way to broaden my circle of friends," Shaw said. "My favorite part of the entire process was the pageant itself. I felt like we were more than just five beautiful young women in evening gowns...we were united."

The proceeds from ticket sales and fundraising by sorority members went to the Level Ten organization. Participants raised more than $3,000 for the organization.

Shaw and freshmen Lauren French, Lisa Thomas, Angeliqué Israel and Ashley Demby participated in several events as part of   more »

Diamonds might be a girl's best friend, according to the song made famous by Marilyn Monroe, but the ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. -established in 1908 it was the first Greek-letter organization for black college women - claim to have a preference for pearls.

Pink pearls, that is.
And as far as these women are concerned, the girls featured in the Little Miss Pink Pearls Scholarship Pageant, hosted Sunday by the Eta Tau Omega Chapter of the sorority, are the prettiest of all.

The pageant, held at the Marion Technical Institute auditorium, showcased the crowning of Little Miss Fashionetta, the culmination of a series of fundraising and social activities that began in June. Members of Eta Tau Omega invited girls to participate and personally sponsored them throughout the process.

Six girls in grades three to five participated. They had to raise money by selling ads to friends, family members and local businesses.   more »