News 12 at 11 o'clock, July 18, 2008

AUGUSTA, Ga. ---It is the first and the oldest African-American sorority in the nation - with 200-thousand members strong. Among its elite members are Phylicia Rashad – Dr. Mae Jemison, Writer/Poet Maya Angelou, the late Coretta Scott King, First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and three former Miss Americas. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated was founded back in 1908 by sixteen college educated women, most of them one generation away from slavery. Its been 100 years of community service, scholarship and as the sorority's motto states: service to all mankind.

Members from Augusta and Charlotte traveled to Washington, D.C. for the week long celebration to commemorate the Centennial Celebration. It was a chance to share with other sorority members –at a once in a lifetime event.

Also during the convention it was a chance for "sorors" as they're called -- to reconnect - reminisce and renew their commitment to the service organization - but above all it was the chance for many to "relive" their years of service.

“We're line sister. We went over together so we went over in 1947, “ says Gloria Gary as she stands with Constance White. “It was our goal then, as it is now to give back to all mankind and I think we've tried to live up to that goal."

Many of the centennial participants are blood related - mothers and daughters - sisters or cousins, but the connection runs even deeper. At the convention, you'll simply find best friends for life.

PART II
Coming Soon! See the full video coverage from the 100th Anniversary of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.

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