Two Broward AKA Chapters make history

Two Broward AKA Chapters make history

      Chi Psi Omega and Kappa Kappa Omega Chapters of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority (AKA), Incorporated partnered and made history when the chapters totally renewed, including new state of the arts equipment, for the Early Learning Center and Outdoor Classroom at Broward College North Campus; housing more than 72 toddlers, three-months to three-years of age, June 4, 2016 from 9 to 12 p.m.

More than (70) participated, including ASCEND, AKA, Incorporated International President, Dr. Dorothy Buckhanan Wilson’s 2014-2018 signature program for students in grades Nine through 12.

Another program is Target IV: Environmental Ownership; whereby, 1908 playgrounds will be renewed, refreshed or rekindled by 2018. The chapters are committed to implementing the international programs; to that end, a playground needing renewal was located; area 200 by 300 feet.

Playground renewal was made possible through a com-munity grant of five-thousand dollars from the Educational Advancement Foundation, charitable arm AKA, Incorporated. The non-renewable grant is for uplifting communities; in this instance, a much needed safe playground for toddlers.

National playground safety inspection approval was required and received prior to the installation of the new state-of-the-arts playground equipment. The old playground equipment, requiring removal, was installed in 1981 when the school opened; considered faulty by inspectors, subjecting toddlers to minor cuts and injuries.

For Playground Mobilization Impact Day, sorority members and community volunteers, not only provided new equipment, they provided a whole play-ground makeover. More than 35 large bags of mulch were donated and facilitated through Broward College North Cam-pus; whereby, the participants spread this over the play-ground.  More importantly, they replanted spring vegetables; cherry tomatoes, cucumbers and onions in the four raised beds for sustainability by the toddlers and painted the beds blue and yellow for recognition.

Chi Psi Omega members in attendance were Joel D. McCray, first vice-president; Ashley Greene, second vice-president;  Dr. Barbara J. Thomas, Target IV Co-chairman, event organizer and grant-writer; Miriam Cato, Target IV Co-chairman, Sherri Cooper, Alana DaSent, Quowanda Ford-Brown, Michelle Green, Candace Kennedy, Ann B. Lee, Catrice Lee-Brown, Christina McNair, Josetta B. Patterson, Antionece Robinson,  Joyce W. Toran, Malikh Williams, Luwando Wright-Hines, Cheriane Zephy and Dr. Avis Proctor, President, Broward College North Campus. ASCEND participants were Kieana Chance, Brandon DaSent and Kamea Humes.

Kappa Kappa Omega members participating were LaNetta Henry, President; Kara Bailey, 1st Vice-President; Bernice Bailey, Target IV Chairman; Rendolyn Amaker, Paula Bailey, Karen Blake, Abbie Bryan, Lillian Bentley, Vanessa Bruton, Virpi Calloway, Andria Doughty, Tamyra Edwards, Shantelle Foreman, Gia Goodman, Vetia Josephs, Terri Kelly-Canady,Andrea Knowles, Courtney Martin, Rachelle Marion, Laconia Martin, Jemilla Mont-gomery,  Susan B. McCray, Connie Phillips, Rhoda Scott, Porsha Sessions, Karen Stokes, Shawana Smith, Beverly Kelly Swann, Shamilia Thomas, Davette Wright, Latoya Wright, Suzette Wright and Tawana Young. Chapter volunteers were Leslie Clark, Tyrell Dozier, Jr., Jaren Dozier, Kaden Dozier, Selicia Dozier, Jordan Baxter-Bryan and Amara Greene.

Evaluations evidenced a successful event, safe playground equipment and another outstanding 1908 Playground Renewal projects by AKA, Incorporated.