SOUTH ATLANTIC REGION
South Atlantic Celebrates Excellence at Second Virtual Regional Conference
More than 8,000 sorors convened Apr . 15-18 for the Virtual 68th South Atlantic Regional Conference ( SARC ) — making it the highestattended regional conference in the history of the South Atlantic Region ( SAR ) and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority , Incorporated ® .
Originally scheduled to take place at the Rosen Shingle Creek Resort in Orlando , Fla ., the conference mimicked that of the historic fall 2020 Virtual 67th SARC . The major difference : Instead of the modified two-day version , it was a full four-day gathering filled with all of the virtual “ bells and whistles .”
“ Of course , we were not face-to-face to share the love and especially the hugs that are so much a part of who we are ,” said Soror Carolyn G . Randolph , South Atlantic Regional Director . “ But , we still gave Sorors an opportunity to network with each other just as we ’ d do in person .”
The conference steering committee , under the stewardship of Soror Felecia Leggett , general chairman and Cluster III Coordinator ; Soror Norma Solomon White , honorary co-chairman and 25th Supreme Basileus ; Sorors April Fortin and Barbara Coleman , co-chairmen ; and Soror Sarah Louis , undergraduate co-chairman , worked with the 16 host chapters of Cluster III to execute an unforgettable “ virtual encounter ” — “ Sustaining Excellence During Challenging Times .” Alongside the Cluster III team was a dedicated SAR Virtual Technology Team .
The dynamic four-day conference featured three informative plenary sessions ; three sisterly mixers ; a public meeting and community awards event ; more than 20 engaging workshops with live Q & A sessions ; two forums ; the SAR Leadership Institute ; a number of celebratory events ; the SAR ’ s inaugural Author Showcase ; a closing gala with live music entertainment ; a memorial tribute ; an ecumenical service ; and a gospel brunch . Each day started with exercise and morning corporate prayer .
The SAR public meeting highlighted the sorority ’ s international programs of service and honored six transformative Floridians who have made significant contributions to their local communities . Among the honorees was Bishop Vaughn McLaughlin , founder and chancellor of The Potter ’ s House Christian Academy in Jacksonville , Fla ., who received the 2021 Regional Director ’ s Award for his outstanding community service .
The Friday evening program gave sorors and members of the public an opportunity to hear an inspiring message from our very own soror , U . S . Representative Nikema Williams , the successor to the late Congressman John Lewis . She encouraged everyone in attendance to “ speak up , stand up , and find a way to get in the way .” The program also featured 13-year-old Keedron Bryant , who — through his song “ I Just Wanna Live ”— spoke to the harsh realities of racial injustice .
All four former Supreme Basilei and eight of the former Regional Directors made appearances either by bringing greetings or meditations , reading a litany , or presenting a special tribute . Even during her time of bereavement , Madam Supreme Basileus joined Sunday ’ s activities . Soror Danette Anthony Reed , First Supreme Anti-Basileus , delivered a charge to legacy Sorors during the Legacy Parade , and Soror Jasmyne E . McCoy , Second Supreme Basileus , expressed during the Undergraduate Awards Celebration the importance of undergraduates celebrating their own resilience , excellence , ambition , and connection to one another while being “ Game Changers .” Soror Alysse Guerrier , Undergraduate Member-at-Large , also paid tribute to our 2021 Leadership Fellows during the Mary Shy Scott Leadership Celebration .
Saturday night ’ s closing gala was definitely “ A Night to Remember ,” as it allowed sorors to dance the night away while listening to three genres of music . Many were spotlighted on screen while grooving to the beats .
An exclusive dialogue and ministry in music by Grammy award-winning gospel artist CeCe Winans brought the conference to a grand closing during the Gospel Brunch .
Amid all the information-gathering sessions and the fun , significant “ service to all mankind ” remained a major focus for the Virtual 68th SARC . Sorors surpassed goals for conference service projects . They participated in “ Walking with Madam Supreme and Madam Regional Director ” by logging their daily steps on the virtual platform .
Our first virtual awards submission was a success with more than 500 entries . Awards were given to individuals and chapters using EXCELLENCE and program target criteria .
The Virtual 68th SARC is yet another milestone along the SAR ’ s “ herstory-making ” journey . “ We are still significantly serving with excellence on every level ,” Soror Randolph said .
“ This conference demonstrated the strength of our sisterhood , the significance of our service , and our commitment to excellence ,” she said . “ A challenge to the SAR is an opportunity to soar . WE are made for this !”
22 I vyL eaf ® Spring 2021 Centennial edition