Walk to celebrate Alpha Kappa Alpha

STAFF REPORT

YOUNGSTOWN — Members of the Youngstown chapters of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority will take 1,908 steps through Wick Park to signify the centennial anniversary of the group, which was founded in 1908.

At the same time Saturday morning, 900 other chapters around the nation, some 50,000 people, will take the same walk.

The ESP 1908 Global Centennial Walk begins for Epsilon Mu Omega and Delta Delta chapters at 10 a.m. in Wick Park. ESP stands for emotional, spiritual and physical health, which is what the walk was designed to promote.

The sorority was founded in 1908 on the campus of Howard University in Washington, D.C. Alpha Kappa Alpha is the oldest Greek-letter organization established by black college-trained women, according to the Alpha Kappa Alpha Inc. Web site.

Beverly Fortune, active member, said active graduate and undergraduate members as well as nonactive members are encouraged to participate and bring friends and family.

“How often can you be involved in a 100-year celebration?” she said. “Those who started it are no longer with us, obviously, but this is a big thing for us.”

Deadline to register for the walk is Wednesday.

For more information or to register, call (330) 759-4807 or (330) 559-7261.