DAY OF PRAYER
Alpha Kappa Alpha observed the fourth and final International Day of Prayer of the Excellence administration to honor the lives lost during the 1921 Tulsa massacre . This year ’ s theme Tulsa Sunday : Remembering , Reclaiming , Restoring honors the 100-year anniversary of the tragedy that befell the Greenwood District better known as Black Wall Street . On May 31 , 1921 , white Tulsa residents attacked Black residents and destroyed their businesses and property . An estimated 300 people were believed to be killed , thousands were left homeless , and more than $ 2 million in property damage occurred . Despite the mob action , the massacre was left out of the history books and nearly forgotten . The community once a place of tremendous tragedy , has come to symbolize rebirth . As we emerge from the pandemic to a new normal , it feels like a rebirth for awareness for the nation . COVID-19 has taken so much from us yet open the doors for opportunities to address those largely ignored by institutions .
The International Day of Prayer Committee traveled to Tulsa to host the observance . The worship service took place at Metropolitan Baptist Church . Virtually , thousands joined the worship service by viewing the livestream on Alpha Kappa Alpha ’ s Facebook page and YouTube channel . Soror Antoinette Griffin Alvarado , a pastor from Grace Church International in Atlanta , roused the congregation with a praise and intercessions that brought sorors and fellow worshippers to their feet .
It was only fitting that Supreme Basileus Glenda Glover ’ s keynote message was titled , “ We ’ re still standing .” Soror Glover preached from the book of Ephesians to deliver a powerful word on resilience . Ephesians 6:11 says “ Put on the whole armour of God , that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil ( KJV )."
“ God works miracles when we stand . God always shows up when we stand ,” said Soror Glenda Glover . “ When you stand , the Lord stands with you . Stand up for family , stand up for our friends , stand up for church , stand up for what is right . Stand up for Alpha Kappa Alpha .”
Historically Black Colleges and Universities are some of the most resilient institutions as evidenced by time . “ We kept standing , we kept achieving . You cannot tell me HBCUs will not stand , because we ’ ve stood the test of time ,” she declared . Notable alumni mentioned included many pioneers such as Doug Williams , Barbara Jones , Ronald McNair , Oprah Winfrey , Soror Rosalind Brewer , John Lewis , Keisha Lance Bottoms , and of course Soror Kamala D . Harris .
Like the sorority , the Metropolitan Baptist Church has a shared mission to uplift youth through education . On behalf of Alpha Kappa Alpha , Soror Glover announced a $ 10,000 donation to the host church ’ s scholarship fund . The sorority continues to support HBCUs through endowments and scholarships for deserving students .
Soror La Verne Ford Wimberly , better known as the “ Hat Lady ” and who garnered national acclaim for her extravagant church hats and wardrobe while worshiping in a virtual setting throughout the pandemic accepted the donation on behalf of the Metropolitan Baptist Church family and the Board of Trustees . It is a privilege and an honor for me to accept the gift on behalf of Dr . Ray A .
When you stand , the Lord stands with you . Stand up for family , stand up for our friends , stand up for church , stand up for what is right . Stand up for Alpha Kappa Alpha .
~ Soror Glenda Glover
110 I vyL eaf ® Summer 2021 Centennial edition