Local Sorority Partners with Community to Revitalize School Playground

Lambda Epsilon Omega (LEO) and Upsilon Alpha Omega (UAO) chapters of Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) Sorority, Incorporated partnered with the local community to revitalize the playground at Greenforest Christian Academy. More than 20 volunteers assisted in the efforts to enhance the playground by installing a new playground, painting playground equipment, and cleanup of the pavilion area, community benches and the surrounding grounds.

The service project is a part of the corporate office of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated International program Target IV Environmental Ownership. This target was created to ensure children have a safe and inviting places to play. The AKA 1908 Playground Project℠ will restore and renew 1,908 existing community and school playgrounds with its Restore, Refresh and Renew Project℠.

“I have been a member of AKA since 1978, yet to be a recipient of the community service provided by the sorority completely caught me by surprise and truly touched my heart,” said Millicent Black, Headmaster of the Greenforest Christian Academy. “Having the women of UAO and LEO come out in large numbers and partner with the community to improve the playground at Greenforest Christian Academy will have a huge impact on the children at the school as well as those in the community.”

“We were proud to lend a helping hand to revamp the playground and surrounding play areas at Greenforest Christian Academy for students to enjoy for years to come. Our organization is committed to environmental ownership and enhancing the quality of life for our local community,” said Betty Stuckey, President of Lambda Epsilon Omega. “It was such an honor to focus our efforts on young people. I would like to extend my sincerest thanks and appreciation to the local residents who joined us for this project.”

“There’s a fire that arises within the women of UAO the moment an event arises for us to roll up our sleeves and encourage community support in making a difference locally,” said Andria S. Daniels, President of Upsilon Alpha Omega. “That opportunity came with the implementation of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated Restore, Refresh and Renew Project℠. We were able to purchase a new playground for the students at Greenforest Christian Academy that ensures they will have a safe and inviting space to play.”

The AKA 1908 Playground Project℠ was a perfect opportunity for the women of Lambda Epsilon Omega and Upsilon Alpha Omega to come together and create a safe and fun place for children to play. This International Target had a major impact in metro area with the work of its 16 chapters, but also members of the sorority throughout the U.S. and abroad all mobilized on our International Impact Day to enhance playgrounds around the world.

Greenforest Christian Academy
Greenforest-McCalep Christian Academic Center was founded in 1989 in fulfillment of one man’s leap of faith and a God given vision. In that vision, Pastor George O. McCalep Jr., saw his church-Greenforest Baptist Church-addressing the needs of latchkey children in the neighborhood. The mission of Greenforest McCalep Christian Academic Center is to achieve excellence by educating students spiritually, morally, and academically through cultivating Christian values and promoting Christian service. Millicent Black serves as Headmaster of GCA. For more information visit www.greenforestacademy.org

About Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. is the first Greek-letter organization founded by African-American women at Howard University in 1908. Led by International President Dorothy Buckhanan Wilson, Alpha Kappa Alpha is a sisterhood of national and international stature. Its members share the same high moral, ethical, scholastic, and spiritual standards; and are leaders in their community – inspiring, serving, and empowering all with whom they come in contact while addressing the social and economic ills of our society. For more information about Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., visit www.aka1908.com.

About Lambda Epsilon Omega Chapter
Lambda Epsilon Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. was chartered on June 26, 1976 and is the second oldest graduate chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority in the Metro Atlanta area. Since its chartering, Lambda Epsilon Omega Chapter has grown from its original 22 charter members to a current working membership of over 350 members and has successfully rendered “Suprême Service” to their community. The DeKalb County chapter also provides additional community service and scholarships through their nonprofit 501(c)(3) Forever Pink Foundation, Inc., which was established in 1985, and has awarded over $500,000 in scholarships via their “Debutante Cotillion” held annually in March. Betty Stucky, serves as President of the chapter For more information on Lambda Epsilon Omega Chapter, please visit www.lambdaepsilonomega.com.

About Upsilon Alpha Omega Chapter
On January 29, 1994, thirty aspiring professional women chartered the Upsilon Alpha Omega Chapter in Lawrenceville, Georgia. The group gathered to implement and support the international programs of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated as they pertain to the needs of Gwinnett County, Georgia. Today, Upsilon Alpha Omega, the first African-American Greek-letter organization in Gwinnett County is over 300 members strong, and has made a significant impact on the community. Andria Daniels serves as the President of the chapter. For more information, www.upsilonalphaomega.com, Friend UAO on Facebook, Follow UAO on Twitter @AKAinGwinnett and Instagram @GwinnettAKAs.