Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated Hosts 94th South Central Regional Conference in Shreveport, Louisiana
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Posted By: Reginald Culpepper on April 07, 2026 Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® (AKA) recently hosted its 94th South Central Regional Conference at the Shreveport Convention Center in Shreveport, Louisiana. Themed “The Real Deal: Betting on Service and Sisterhood” the conference brought together over 6,000 members and guests from Arkansas, Texas, Louisiana and New Mexico, making a significant economic impact of more than $11.3 million to Northwest Louisiana. “It was truly an honor to return to Shreveport for our South Central Regional Conference where we were able to exemplify our commitment to service by supporting local organizations that are making a significant impact in the community,” said Dr. Shawn E. Simmons, South Central Regional Director of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®. “Our members also proudly wore pink and spent green in support of the many local restaurants and hotels that rolled out the pink and green carpet.” With a commitment to service and sisterhood, members of the sorority participated in two community service projects. In collaboration with the WIN Foundation of Louisiana and Louisiana State Representative Steven Jackson, the Sorority hosted the Bayou Beautification Project at Cherokee Park Elementary School. A community-centered initiative, the event united conference volunteers, community leaders, educators, and students to enhance the outside of the school through flower planting, campus beautification, and environmental stewardship activities. Additionally, the Volunteers for Youth Justice organization was presented with a check valued at over $8,000 from the Sorority. The funds will be applied towards the organization’s programing which includes advocacy, life-skill training, and mentoring experiences for abused, neglected, and at-risk children throughout Northwest Louisiana. “Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated has long stood at the intersection of service, leadership, and progress,” said Louisiana State Representative Steven Jackson, District 2. “At a time when communities are navigating real challenges, their work reminds us that lasting change is driven by collaboration, purpose, and a commitment to expanding opportunity. Shreveport is better because of their presence, and we were honored to host them in our amazing city.” The 94th South Central Regional Conference: The Real Deal: Betting on Service and Sisterhood was an opportunity for members from the 145 undergraduate and graduate chapters throughout the Region to enhance skills, strengthen connections and obtain knowledge on an array of relevant topics to help propel the sorority and overall community forward. From engaging workshops and informative plenary sessions to leadership development and professional certifications, the week was full of meaningful activities, networking, and sisterly connections. Additional highlights included an exclusive reception with record executive and television producer, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson; a Gospel brunch with gospel recording artist Byron Cage and Comedian Tonja D. Roberson, an AKApollo Step Show, a keynote address by Award-winning author RaShonda Tate as well as a salute to military personnel and celebratory luncheons recognizing members who have been in the Sorority for 25, 50, 65 and 75 years. Notable guests included Danette Anthony Reed, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® International President and CEO, two former International Presidents and eight former Regional Directors. Shreveport is home to the 15th South Central Regional Director, the late Dorothy S. Johnson and 22nd South Central Regional Director, Tari T. Bradford. Members of the AKA Board of Directors were on hand as well, including three undergraduate officers, four graduate officers, and eight Regional Directors from other areas. Throughout the conference, heartfelt tributes were made in the memory of the South Central Region’s 21st Regional Director, Shirley R. Fisher. To learn more about the South Central Region of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Incorporated ®, please visit www.aka1908.com/southcentral. About Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated ® Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated ® (AKA), an international service organization, was founded on the campus of Howard University in Washington, D.C. in 1908. It is the oldest Greek-letter organization established by African American college-educated women. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated® is comprised of more than 360,000 initiated members in graduate and undergraduate chapters located in 12 countries and territories including the United States, Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada, United Arab Emirates, Germany, Japan, Liberia, Nigeria, South Korea, South Africa and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Led by International President & CEO Danette Anthony Reed of Dallas, Texas, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated ® often is hailed as “America’s premier Greek-letter organization for African American women. About the South Central Region of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated ® Under the leadership of the 27th South Central Regional Director Dr. Shawn E. Simmons of Houston, Texas, the South Central Region has more than 19,000 members and comprises more than 145 graduate and undergraduate chapters who have been serving since 1924. For more information, visit www.aka1908.com/southcentral. If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
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Reginald Culpepper
President, Fulfillment and Web Services, HBCUCONNECT Clark Atlanta University class of 1998 Member Since September 2000 |
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