OKLAHOMA CITY — For the first time ever, in 2026 the Southwestern Region of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated® and the Magnificent Mid-Western Region of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® will unite for a historic Joint Regional Convention — an experience blending service, scholarship, unity, and celebration – and they are doing it in Oklahoma City.
“As the Ice and Ivy come together, trust me you are in for a treat,” said Southwestern Regional Vice President Dr. Rodney Welch.
The historic joint conference will take place March 5-8 at the Oklahoma City Convention Center in downtown Oklahoma City. The event is expected to be one of the largest OKC has yet seen.
“With more than 2,000 attendees expected for this historic convening, we are proud to celebrate the legacy of the Mid-Western Region while investing in Oklahoma City’s communities and economy,” said Mrs. Anika Wilson Starling, Mid-Western Regional Director. “This conference demonstrates the power of service, sisterhood, and leadership coming together to create lasting impact.”
The joint conference is projected to generate over $700,000 in direct spending on local hotels, restaurants, retailers, and transportation. Conferences of this size provide measurable boosts to the hospitality industry, small businesses, and tourism visibility, reinforcing Oklahoma City’s reputation as a premier destination for national and regional events.
The AKA’s Magnificent Mid-Western Region is home to chapters serving Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Wyoming, while the Alpha Phi Alpha’s Southwest Region includes the states of Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Texas.
The 96th Mid-Western Regional Conference of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® is guided by the theme “Elevating Excellence, Closing with Grace, Soaring with Purpose,” commemorating 102 years of Service and Sisterhood in the Magnificent Mid-Western Region. Over four impactful days, members and distinguished guests from across the United States will engage in leadership development, strategic planning, ceremonial observances, and community-focused initiatives that strengthen both the Sorority and the cities it serves.
The joint conference will also feature “Economic Power + Political Unity = Greatest Impact,” an event to honor organizations and individuals whose leadership advances economic empowerment, social justice, civic engagement, and faith-centered service.
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® Award Honorees include:
• Build Our Economic Wealth Award: Stitch Crew
• Advocate for Social Justice Award: Oklahoma Center for Community and Justice
• Community Impact Honoree: It’s My Community Initiative
• Uplift Our Local Community Award: MIGHT Community Development Center
• Environmental Stewardship Recognition: Lillian Timber Farms
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Service Award Honorees include:
• Outstanding Service and Leadership: Ron Bacy
• Energy Equity and Economic Development Award: OG&E
• Political Leadership and Representation: Jason Lowe
• Civic Leadership and Community Advocacy Award: Camal Pennington
• Faith Leadership and Community Empowerment Award: Lee E. Cooper Jr.
Together, these honorees represent the transformative power of collaboration across nonprofit, corporate, civic, and faith communities.
Service in Action
Service remains the foundation of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®. During the 96th Mid-Western Regional Conference, members will engage in hands-on initiatives that directly uplift children and families in Oklahoma City.
Conference service initiatives will support the Oklahoma City Public Schools S.T.E.P.S. Teen Parent Program through the “51,908 Reasons to Serve” Diaper Drive, removing financial barriers for student parents completing their education.
Members will also support Positive Tomorrows through the “Stories That Look Like Us” Book Drive, collecting culturally affirming books for students in grades K–6, and the “Crown Them with Care” Hair Care Drive, donating essential hair care products that promote dignity and confidence.
At the conclusion of the conference, books will be donated to Positive Tomorrows and Thelma Parks Elementary School, diapers will be distributed to the S.T.E.P.S. Teen Parent Program and Positive Tomorrows, and hair care products will be provided to families served by Positive Tomorrows.
The Alpha Phi Alpha Southwestern Region will be gathering for its 80th Annual Regional Convention. Under the theme “Alpha Integration: Rooted in Legacy, Guided by Policy, Driven by Purpose,” the convention will bring together college and alumni brothers for business sessions, leadership training, committee meetings, and policy development.
Scheduled speakers include Dr. Walter Kimbrough, Denny Johnson, Eric Webb and Skip Mason.
Brothers will also enjoy public programs, recognition ceremonies, and fellowship events that strengthen regional unity. This convention serves as a key working session and a powerful Brotherhood experience preparing the Region for continued impact and service.
About Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® is the first historically African American sorority, founded in 1908 at Howard University. With over 120,000 active members, AKA is dedicated to leadership, scholarship, and service to all mankind. The Mid-Western Region represents chapters in Iowa, Nebraska, Missouri, Kansas, Colorado, Wyoming, and Oklahoma.
For more details, visit: https://aka1908.com/midwestern/home/
About Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated®
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., the first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity for African American men, was founded on December 4, 1906, at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York.
Since its founding, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. has supplied voice and vision to the struggle of African Americans and people of color worldwide.
Alpha Phi Alpha chapters were established at other colleges and universities, many of them historically black institutions, soon after the founding at Cornell. The first Alumni Chapter was established in 1911. While continuing to stress academic excellence among its members, Alpha also recognized the need to help correct the educational, economic, political, and social injustices African Americans face.
