[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 5 (Tuesday, January 15, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E16]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 15, 2008

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to 
honor Alpha Kappa Alpha on the occasion of their centennial 
anniversary.
  As a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, I would like to welcome the 
thousands of fine AKA members who have traveled to Howard University 
this week to celebrate the birth of Alpha Chapter and the nine 
visionaries who founded the sorority in 1908.
  As our Nation's oldest black Greek letter fraternity founded by 
women, Alpha Kappa Alpha was established in order to provide social and 
intellectual enrichment through member interactions. 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 
International President Barbara A McKinzie, 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.
  Today, Alpha Kappa Alpha is a worldwide organization with 200,000 
members in 975 chapters all over the globe and on every continent. The 
century of achievements by AKA women are felt everyday in the progress 
of our communities, and the work our members are doing today will be 
felt by generations to come. This centennial celebration is both a 
reflection upon our history, and a celebration of our future.
  I commend Alpha Kappa Alpha on their centennial anniversary and wish 
them well for their next 100 years.

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