We are deep in the midst of Black History Month, and Alpha Kappa Alpha is holding its yearly quiz bowl today to honor the achievements of American people of color.

The third annual competition is scheduled for 1 p.m. at Alexander Junior High School on Beauregard Street, and everyone in the community is invited to attend.

AKA is an internationally recognized Greek-lettered sorority and was the first such organization to be founded by African-American women. It was established in 1908 at Howard University, and, as of 2018, the association has a worldwide chapter-base of over 1,000.

The sorority’s local branch, called Phi Mu Omega, boasts a membership of 25 women, and Charter President and Parliamentarian Betty Wilson said their goal is to “serve mankind.”

The upcoming quiz bowl is part of their yearly community service agenda, and the program underlines important social and technical contributions/breakthroughs made by black Americans.

“Our mission is to share the accomplishments of African-Americans in order to inform and inspire both our participants and those in the audience,” Wilson said.

This year’s contest has 24 scheduled participants, and girls aged 10-17 will compete to answer historical trivia.

“The questions stem across all genres and subjects, including sports, science and the arts,” she said.

As part of the program, the Lincoln County Ministers Alliance Choir — which is comprised of approximately 50 students — will perform during the competitive intermission.

A college and health fair will precede the quiz bowl at noon. Representatives from Mississippi and Louisiana universities will be available to discuss admissions requirements, housing options and scholarship applications with anyone interested.

In an effort to promote cardiovascular awareness and physical fitness, members of AKA will come to the event dressed in red. The organization’s official colors are pink and green, and, in recognition of the international Go Red Campaign, they have adopted the slogan “Pink Goes Red” for Heart Health Month.

The sorority hosts a variety of community service projects throughout the year, and they often partner with local businesses.

Anyone interested in assisting AKA in its quest to “serve mankind” can go to www.aka1908.com for more information on available service opportunities.