Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Celebrates 80 Years of Service
Alpha Kappa Sorority, Inc. Gamma Phi Omega Chapter held the Johnnie M. Mayo Leadership Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, June 26,2024 at the Buffalo Museum of Science, located at 1020 Humboldt Parkway, at 6:00 P.M.
These awards were named in honor of Johnnie M. Mayo, a distinguished member of the Buffalo community, a life-long time educator, mentor, and member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. for more than 50 years. The 80th anniversary honored the dedication, leadership and Legacy of Johnnie Mayo.
The theme of the program was “Soaring Into 80 Years of Service and Sisterhood.” The welcome was given by Mrs. Crystal A. Benton, President of Gamma Phi Omega Chapter. The meditation was by Ms. Denise V. Cobbs. Ms. Geraldine Horton, Chairperson of the 80th Anniversary Committee gave the statement of the occasion. Greetings were brought by Claudine Ewing, WGRZ-TV Reporter and Anchor. Dr. Ida J. Gibson gave the AKA program of initiatives. Denise Acosta presented a wonderful interpretive dance.
The awards represented the areas of empowering our families, economic wealth, the environment, social justice, and the local community.
This Columnist would like to thank Alpha Kappa Sorority, Inc. for this special award in the area of “Uplifting Our Community.” I really appreciate this award named for Johnnie M. Mayo. I remember that Johnnie M. Mayo was the first administrator who I met when I first started teaching. I was a substitute teacher at BUILD Academy where Mrs. Mayo was the principal. I remember walking down the halls of BUILD Academy and seeing the many displays of African American History lining the walls. It was here that I got my inspiration for teaching African American history in the school system.
Johnnie Mayo made an impact on me as a young teacher. She was a professional and a serious educator, giving students the incentive to be successful not only in school, but in the community as well. The Awards program celebrated her life with a documentary film highlighting her achievement at BUILD and the surrounding community!!
A special ‘thank you’ to Gina Mayo-Hawk for the video presentation documenting the work and life of Johnnie Mayo. The Johnnie Mayo Leadership award was presented by Gina Mayo-Hawk and Michael Mayo to Dr. Lavonne Ansari for her many years of service to our community in the area of health.
The closing of the program was given by Dr. Ida J. Gibson, Vice-President of Gamma Phi Omega Chapter. Congratulations to Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. for a great program.