Why does this day mean so much to me? Thank you for asking. 20 women of color decided they would showcase the greatness of the rainbow of shades of black women’s excellence. They defied the idea that black women could not participate in all white Sororities. They showcased the brilliance and the resilience of the black woman, despite the “Jim Crow” culture of keeping light skinned black women angry with darker skinned black women, thereby separating us forever. On this day in 1908, 20 women said no more; they united and formed the greatest Sorority of all times. They chose “Pink and Green,” and the wore pearls to highlight the beauty of the women on an HBCU in Washington DC. They had God as their Head, Ethel Hedgemen Lyle, as His representative, and from that day until now, we are Alpha Kappa Alpha Women of Excellence, we serve God and all mankind. This was the beginning of the Divine Nine (D9) for women of color. Oh, Alpha Kappa Alpha, we honor you this day. Happy 114. Now, that is why I am an AKA. I serve, I excel in academics, and I honor God and (All) of his children.