Black Sorority Joins Fight Against Diabetes

ALEXANDRIA, VA--Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority (AKA) is joining forces with the American Diabetes Association's African American Initiatives -- known as Live EMPOWERED -- to stop diabetes in the African American Community. The collaboration is driven by the reality that African Americans are greatly affected by diabetes; they are 1.8 times more likely to have type 2 diabetes than non-Latino whites.

To combat this epidemic, beginning in the spring of 2011, the AKAs will designate 10 undergraduate chapters at Historically Black Colleges and Universities to lead diabetes workshops and activities. Through this initiative, the Sorority hopes to spread the message about how to prevent diabetes and provide tools to assist those with diabetes to live a productive life with this disease. In announcing the partnership, AKA's newly installed international president Attorney Carolyn House Stewart stated, "Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority's goal is to help our community recognize the risks of this disease, its many complications and treatment options. We will host forums that will heighten awareness and offer prevention strategies to help eliminate this deadly disease that shortens lives and impacts the quality of life of many African Americans of all ages."

AKA and the American Diabetes Association share common priorities and interests in reaching African Americans, students and other key constituents with important awareness messaging relating to diabetes, including risk factors, prevention strategies, warning signs, and management of the disease.

Both organizations have unique competencies to address these issues and believe that there will be a greater opportunity to promote mutual goals through multiple communications channels. This collaboration is especially significant, because African-American women are at a greater risk for the number one complication of diabetes: heart disease.

"By getting this powerful group of women to join us in our movement to Stop Diabetes, we have the potential to change many lives and communities," said Earnestine Walker, Director of Community Outreach at the American Diabetes Association.

About Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority:
Founded in 1908, on the campus of Howard University in Washington, DC, Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) is the oldest Greek-lettered organization established by African-American college-educated women. AKA's membership is comprised of 260,000 distinguished women in graduate and undergraduate chapters in the United States and abroad who boast excellent academic records, proven leadership skills, and who are involved in the global community through advocacy and service. Attorney Carolyn House Stewart is the 28th International President and will serve from 2010 - 2014. Her administration's theme is "Global Leadership Through Timeless Service."