[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 194 (Tuesday, December 18, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2590]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         SALUTING ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA SORORITY ON ITS CENTENNIAL

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. CHAKA FATTAH

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, December 17, 2007

  Mr. FATTAH. Madam Speaker, January 15, 2008, is a special day for 
more than 200,000 college educated African-American women throughout 
the world but especially here in our Nation's Capitol. -
  It is the Centennial Founders' Day for Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority 
Inc., the first and the oldest sorority for African Americans. On this 
date in 1908, nine women at Howard University in Washington, DC joined 
through real sisterhood and service founded Alpha Kappa Alpha. They 
soon added seven honor students from Howard's Class of 1910 to ensure 
the continuity and growth of the organization.
  Their names are enshrined in the stunningly beautiful ``Alpha of 
Alpha Kappa Alpha'' Founders Window in the Rankin Chapel on that 
campus.
  From its proud beginning at Howard University, AKA has grown to more 
than 200,000 strong, including undergraduate members and graduate 
members--affiliated with 975 chapters all over the globe and on every 
continent.
  From the beginning, the women of Alpha Kappa Alpha have lived up to 
their calling as ``A Legacy of Sisterhood and Service.'' They have 
responded to the world's increasing complexity in a manner that 
continues to empower communities through exemplary service initiatives 
and progressive programs.
  Centennial International President Barbara A. McKinzie is leading the 
membership during some of the most turbulent times in our history. 
Economics education is the foundation of the program platforms with 
special emphasis on Black families and youth, mental, physical and 
emotional health, encouraging entrepreneurships and other business 
opportunities and proving technology advancement for our seasoned 
seniors. This president has championed breast cancer awareness and 
vigilance among the membership and all African-American women. Her 
educational program has included advocacy for Sister Study, a long-term 
research project to determine the causes of breast cancer among 
African-American women.
  Alpha Kappa Alpha has partnered with ``Coaches Versus Cancer'' to 
raise money for and promote cancer prevention. The sorority has 
partnered with State Farm Insurance Co. and Dr. Ian Smith, author of 
``Fat Smash Diet'' on the 50 Million Pound Weight Loss Challenge. It is 
also partnering with African Ancestry to use the power of DNA to help 
find genealogic answers about African Americans.
  These community service activities are on-going as Alpha Kappa Alpha 
proceeds with a nationwide one hundred year celebration.
  Alpha Kappa Alpha launched its Centennial during 2007 with regional 
celebrations. The Centennial will kick off with the 100th Birthday 
Celebration at Howard University from January 12 to 15, 2008, 
culminating with the Centennial Boule in July that will bring over 
20,000 women and their families to Washington, DC to mark ``100 Years 
of Service.''
  As a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha, the first African-American 
fraternity, I can attest to the pride and tradition and value that the 
Greek-letter organizations have brought to African Americans all across 
our land. I congratulate the women of Alpha Kappa Alpha and their 
families as they pause and celebrate their legacy of good works and 
Sisterhood.

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