Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. branches out to Campus Community with SKEE-Week. The Xi Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. launched their SKEE-Week festivities calling it “Pink LEMONADE,” themed after singer Beyoncé’s recent album. SKEE-Week is six days worth of events open to all students at Eastern Michigan University. The purpose of the week is to help people connect with others, and give them the opportunity to see what the AKA ladies are all about.
Sunday, Oct. 9, began the week of events with a two hour service at the Bethel Ame Church in Ann Arbor Michigan. The service was run by preacher Reverend Dr. Joseph N. Cousin Sr. He touched base being a faithless worrier instead of a faithful warrior.
Monday, Oct. 10, the sorority sisters hosted a career workshop in the Student Center where they helped students with creating a professional resume and cover letter, practice networking and answering commonly asked interview questions. The Soror’s presented a power point discussing the STAR method when asked interview questions and listed key qualities every professional business woman should have: problem solving and interpersonal skills, leadership and more. Students practiced greeting each other and telling each other a little bit about their professional and college back ground with confidence.
Tuesday, Oct. 12 Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority incorporated, held an etiquette class in McKenny Hall. Information on poise, etiquette, and grace was shared with all 51 ladies in attendance and everyone wore heels and dressed formally.
“I hope you all know that we won’t just be talking about etiquette today ladies. Yes, you’ll learn how to eat properly, but we’re going dive deeper than that,” said Minister Latoya Warren,host of the event.
The one hour lecture covered basic etiquette in casual, business and formal occasions. She touched on the importance of knowing your audience, having grace and making a good first impression, appearance, character assessments and finally table setting and etiquette. Participants were placed at tables prepared for a three course meal, learning how to eat and conduct themselves properly when attending formal events.
Wednesday, Oct. 12, the sorority held a self-esteem building event inside of Big Bobs lake House near the Student Center. This event was to help college women uplift themselves and each other while sharing their insecurities.
AKA, Justaughna Earle, broke the ice by bravely shared her past insecurities about gaining weight during her freshman year of college and eventually learning to lover herself no matter how much she weighs.
The event continued with sensitive subjects such as learning to love yourself naturally, women stereotypes pertaining to marriage and relationships, and plastic surgery. The night ended with everyone creating a gift box containing a mirror with uplifting words to exchange with one another.
Thursday, Oct. 13, was the Mock Rock AKA Awards show held in the Student Center Auditorium. Mock Rock is the event hosted every year by Alpha Kappa Alpha, Xi Chapter where people dress up like their favorite artist and lip sync to their music. In order for students to be granted entry to the event this year, they had to donate seasonal wraps (hats, gloves, socks, scarves or gently used coats, etc) or pay three dollars. The auditorium was over capacity, leaving people standing in the aisle just to enjoy the show.
On the final day of the Xi Chapter’s SKEE-Week, the ladies of AKA held a community service event at Bandemer Park in Ann Arbor. Students showed up at 10 a.m. and began assisting the sorority sisters and park owners with picking up litter and properly deposing it. The AKA’s ended the day off with a dine and donate dinner at Blaze Pizza, where a percentage of the profits went towards charity.
SKEE week was also a fundraiser for the Edith Penn Scholarship Ball, the ball is held by AKA to to encourage and uplift black women. The ball is also a time for the members of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority incorporated, Xi chapter to reflect on their history, mission and legacy, while celebrating young women who embody and represent similar values as well. January 2017 will mark the 68th annual Edith Penn scholarship ball.