Members of the Kappa Upsilon Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority recently visited the Aiken County detention center to give items to the female inmates. Items included toiletries, feminine products, magazines, inspirational books and faith-based reading materials.
Capt. Nick Gallam, detention center administrator, and staff welcomed the members and accepted the items. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority has a rich legacy of service and sisterhood since 1908.
The month of March is Women’s History Month and members of the Uplift Our Local Community initiative felt a sense of joy in being able to give to the female inmates, a population of women who may not always be remembered. Members were intentional in their efforts to display kindness, compassion, support and encouragement.
Dr. Rosa Ishmal, chair, and Antoinette Noble-Webb and Seneca Johnson, co-chairs of the Uplift Our Local Community initiative, said they were excited as they worked and planned with the committee, to bring this service project to the detention center. Members of the committee provided magazines, inspirational books and faith-based reading materials as resources for the female inmates hoping they will find literature will be informative and help to build and restore self-confidence.
Sorority members also hope that when the female inmates return to their families and communities, they will feel strengthened and empowered.
Gallam said that many of the inmates use their time to study and earn their GED while they are in the detention center, and he is very pleased when they take advantage of the opportunity. Having a GED certificate will help them to pursue new paths when they transition out of the detention center.
Dr. Myrtis Brightharp-Walker, president of the Kappa Upsilon Omega Chapter, works closely with members, to implement AKA’s Soaring to Greater Heights of Service and Sisterhood program. The Uplift Our Local Community is one of six program initiatives, that have been outlined by the International President. The other five are; Strengthen Our Sisterhood, Empower Our Families, Build Our Economic Wealth, Enhance Our Environment, and Advocate for Social Justice. Dr. Brightharp-Walker has been a member of the sorority for 50 years.
The Aiken County detention center project is one of several community service projects that the members of the Uplift Our Local Community initiative are currently working on in Aiken and Edgefield counties. The committee also partners with Second Baptist Church’s monthly food distribution; collects clothing, coats, jackets, socks and shoes; and donates to the homeless and displaced families.
