NORTH ATLANTIC REGION
North Atlantic Welcomes Record Breaking Attendance at First Virtual Regional Conference
With record breaking attendance of 6,080 , the members of the North Atlantic Region gathered — virtually , due to the ongoing pandemic — for the 90th North Atlantic Regional Conference ( NARC ) from the host city of Philadelphia , PA . Using the theme “ Exemplifying Excellence with Perfect Pitch in Philly ,” the North Atlantic Region kicked off the sorority ’ s 2021 regional conference season .
Under the leadership of Regional Director Mary Bentley LaMar , Conference Chairman , Mary Taylor- Acree and the Sorors of Cluster II , the first virtual NARC was a resounding success . The conference planning team was fully supported by the regional communications team , led by Chairman Liz Nolley Tillman , to bring a combination of live streamed and pre-recorded events , activities and presentations to provide sorors with an interactive event designed to replicate the traditional in-person conference experience in a virtual environment .
Sorors took care of business with plenary sessions that were timely , inspiring and informative . Sorority business was interspersed with accolades to members for outstanding work and to those who have achieved Diamond , Pearl , Golden or Silver status . On a somber note , those sorors who became Ivies Beyond the Wall over the past year were honored with an Ivy Beyond the Wall Tribute , followed by a spirited Ecumenical Worship Service .
Conference highlights included over 20 workshops offered over three sessions . Additional activities included Pilates and Zumba classes , mindful
moments , pop up dance breaks , vendors , the regional community service booth and a wealth of information and resources related to the program targets , including a free step tracking app to support our Walking with the Supreme initiative . The undergraduates hosted an impactful Tap Into the Conversation event . They also received a Grubhub meal voucher of $ 19.08 for use during the conference . The conference also marked the debut of Sisters In Service , a new song written specifically for sorors in the region , available on the region ’ s YouTube Channel and website . Sorors are asked to make a donation to EAF when using the song .
As an added bonus , attendees were able to visit the conference platform until April 4th to revisit events , vendors and workshops . This was made possible , in part , due to corporate sponsorship support totaling over $ 100,0000 .
Buildings throughout the city of Philadelphia were illuminated in pink and green heralding the conference kickoff with the Public Meeting on Thursday , March 4th . Community leaders from Divine Nine organizations , corporations and the non-profit sector joined the sorors for this signature event . In honor of the organization ’ s service to the community , the Philadelphia City Council passed a resolution naming March 4th as “ AKA Day ” in Philadelphia .
The Public Meeting brought greetings from the Supreme Basileus , Soror Glenda Glover and featured a keynote address from journalist Soror Yamiche Alcindor , White House correspondent for PBS Newshour and political contributor for NBC and MSNBC . The meeting concluded with Kathy Sledge from Grammy award-nominated Sister Sledge singing their hit song “ We Are Family .”
As part of this annual meeting , the organization awarded the J . Marjory Jackson Scholarship Award — named in honor of the noted soror who wrote the sorority ’ s national hymn — to Spirit Priester , a senior at LaGuardia Performing Arts High School in New York . Additionally , the North Atlantic Region honored these outstanding leaders for their service :
• Community Service Award – Mary Gladys Jones , Centenarian Volunteer Extraordinaire
• Educational Excellence Award – Aaron Walton , President of Cheney University
• Leadership Award – Dr . Ala Stanford , Founder / Director of the Black Doctors COVID 19 Consortium
The news media reported on the region ’ s donation of $ 25,000 to the Black Doctors COVID-19 Consortium , which focuses on testing and vaccinations for underserved African Americans . Media coverage also highlighted two additional donations of $ 7,000 each made to No More Secrets Mind Body Spirit , a women ’ s health organization , and Chosen 300 Ministries , an organization that distributes meals to those in need . The region also raised over $ 8,000 for EAF .
The engagement was high throughout the conference with the sistership chat , chance to win prizes through the leaderboard and the sharing of knowledge about Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc . ® with “ Perfect Pitch in Philly .”
20 I vyL eaf ® Spring 2021 Centennial edition