In partnership with United Way of Central Alabama (UWCA), the Upsilon Eta Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) Sorority, Inc. recently hosted a Back-to-School Bash on a Saturday at the Fairfield Community Center.
At the event, UWCA staff and AKA volunteers gave out more than 100 backpacks full of school supplies, as well as numerous additional items, all donated by AKA members and corporate partners. Additionally, barbers from Bygtyme Cuts and Faded were giving haircuts on-site, while Etheridge-Next Generation and Angel the Barber donated certificates.
Representatives of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Birmingham and the local chapter of the American Red Cross (both of which are UWCA partner agencies) were also on-site, giving out information and free smoke detectors, respectively.
Children and their families enjoyed the carnival-like atmosphere, complete with popcorn, cotton candy, drinks, hamburgers, hot dogs and a bounce house. Kids also competed for prizes in a variety of games testing their physical and mental skills.
Tracey Morant Adams, PhD, who is the Chair of UWCA’s Community Impact Committee and the Southeastern Regional Director for AKA, was among the many who showed out in the sorority’s signature pink and green at the event. She said hosting events such as the Back-to-School Bash is “crucial for preparing students.”
“By fostering this sense of community, we help bridge gaps and ensure that every family has the support they need,” Adams said. “That is what United Way has always done and will continue to do as a dedicated community partner, and I am thrilled to see Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated — through the Upsilon Eta Omega Chapter — add to this collective goodwill.”
Bianca Moore, President of the Upsilon Eta Omega Chapter of AKA, said events like these are “the essence of AKA.”
“As we embark on the 2024-2025 school year, we are honored to provide essential resources, school supplies, food, games and services, including complimentary haircuts, to ensure that every student enters the classroom equipped for success. It is through such initiatives that we uphold our enduring legacy of service to all mankind.”
Throughout the month of July and into August, UWCA also led a community-wide back-to-school supply drive for students of Fairfield City Schools. Hundreds of backpacks were filled and delivered to school district students. For more information about United Way’s work to support Early Childhood Development and Education, visit https://www.uwca.org/impact/early-childhood.
