Sorority 'goes green' at conference in Schaumburg

The Midwest chapter of the nation's oldest African-American sorority begins its 75th annual conference in Schaumburg today, April 16, including several events open to the general public.

The Central Region of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority will host a "Go Green" exhibition as part of the conference from 2 to 7 p.m. today, including an appearance by former U.S. Senator and Ambassador Carol Moseley Braun, who will be there to promote her Ambassador Organics coffee and tea products.

Moseley Braun will be among nearly a dozen businesses and organizations, including ComEd and Marriott, demonstrating their various "green" initiatives.

The conference runs through Sunday at the Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel and Convention Center, 1551 Thoreau Drive.

Conference publicity chairwoman Maricha Stallworth said the 101-year-old sorority has a general focus on the betterment of communities around the world. Each conference focuses on different approaches, with environmental friendliness being one aspect of this year's event.

Another event at the conference that's free and open to the public is the presentation of the region's Women of Power awards at 7:30 p.m. Friday.

Those recognized may or may not be members of the sorority, but all are honored for the help they've given others through either their personal or professional lives, Stallworth said.

This year's honorees are Oak Park School District 97 Superintendent Constance R. Collins; Little Black Pearl Art Museum Executive Director Monica Haslip; the first African-American president of the Bolingbrook Chamber of Commerce, Alyssia Lee; Dr. Barbara J. Pearson-McCreary, an ER doctor and educator and advocate for domestic violence solutions; and State Farm Insurance Agent Audrey H. McFarlin.

After the awards presentations, at about 10 or 10:30 p.m. Friday, there will be a step and comedy show called "Rhythm and Laughter" featuring Chicago comedian Damon Williams and a number of song and dance performances. Tickets are $20 each and can be bought at the door.

The conference expects about 1,500 attendees from throughout the region, which includes Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and southeastern Missouri.

For more information on the sorority, visit www.aka1908.com. To learn more about its Central Region, go to www.akacentral.org.