Attending Boule For The First Time: A Story Worth Telling

By Caitlynne Vickerstaff
JournaliZm

The Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority’s 71st Boule was definitely one for the books.

International President Danette Anthony Reed, welcomed nearly 30,000 registered members to the biennial event.

Just looking at numbers, the sorority entered the Guinness World Records by breaking the record for assembling the most personal hygiene kits in one hour; members prepared 15,000 snack kits for Dallas-area students; three notable African American women were inducted as honorary members; and, the first female vice president of the United States provided the keynote address.

And those are just a few of the high points for undergraduate members of the sorority; as well as others attending this year’s event in Dallas, TX.

For many, it was their first time attending the Boule. Held every two years, members traveled worldwide to participate in this convention.

During the Boule, members participated in multiple activities designed to enhance their understanding of the sorority’s history, values, and initiatives.

One member was excited to share her experience as a first time attendee, Simara Peyton, Vice President of the Zeta Mu Chapter at the University of Texas at Arlington.

“Boule was an incredible experience, witnessing thousands of educated Black women unite for a greater cause,” Peyton said. “It was amazing to be part of something so significant and to contribute meaningfully to the service of all mankind.”

Like Peyton, many others shared the same feelings and they expressed them in various ways. Whether it was taking tons of pictures with their line sisters (those initiated together), sight-seeing around the city, or creating TikTok and YouTube videos.

Keynote speeches, workshops, and seminars covered various topics from leadership development, to social and health advocacy, and personal wellness. The sessions allowed members to build connections, share experiences, and exchange ideas.

There was also the Undergraduate Showcase where members took to the stage and performed a variety of steps and chants.

A big part of the conference that resonated with some undergraduate members was the networking opportunities. They interacted and met with influential speakers, AKA leaders, and other members from different chapters.

These connections were significant in creating a shared purpose among attendees and a sense of unity.

This prompted them to bring back new and creative ideas and goals to their chapters.

According to one attendee, the Boule was a rite of passage and a defining moment in her AKA journey because it showcased her dedication to preserving the values and traditions of the sorority.

The experience created a sense of pride and belonging and strengthened members’ commitment to academic excellence, sisterhood, and service.

Caitlynne Vickerstaff is an intern at Texas Metro News. She is a graduating senior from the University of Texas at Arlington, originally from the 219…Merrillville, Indiana. Caitlynne will be graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication (Public Relations) and is ready to share her creative juices with society.