Sorority members, seniors partner to make dresses for Africa
Girls in Africa will soon receive beautiful new dresses, thanks to an intergenerational project collaborated on by local sorority Pi Pi Omega and seniors at Magnolia Gardens.
In February, Alpha Kappa Alpha, Inc., the national organization of Pi Pi Omega, launched an initiative for its members to create pillowcase dresses for girls in communities in Africa. Sorority members were encouraged to take pillowcases and sew simple dresses from them.
While Pi Pi Omega members were eager to take part in the initiative, there was some hesitation as many of the members did not know how to sew. So, the sorority reached out to seniors at Magnolia Gardens, who were already doing a pillowcase sewing project to benefit Ryan’s Case for Smiles.
Pi Pi Omega donated the pillowcases and the seniors helped sew the dresses. Having to collaborate to hand make the dresses made them that much more special, said Pi Pi Omega chapter president Vashti N. Burke.
“The initiative was to take pillowcases and create dresses. Little did we know that they would turn into these gorgeous little creations,” Burke said. “Pi Pi Omega donated the pillowcases and the seniors donated the energy and mastery and we are so grateful. It was all about collaboration and partnership.”
In July, Alpha Kappa Alpha, Inc. chapters from around the world will gather for a convention in Atlanta, where they will bring their dresses, expected to total more than 29,000. The dresses will then be shipped to communities in Africa through the nonprofit organization, Africare.
“It is an honor and a privilege to be one small part of this great endeavor,” said Burke. “Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated was founded 108 years ago on the campus of Howard University by intrepid young woman who were just one generation removed from slavery. Throughout its history AKA has consistently made service to the continent of Africa a priority. We are just grateful to be participants during this historic time.”
