Savannah, GA – Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® International President and CEO Charletta Wilson Jacks convened her inaugural Directorate meeting in her hometown of Savannah from November 4‑7, 2026. The three‑day gathering brought together the sorority’s Board of Directors and International Committee Chairmen for purposeful leadership, service, and sisterhood.
Local schools benefit from sorority philanthropy
During the visit, the international leaders spent time at President Jacks’ alma mater, Alfred E. Beach High School. Board members led mini‑lessons in classrooms, and President Jacks delivered a TED‑Talk‑style assembly to the class of 2027. Alpha Kappa Alpha contributed $5,000 to the school for a uniform closet and college‑campus tours, reinforcing the organization’s long‑standing commitment to educational empowerment.
Significant donation to Savannah State University
The Directorate also toured Savannah State University’s Hyundai College of Education, where Dean Dr. Cora B. Thompson highlighted the college’s impact on future teachers. President Jacks announced a $50,000 donation earmarked for the college, a gift that will support scholarships, instructional resources, and community‑based teaching initiatives.
Celebrating Savannah’s cultural and historic assets
Board members were welcomed to the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) for a tour and dinner, learning from SCAD Vice President of Savannah Darrell Naylor‑Johnson about the university’s global influence. The group also visited the historic First African Baptist Church and participated in a Black History Tour led by Dr. Jamal Touré, deepening their connection to the city’s rich heritage.
Civic recognition and partnership opportunities
Chatham County Commission Chairman Chester A. Ellis presented President Jacks with an official proclamation on November 6, acknowledging the sorority’s service mission. County Manager Michael Kaigler arranged private tours of upcoming county projects, highlighting potential partnership avenues for Alpha Kappa Alpha’s community initiatives.
Mayor honors President Jacks with key to the city
Savannah Mayor Van R. Johnson, II surprised President Jacks with the key to the city, a symbolic honor that underscored the sorority’s positive influence on local youth, education, and civic pride.
President Jacks emphasized that the Savannah meeting extended beyond boardroom discussions, allowing international leaders to engage directly with young people, celebrate local history, and strengthen bonds that unite the sisterhood. The event exemplified Alpha Kappa Alpha’s 2026‑2030 Champion Administration vision of championing service, empowering sisterhood, and transforming the world through local action.
Original reporting: The Savannah Tribune — read the source article.
