[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 23 (Tuesday, February 28, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E229-E230]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA SORORITY, INC. AND THE IMPORTANCE OF BLACK 
                FRATERNAL, SOCIAL AND CIVIC INSTITUTIONS

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 28, 2006

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to 
honor the importance of black fraternal, social and civic institutions 
to the African-American community and to America as a whole. 2006 marks 
the 100th anniversary of Alpha Phi Alpha, the first continuous, 
collegiate black Greek letter fraternity. This is remarkable when you 
think of the social and political climate of 1906--where we were almost 
50 years away from Brown v. Board of Education or Rosa Parks refusing 
to give up her bus seat. During this era of Jim Crow, black fraternal, 
social and civic institutions refused to accept this imposed 
inferiority, and banded together to provide support and promote 
solutions.
  I am a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, the oldest black Greek 
letter fraternity founded by collegiate women. Founded in 1908 at 
Howard University, AKA was established in order to provide social and 
intellectual enrichment through member interactions.

[[Page E230]]

Throughout the years, AKA's purpose has expanded as it strives to 
promote high scholastics and ethical standards, vocational and career 
guidance, health services and the advancement of human and civil 
rights. Led by national Basileus, Norma S. White, Alpha Kappa Alpha 
focuses on five national targets including: education, health, the 
black family, economics, and the arts. Most importantly the women of 
AKA seek to make a difference in our communities and to be of supreme 
service to all of mankind.
  When you look at AKA's distinguished membership it is easy to see its 
impact on America. Amongst these women are: Coretta Scott King, Rosa 
Parks, Maya Angelou, Toni Morrison, Ella Fitzgerald, and Dr. Mae 
Jemison--just to name a few.
  The impact of black fraternal, social and civic organization is truly 
immeasurable. They have brought together and inspired the leaders that 
have made America what it is today.

                          ____________________