The $50 Million Boost: Everything You Must Know About The Alpha Kappa Alpha Conference St. Louis (2025 & 2026)
The city of St. Louis, Missouri, is currently preparing to host two of the most significant events in the history of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated (AKA), the nation’s first Greek-letter organization established by African American college women. This is not just a single conference; it is a powerful, multi-year commitment to the city, starting with the 91st Central Regional Conference (CRC) in April 2025, and culminating in the massive 2026 International Convention, known as the Boule. These events promise to deliver a major economic boost, injecting millions of dollars into the downtown economy and reinforcing the sorority's commitment to Service and Sisterhood on a grand scale.
The upcoming conferences are a testament to the sorority's deep historical ties to "The Lou." The Central Region itself was established in St. Louis in 1919 during the second-ever Boule, and the city also hosted the 1953 Boule. Current members are eagerly anticipating the chance to gather at the America's Convention Center Downtown St. Louis, where they will focus on the sorority’s ambitious 2022–2026 International Program initiatives, all while experiencing the city’s rich cultural heritage and world-class attractions.
The Double Impact: 2025 Central Regional Conference and 2026 Boule
Alpha Kappa Alpha’s presence in St. Louis over the next two years is unprecedented, featuring both a major regional gathering and the massive, international convention. This dual focus highlights the city's importance to the organization.
The 91st Central Regional Conference: "Soaring in the Lou: Opulence in Bloom"
The first major event on the calendar is the 91st Central Regional Conference (CRC), scheduled to take place from April 3–6, 2025. This conference, themed “Soaring in the Lou: Opulence in Bloom,” is a critical business and networking meeting for the Central Region, which encompasses chapters from Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Minnesota, and the St. Louis metropolitan area.
- Dates: April 3–6, 2025
- Theme: “Soaring in the Lou: Opulence in Bloom”
- Primary Venue: America's Convention Center Downtown St. Louis
- Leadership: The conference is hosted under the direction of the Central Regional Director, Kiahna W. Davis, who oversees approximately 8,000 graduate and undergraduate members across the region.
The CRC agenda is packed with workshops, plenary sessions, and community service projects designed to implement the sorority’s current international program, “Soaring to Greater Heights of Service and Sisterhood.” Attendees will participate in leadership training, financial literacy workshops, and health awareness campaigns, ensuring the conference leaves a lasting, positive impact on the St. Louis community.
The 2026 International Convention (Boule): A Monumental Gathering
Following the regional conference, St. Louis will host the prestigious AKA International Convention, commonly known as the Boule, beginning on June 29, 2026. This event is the sorority's largest gathering, drawing tens of thousands of members from around the globe.
- Dates: Starting June 29, 2026
- Venue: The Dome at America's Center
- Scale: The Boule is one of the largest conventions held by any Black Greek Letter Organization (BGLO) and is expected to bring a massive economic boost to the downtown area, with estimates often reaching tens of millions of dollars in direct spending on hotels, restaurants, and local businesses.
The decision to host the 2026 Boule in St. Louis is a significant vote of confidence in the city's ability to handle an event of this magnitude. It will transform downtown St. Louis into the epicenter of Greek life and community service for a week, providing a platform for major policy discussions, electing new international leadership, and celebrating the sorority’s enduring legacy.
AKA’s 5 Pillars of Service: The Program Targets Driving the St. Louis Conferences
The core purpose of both the 2025 Central Regional Conference and the 2026 Boule is to advance the sorority's international program initiatives. The current platform, *“Soaring to Greater Heights of Service and Sisterhood,”* is built upon five critical Program Targets. These targets will be the focus of workshops, community service efforts, and fundraising throughout the St. Louis events.
1. Empower Our Families
This target focuses on strengthening families through education, health, and financial stability. Key initiatives discussed at the conference will include the Childhood Hunger Initiative Power Pack (AKA CHIPP™), which addresses food insecurity, and the Youth Leadership Institute (AKA YLI), a program dedicated to cultivating the next generation of leaders.
2. Build Our Economic Wealth
The conferences will feature intensive training on financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and wealth creation. This includes promoting Black-owned businesses in the St. Louis area, encouraging members to participate in the For Members Only (FMO) investment education program, and ensuring economic empowerment remains a central theme for all chapters.
3. Enhance Our Environment
AKA is committed to global sustainability and environmental justice. The St. Louis conferences will likely feature local service projects focused on urban renewal, recycling, and beautification. Initiatives such as the AKA 1908 Playground Project—which aims to restore and refresh community playgrounds—will be highlighted as a way to create safer, cleaner spaces for children.
4. Advocate for Social Justice
A fundamental pillar of the sorority's mission, social justice advocacy will be a major focus. The St. Louis events will include sessions on civic engagement, voting rights, and legislative advocacy. The conference will provide a platform to discuss issues critical to the African American community and mobilize members for action through programs like AKA 1908 Connections, which facilitates communication with federal and state legislators.
5. Uplift Our Local Community
This target ensures that the sorority’s work is deeply rooted in local needs. In St. Louis, this will translate into tangible community service. The 2025 CRC, for instance, has historically included a powerful tribute to Black women soldiers of WWII and will undoubtedly feature local service projects that directly benefit St. Louis residents, reinforcing the sorority's commitment to local impact.
Topical Authority and St. Louis's Connection to AKA History
St. Louis is more than just a host city; it is a historic landmark for Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. The city's deep connection to the organization provides a powerful backdrop for the 2025 and 2026 gatherings.
The establishment of the Central Region in St. Louis in 1919 is a cornerstone of AKA's organizational structure. Furthermore, the sorority held its 1953 Boule in the city, an event where members voted on a constitutional amendment that realigned the South Atlantic Region, demonstrating St. Louis's role in shaping the sorority’s governance. Local chapters, such as the Omicron Theta Omega Chapter, are instrumental in organizing these massive events, providing local expertise and community ties that ensure the conferences are successful and impactful.
By hosting the 91st Central Regional Conference and the 2026 Boule, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated is reaffirming its commitment to its foundational principles while leveraging the power of its thousands of members to drive economic and social progress in the heart of the Midwest. The next two years will be a defining period for both the sorority and the city of St. Louis, a true display of "Opulence in Bloom" through sisterhood and service.
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