[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 86 (Tuesday, June 25, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1149]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 TRIBUTE TO THE INTERNATIONAL CONNECTION COMMITTEE OF THE ALPHA KAPPA 
                      ALPHA SORORITY, INCORPORATED

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DONALD M. PAYNE

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 25, 2002

  Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask my colleagues here in the 
U.S. House of Representatives to join me in paying tribute to the 
members of the International Connection Committee of Alpha Kappa Alpha 
Sorority, Incorporated for their outstanding years of service as 
leaders in the community.
  For 60 years, the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., a registered 
501(7) nonprofit, nonpartisan fraternal organization, has 
been an active participant in fostering political activities. The 
Sorority's involvement has ranged from organizing the Nonpartisan Lobby 
for Economic and Democratic Rights to press for political, social and 
economic justice for African Americans to the establishment of the 
Office of Governmental Affairs in Washington, D.C.
  Recognizing the importance of engaging its members in public policy 
initiatives and political campaign activities, the International 
Connection Committee became a reality in 1980 at the International 
Convention. The Committee's first major initiative was a nationwide 
``voter blitz'' to mobilize the African American community to vote in 
the 1980 General Election. In 1998, members joined with the NAACP for 
the Mass Demonstration at the U.S. Supreme Court to protest the lack of 
minority law clerks employed by the Justices. To build on the success 
of the inaugural committee, the 1998-2000 International Connection 
Committee continued to move the public policy program by implementing a 
wide range of events including voter education and registration 
activities, training sessions for members who sought elective and 
appointive office, and AKA Lobby Days.
  It is my distinct honor and privilege to recognize the members of the 
2000-2002 International Connection Committee of Alpha Kappa Alpha 
Sorority, Inc. for their efforts to continue the work of an 
organization rich in both history and service. The members are Juanita 
Orr, Chairman; and representatives Lenora Gerald, North Atlantic 
Region; Leyser Morris-Hayes, South Eastern Region; Vivian Burke, Mid-
Atlantic Region; Jenelle Elder-Green, Central Region; Vertelle 
Middleton, South Atlantic Region; Tari Bradford, South Central Region; 
Nancy Quarles, Great Lakes Region; Kimberly Scott, Mid-Western Region; 
Dawn Bobbitt, Far Western Region; Frances Molloy, International Region; 
Dorothy R. Jackson, Resource & Washington, D.C. Chairman of Millennium 
Public Policy Conferences, and Dr. Norma Solomon White, International 
President. I also acknowledge with pride and respect the many 
Connection Committee activists who preceded the current Committee.
  Mr. Speaker, I know that my colleagues will join me in honoring the 
members for their exceptional service to our community. We are 
fortunate to have noble citizens like them to provide essential 
services and support to our society.