Alpha Kappa Alpha Mourns Passing of 26th International President
Linda M. White, 26th International President
Linda M. White praised for lifelong commitment to AKA
Linda M. White, 26th International President
The 250,000 members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, in 958 chapters worldwide, are mourning the death of Linda Marie White, the organization's 26th international president.
From 1960, the year she joined Alpha Pi Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha at Clark University in Atlanta, GA, until her passing, White devoted her life to fulfilling AKA's mission: "to provide service to all mankind."
After leaving Clark, she returned to Chicago and joined Theta Omega Chapter where she began her ascension up the leadership ladder. She served Theta Omega as president and was active in its charitable arm, the AKArama Foundation. With her energy, passion and commitment to service, she volunteered in a variety of roles that furthered Alpha Kappa Alpha's service mission.
Anxious to serve Alpha Kappa Alpha on a national level, she successfully ran for international secretary and served from 1994-1998. White then ran for first vice president, which put her in the leadership pipeline to be international president. She served in this capacity from 2002-2006, and her administration theme was "The Spirit of Alpha Kappa Alpha."
Her administration focused on education, health, the arts and the black family. Some of her particular accomplishments included the launch of the Young Authors program where she showcased the talents of children up to age 18. Through the publication The Spirit Within, her administration provided a vehicle for exposing their works and a launching pad for their talent.
White is credited with conceiving the Centennial Traveling Exhibit, which captured highlights of AKA's 98-year-history in exhibits, dioramas and interactive presentations. It was a major attraction of the Sorority's Centennial in 2008.
Her signature accomplishment revolved around her devotion to education. Her administration secured a $1.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education. Through this award, her administration established the Ivy Reading AKAdemy, a tutorial haven for those youth who needed a place to improve their reading skills. That so many youngsters attended the AKAdemy and improved their reading is a testimony to the need and success of this initiative.
In addition to Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Linda White was active with the Links and served on the board of the United Negro College Fund—further testimony to her commitment to education.
Professionally, she was a regional director with the Social Security Administration.
She leaves to mourn: her sister Judy White Rushing, brother Spruiell White (Nedra), her nephews Adam & Albert Travis and a legion of those who loved and admired her, including the members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority.