Diamonds & Pearls

AKA sorority members with longevity in service attend Boule

By Eva D. Coleman
Lifestyle & Culture Editor

“Soror, do you know where the vendors are?” W. Juanita Roberts of Colorado Springs, Colorado asked.

Roberts shared that she was waiting to attend church, known as Ecumenical Service, at the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated 71st Boule in Dallas on July 7, however due to its delayed start, she ventured to go shopping instead.

Then, there was a phenomenal sparkle with lots of sass!

Roberts is a Diamond Soror having 75 years of service in the sorority.

“I just can’t believe this is my diamond year,” she said.

Roberts was walking alone without any assistance and proudly shared that she goes to the “Y” [YMCA] every day Monday through Friday, rides the bike and does yoga and pilates.

The 1952 graduate from Saint Augustine University in Raleigh, North Carolina was initiated in 1949. She needed no assistance as she vanished into the vendor showcase.

A group of sorority members wearing matching green, crocheted shawls were doting on one they affectionately called “Nana” as they posed for pictures around the signature convention pink and green cowboy boots display.

“I’m Pearl,” Nana said with a smile. No, that is not her name, but her esteemed status.

The sorority members around her were all legacies of what she started in her commitment to service.

As a Pearl Soror, Samella Yarbrough has 65 years of service in Alpha Kappa Alpha. She lives in Pasadena, California and has a total of six legacies whose names were embroidered on her sash. Three were present, yet the others were making their way to Boule.

Signature lyrics from the 1991 song “Diamonds and Pearls” by Prince & The New Power Generation say:

“If I could, I would give you the world, but all I can do is just offer you my love.”

The love shown by multitudes of Alpha Kappa Women across multiple generations who showed up for the biennial convention transcends time. It was beautiful to witness at every turn.

There’s no denouncing or denying the impact of the bonds of sisterhood the organization brings to so many.

For a touching history lesson, just ask Diamonds and Pearls.