Message from the
UNDERGRADUATE NETWORK
Second Supreme Anti-Basileus
Greetings , Sorors !
What a year 2021 has been ! We ’ ve gone above and beyond to raise more than $ 2,500,000 in one day for our beloved HBCUs . This truly demonstrates our commitment to the education of our future leaders and change makers of the world .
SOROR JASMYNE E . MCCOY
Second Supreme Anti-Basileus
HBCUs hold a deep connection to the Black community . At their inception , they provided us with a safe space to receive a quality education . Our first doctors , lawyers , and professionals got their start at HBCUs . They were the original “ FUBU ,” meaning “ For Us , By Us .” At a time when the United States legally kept us out of institutions for higher learning , we adapted by creating our own . They stand as premiere scholarly places that have produced many of the great role models who undoubtedly touched each of our lives . Even today , the names of these colleges and universities can serve as inspiration for tender memories where we found ourselves and our love for the Black community . These places can be referenced as our Mecca . The mascots can be celebrated with pride for many homecoming games and tailgating weekends . This is the true ingenuity of our people .
There is often a debate of which university is “ the real H-U ,” the typical answers are Howard or Hampton . For me , H-U means Harvard University . It is my alma mater where I graduated with a degree in molecular and cellular biology . Though I did not attend an HBCU , I am supremely aware of the impact they maintain in the Black community . All of my grandparents attended HBCUs in Arkansas and my cousin currently plays the bass drums in the M4 Band at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff .
Alpha Kappa Alpha loves HBCUs and it also loves you ! Know that sorors are here for you every step of the way . The UAC is committed to serving undergraduates in all areas of life . AKA is here to be a source of positivity . Our sisterhood is limitless . It extends beyond college , beyond chapter meetings , and now beyond Zoom . Lean on one another , pour into one another , and revitalize one another . In short , it ’ s time to Exemplify Excellence as we R . E . A . C . H . our highest potential . I ’ m wishing you academic success , physical health , and mental wellness in the months ahead !
Sisterly ,
Soror Jasmyne E . McC oy
Soror Jasmyne E . McCoy Second Supreme Anti-Basileus
114 th National Founders ’ Day Observance
• January 15 , 2022 • See back cover for more details !
Celebrating 100 Years of Ivy Leaf ® Magazine fall 2021 I vyL eaf ® 45