Sorority Part of Coalition to Raise Awareness of New Orleans' Plight
AKA acknowledged for its contribution to recovery efforts
As part of its mission to help rebuild New Orleans and the Gulf Coast region devastated by Hurricane Katrina, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority was one of the conveners of a series of events aimed at drawing national attention to the challenges that continue to plague the area.
The two-day call to action, which coincided with the second anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, included a “Day of Service” on August 28 that was coordinated by the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation, whose executive director and CEO is Melanie Campbell. “A Day of Presence,” on August 29, was inspired by Susan Taylor of Essence magazine. After seeing the miles of devastation, during the Essence Music Festival held in New Orleans this summer, she was so outraged over the government’s failure to rebuild New Orleans that she conceived the idea for this national outcry.
The two events attracted the support of the Sorority, other organizations, business and civic leaders and those from the entertainment community. All are bound by their collective outrage over the lack of progress in bringing the city back to life. Their anger is matched by their disappointment over government indifference to the city. The events were aimed at raising their collective voices to send a message to the government.
During the Unity Breakfast held immediately before the rally, Alpha Kappa Alpha was hailed for the phenomenal contribution it has made toward the recovery of the area. And, later, during the public gathering, the Sorority was again acknowledged, along with other representatives, who have also helped in the rebuilding.
International President Barbara A. McKinzie declared, “Alpha Kappa Alpha made a significant impact when it reversed course and held its Leadership Conference in New Orleans, instead of taking a Hawaiian cruise. During the 11 days that 3,000 of our members were in New Orleans, we partnered with Habitat for Humanity to build two homes for families left homeless by Katrina. Alpha Kappa Alpha also joined with Feed the Children for a food giveaway program that benefited over 400 families. Most significantly, Alpha Kappa Alpha’s presence pumped over $5 million into the economy. With hundreds of our members in the area and several chapters based in the hurricane-affected areas, Alpha Kappa Alpha is a stakeholder in the future of New Orleans. It is on the strength of this reality that we joined this mobilization. I encourage all of our members to support this initiative with their physical presence, their treasure and their passion.”
McKinzie added that the Sorority’s participation “gives life to our ESP programmatic theme: Economics, Service & Partnership.”