BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Omicron Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (“AKA”) hosted a “Pink Goes Red for Women” event at the historic Sixteenth Street Baptist Church on Friday, February 7. Dr. Lee Shelfton Riggins, Cardiovascular Thoracic and Vascular Surgeon for Baptist Health System, was the keynote speaker. He provided valuable information including seven important risk factors and contributors to cardiovascular disease.
Members of AKA, who are known for their signature colors of salmon pink and apple green wore red to bring awareness of women’s heart health. “Pink Goes Red” is an international initiative of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. to support the American Heart Association’s National Wear Red Day® to fight heart disease. The American Heart Association’s “Go Red for Women” movement advocates for more research and swifter action for women’s heart health because of many misconceptions about heart disease in women.
“This event really provided something to think about,” stated Cynthia Garrett, event co-chair. “Dr. Riggins gave practical insight to prevent and avoid heart disease among women. Various educational materials and resources were provided to attendees to empower individuals to improve the overall health of our community.”
Omicron Omega’s Health Committee organized the event which is led by Chairman, Lois Scott and co-chaired by Cynthia Garrett and Virgil Lea Hayes. Committee members include Linda Dumas, Pauline Smith, Carmen Perkins, Evangeline Williams, Linda Roberson, Kayla Washington, Nicole Davis Williams, Eva Reedus, Armigene Skipwith, Lillian Moseley, Mamie Alexander, Judith Jones, Tamara Buie, Bettie Glover, Dorothy Hall, LaShonna Stodghill, Stephanie Alexander and Stephanie Ayers- Millsap.
Omicron Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha will celebrate 90 years of service in 2014. The chapter was chartered in 1924 becoming the 15th chapter of the sorority. It also has the distinction of being the first graduate chapter to be chartered in the South Eastern Region. Omicron Omega has supported and provided charitable donations to organizations that include, but are not limited to, Children’s Hospital – Magic Moments and March of Dimes, The American Heart Association, Miles College, Sickle Cell Foundation, The American Diabetes Association, and United Negro College Fund. Collectively and individually, our members proudly volunteer and spend hundreds of hours impacting lives at Jessie’s Place, Greater Birmingham Ministries, Pathways and other programs. Our scholarship programs have benefitted hundreds of students in the Greater Birmingham community. Omicron Omega has oversight of five undergraduate chapters on various college and university campuses in Birmingham and surrounding areas.
Alpha Kappa Alpha is an international service organization that was founded on the campus of Howard University in Washington D.C. in 1908. It is the oldest Greek – lettered organization established by African- American college educated women. For more information about Omicron Omega Chapter or AKA visit www.akaomicronomega.com or www.aka1908.org.
