Visit Knoxville announced recently that Knoxville, has been chosen as the host city for the 93rd Regional Conference of the South Eastern Region of Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) Sorority, Incorporated®. The event will take place from March 13 to March 16, 2025, and is expected to welcome approximately 4,500 registrants from Tennessee, Mississippi, and Alabama. This gathering will not only serve as a platform for leadership, service, and sisterhood but also provide a significant economic boost to the city, with an estimated impact of $5 million.
As the first intercollegiate historically African American sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® has a profound legacy. Founded in 1908 at Howard University in Washington, D.C., the organization was established by a group of visionary women led by Ethel Hedgeman Lyle. These nine trailblazers created an enduring institution committed to fostering excellence, promoting unity among women, and engaging in meaningful service. Since its inception, the sorority has grown to include nearly 1,100 chapters and over 320,000 members in 12 countries worldwide. Vice President Kamala Harris is also a proud member of this organization.
The South Eastern Region, one of the sorority’s ten geographical regions, has long been a cornerstone of AKA’s operations. Serving the states of Tennessee, Mississippi, and Alabama, this region has upheld AKA’s mission of “Service to All Mankind” through various community-focused initiatives. From scholarships for deserving students to health advocacy programs and economic empowerment workshops, members consistently work to improve the quality of life for those they serve.
The upcoming conference in Knoxville underscores the region’s commitment to advancing the sorority’s legacy while fostering regional camaraderie. The theme is “Powerful Pearls Energized to Soar!” Attendees can expect a dynamic program featuring workshops, leadership development sessions, and service projects tailored to address critical needs within the local community. This year’s conference theme and planned initiatives will highlight the sorority’s strategic goals of enhancing environmental sustainability, promoting equity in education, and supporting small businesses.
From the press release:
“It is an honor to welcome Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. back to Knoxville for the 93rd South Eastern Regional Conference,” said Kim Bumpas, President of Visit Knoxville. “Their presence in early 2020 left a lasting, positive impact on our community, and we are excited to once again partner with them. Knoxville is ready to showcase our city’s unique charm, Southern hospitality, and vibrant culture, ensuring a warm and unforgettable experience for all attendees.”
“With our regional conferences attracting thousands of our members to a local city annually, we have the opportunity to both conduct the business of Alpha Kappa Alpha and bolster the city’s economy. Every year during the conference, we select a local organization with a shared programmatic mission to receive a sizable donation, as well as host a series of impactful service initiatives,” said South Eastern Regional Director Tracey Morant Adams.
Adams acknowledged AKA’s affinity for Knoxville. “In partnership with Visit Knoxville, it pleases us to return to the hospitality of Knoxville, the home of our 6th International President, Arnetta G. Wallace, whose legacy of service and sisterhood lives through us. We look forward to a successful conference where we will reconnect with our members and benefit the local community,” Adams said.
Knoxville is an ideal backdrop for the event. With our thriving community of local businesses and cultural attractions, it is the perfect venue for such a large gathering. The anticipated $5 million economic boost is expected to impact a range of industries, from hospitality and tourism to retail and transportation, underscoring the broader significance of hosting this regional conference.
The Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority has a history of making an impact wherever its members convene, and Knoxville will undoubtedly benefit from the presence of this prestigious organization. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® broke the Guinness World Record during their 71st Boule in Dallas, Texas. It is a world record for assembling 8,500 hygiene kits within one hour. The kits went to an organization that provides support services for the unhoused in Dallas.
The 93rd Regional Conference promises to be a momentous occasion that celebrates the legacy of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®, while simultaneously promoting progress and unity in the South Eastern Region. With its blend of history, service, and community impact, the event is set to leave an indelible mark on Knoxville and beyond.
As March 2025 approaches, excitement builds for this historic gathering that will continue to advance AKA’s enduring mission of service and sisterhood.
For more information contact:
Debra Nelson, Southeastern Regional Communications Officer
205.490.5558
dnelson@elevatellc.co
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®