One of the most important networking opportunities for black Americans historically has been the black fraternities and sororities.  This year marks the 100th anniversary of the founding of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, (AKA), the very first Greek-lettered sorority established by black university women. Lincoln Institute President Jay Parker's wife, Dolores, celebrates fifty consecutive years of membership as an AKA, as they are called, this year.

On Tuesday, May 13, AKA Cheryl Parker (no relation to Jay Parker) spoke at the May Lincoln Institute Breakfast Forum about the historic Alpha Kappa Alpha Centennial Celebration taking place in Washington, DC this summer.

Cheryl was initiated into the sorority at Morgan State University, where she served as president and as a representative to the Pan Hellenic Council. After graduation, she continued to serve AKA as a member of the graduate chapter, Xi Omega, in Washington, D.C. She has served in a variety of positions in this chapter, including as its president. She is also currently serving as the Convention Chairman for the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority centennial celebration in July.
 

Pictures of the May 2008 Lincoln Institute
Breakfast Forum Featuring Cheryl Parker

Director Darin Waters opens the program with the invocation.

Jay Parker presents speaker Cheryl Parker to breakfast forum guests.

Cheryl Parker, talks about the Alpha Kappa Alpha Centennial Celebration in Washington, DC, July 2008 and the history of the first black sorority of college tarined women in America.

Speaker Cheryl Parker shares a light moment with the forum audience.