Westside Story Newspaper – Online The News of The Empire – Sharing the Quest for Excellence
AKA Youth Summit
INLAND EMPIRE, CA-The women of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Eta Nu Omega Chapter of San Bernardino-Riverside, lead two signature events that started on the eve of Dr. Martin Luther King’s Jr.’s holiday and the other on the day of the national holiday observed nationwide in recognition of his birthday.
On Sunday, January 19, in collaboration with American Legion Post 14 and the Ivy Foundation, the women of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority held their third Annual Sunday Supper at the American Legion Post 14, San Bernardino, CA. The theme was “Honoring Our Peacemakers.” The Sunday Supper created a forum to engage the community in promoting dialogue to address challenges that represent barriers to progress in the veteran community. Various speakers spoke on benefits and services available to veterans. Topics included housing, education, health, jobs, female veteran concerns, and family counselling. Bryant Taylor, student (Veteran, United States Navy) at California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB) and one of the guest speakers, encouraged attendees to visit the Veteran’s Success Center (VSC) at CSUSB and to meet the Director, Marci Danials to discuss additional services CSUSB VSC has to offer. Mr. Taylor also referenced Melissa McQuead’s name as a resource to assist veterans for admission to the university.
Sunday supper was served by the AKA Emerging Young Leaders (EYL) students who had successfully enjoyed the AKA EYL Youth Summit the day before at Brandman University. Three of the EYL students whose essay was selected among many, made an essay presentation to the guest of this event. All three students who made presentations were provided with a savings bond for a job well done from the sorority.
Special recognition was given to all three organizations for organizing and communicating information to the veteran’s community from Lisa Blacksher, Field Representative for Assembly Member, Cheryl Brown of the 47th District. Mayor Pat Morris, City of San Bernardino was an active participant of the program too who provided information on access for resources for the veteran’s community. The evening concluded with veterans in the audience to stand for recognition for their service in all branches within the United States Military.
The national holiday observed on Monday, January 20, in memory of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday “was a day on not a day off” for the members of Alpha Kappa Alpha. Members continued performing community service by volunteering at various Blood Banks in the Inland Empire. Life Stream of San Bernardino and Riverside Counties and the Roman Catholic Diocese of San Bernardino Catholics of African Descent and Ministry held its 14th Annual Blood of the Martyrs Blood Drive in honor of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. All were encouraged to give the gift of life by donating and/or encouraging others to give blood. As Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. stated, “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” For future programs and events, visit www.etanuomega.org
