SOUTH EASTERN REGION
South Eastern Hosts a Virtual Explosion of Excellence at 89th Regional Conference
The 89th South Eastern Regional Conference was held April 8-11 , 2021 . This year ’ s theme , “ Celebrating 100 Years : An Explosion of Excellence : Engaged , Enlightened , Energized ”, served as a tribute to and celebration of the 100th year anniversary of the South Eastern Region , which began with the chartering of the “ Fine ” Pi Chapter located in Nashville , TN . The Centennial Celebration began with a Charter Day Celebration , held on April 6 , 2021 , prior to the commencement of the conference . Sorors from around the world who were initiated or resided in the South Eastern Region tuned in through various social media platforms to celebrate the chartering of Pi Chapter and honor the vision of its charter members . The Centennial Charter Day celebration included a history of Pi Chapter , a centennial litany , and a “ passing of the torch ” presentation by former South Eastern Regional Directors . Several legislative guests and notable Sorors provided greetings including , Sorors Bernice King and Jeanette Epps .
Following a day of forums , orientations and a virtual fireside chat with former regional directors , sorors gathered virtually Friday morning to pray . Prayers for healing , wellness , and economic support ignited the hearts and minds of sorors as they prepared to participate in informative sessions , designed to engage , enlighten and energize . As sorors tapped into their spiritual and mental wellness during the conference , they were also provided a SERC Self-Care Guide that included healthy recipes and exercises to help promote physical health and wellness during the virtual conference .
Madam Regional Director , Soror Mitzi Dease Paige , gave an electrifying State of the Region Report , which included commending sorors for their accomplishments throughout the year , and most notably , the outstanding level of service rendered throughout the coronavirus pandemic .
All five Excellence Program Targets , and the Signature Program , # CAP SM was represented during the conference . It began with the Public Meeting as the Region presented awards to community leaders and organizations from Alabama , Tennessee , and Mississippi represented by each target . A special award of Excellence was given to Madam Supreme Basileus , Dr . Glenda Glover , for her outstanding contributions and leadership with our Signature Program , # CAP SM . South Eastern is home to the largest number of Historically Black Colleges and Universities ( HBCUs ) in the sorority . Madam Regional Director illustrated her HBCU love as she strutted on the field with the Jackson State University Sonic Boom of the South .
The Region ’ s commitment to service to all mankind was highlighted through record numbers of donations during the conference , which included supporting EAF by raising $ 16,000 during the EAF Sisterhood Tea , donated to the Mitzi Dease Paige EAF Endowment Fund . For HBCUs , a total of $ 8,500 was donated to HBCU choirs that participated in the HBCU Gospel Brunch , and HBCU bands that participated in the HBCU Half-Time Break , along with a donation to the HBCU Impact Fund in honor of Madam Supreme . In recognition of International Global Impact Day , as part of the region ’ s virtual service project , Sorors donated 12,039 shoes for Soles for Souls and 5,098 eyeglasses to the Lions Club . Under Operation AKA Assist , the Region donated $ 3,000 each , to organizations in Mississippi , Tennessee and Alabama who serve the global community and make and impact in the lives of those served . Under Target 3 , Building Your Economic Legacy , the region supported a number of black-owned businesses as vendors during the execution of the conference , to include a custom centennial bracelet and necklace by Cerese D Jewelers and the one-of-a-kind Centennial Ivy Box , by Ivy Storehouse .
Plenary sessions , workshops , and various celebrations kept sorors connected and engaged throughout the four-day conference . As their time together wound down , sorors remembered Ivies Beyond the Wall and renewed their spirits during the HBCU Gospel Brunch featuring Gospel Recording Artist and Pastor , Marvin Sapp . With a record 6,124 sorors logged on and tuned in , it was business as usual with a virtual twist for the Perpetual Pearls of the South Eastern Region . Virtual backgrounds , photo booths , and awards , a live artists ’ painting , live flautist , several DJs , and closing gala fireworks , were just a few signs that even a pandemic could not prevent Alpha Kappa Alpha women from taking care of business .
The 89th South Eastern Regional Conference was an overall success . Madam Regional Director , Soror Mitzi Dease Paige and Soror Jenean F . Davis , conference chairman , and her co-chairmen Sorors Jennifer Slaton Anderson , Jaida A . Barnes , and Demetrice Williams Wells are to be commended for successfully navigating unknown territory and executing an Explosion of Excellence .
24 I vyL eaf ® Spring 2021 Centennial edition