More than 4,500 members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority will gather in Richmond for the organization’s 72nd Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference, set for March 6 through 9 at the Greater Richmond Convention Center.

The conference will include a public meeting at 7 p.m. March 6 to honor individuals who have made significant contributions to social justice, community empowerment and environmental advocacy. The event, free and open to the public, will feature Emmy-winning journalist and ESPN senior entertainment reporter Kelley L. Carter as host. Grammy- winning gospel artist Hezekiah Walker and the Virginia Union University Gospel Choir will perform.

As part of the conference’s community service initiative, members will donate hygiene supplies, home goods, storage shelves and other essential items to HomeAgain Richmond, a nonprofit supporting individuals and families experiencing homelessness. A presentation of the donated supplies is scheduled for 9 a.m., March 5 at HomeAgain Richmond, 5 E. Franklin St.

The Mid-Atlantic Region of Alpha Kappa Alpha includes 134 chapters and more than 15,000 members across Virginia and North Carolina. The sorority, founded in 1908, has more than 360,000 initiated members worldwide.