On Jan. 30, the metro Atlanta chapters of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., the first Greek-letter organization founded by college-trained African-American women, brought history to life at their 2010 Metro Atlanta Founders' Day celebration. Hosted by Cobb County's graduate chapter, Rho Zeta Omega, at the Cobb Galleria Centre, the metro Atlanta sisterhood looked to the future by remembering their founders.

Under the leadership of Ethel Hedgeman Lyle, the sorority was founded in 1908 at Howard University. This small group of women, who were only one generation removed from slavery, incorporated the sorority in 1913. Today, there are more than 250,000 members of Alpha Kappa Alpha worldwide.

"One of the reasons the organization was founded was to concern ourselves with the situation of young women and girls and to try to promote and improve our community," said Jennifer Turner, president of Rho Zeta Omega.

With a theme of "Exquisite Sorors Persevering Through the Years," sorority members showcased the rich history of Alpha Kappa Alpha through a visual presentation. A cast of sorority members in period costumes performed memorable moments of the 102-year-old organization. Vintage by Judith, located at 162 Roswell St. in Marietta, donated the costumes for the historical showcase.

The afternoon, which celebrated the founders of the nation's oldest historically black sorority, included tributes to members of 25-year and 50-year status, scholarship and awards presentations, and recognition of special guests.

Today, the sorority continues to adhere to the founding principles of service celebrated that day. Its agenda revolves around a theme of "Extraordinary Service Program," emphasizing the non-traditional entrepreneur, economic keys to success, economic growth of the black family, economic educational advancement through technology, and health resource management and economics.

"We are dedicated to service," said Turner, North America Safety Leader for K-C Professional of Kimberly Clark Corporation. "Our motto is service to all mankind."

With platforms the same at the graduate and undergraduate levels, dedication to service deepens rather than ends after college graduation. Rep. Alisha Thomas Morgan, Sen. Horacena Tate, news anchors Karyn Greer, Monica Pearson, Aungelique Proctor, Lisa Rayam and JaQuitta Williams are a few of the notable graduates of AKA continuing the spirit of service.

"I think it (service) should be for a lifetime," said Ashley Gladden, president of the Pi Phi chapter at Kennesaw State University. "The community is always changing and always growing. You have to continue to come up with creative ways to impact the community, and that's important to do for the rest of your life," she said.

"We want to promote lifelong membership," Turner said. "It's one of the easiest ways to give back to your community and make an impact. You don't forget why you are founded."

For more information on Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., or local chapters, visit www.aka1908.com, www.akarhozetaomega.org or www.kennesaw.edu/clubs/aka.