[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 117 (Wednesday, July 16, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1477]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   IN RECOGNITION OF THE CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION OF ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA 
                             SORORITY, INC.

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. STEPHANIE TUBBS JONES

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 16, 2008

  Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Madam Speaker, I rise today, in recognition of 
the centennial celebration of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated 
(AKA), founded on January 15, 1908 at Howard University by nine 
visionary young African American women. In an era when the African 
American voice was stifled by prejudice, these collegiate women formed 
an alliance that has transcended generations. Their mission of 
``service to all mankind'' still resounds world-wide through a 
coalition of over 900 undergraduate and graduate chapters comprised of 
225,000 college-trained women. This week, I am pleased to join my 
colleagues in welcoming them to the city of their founding, Washington, 
DC and commend them for their hard work and commitment to the 
community.
  For the past 100 years, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. has and 
continues to demonstrate their dedication to service through a variety 
of programs including Economics, Sisterhood and Partnerships program in 
which members provide community awareness about economic issues and the 
importance of mental and physical health. Other programs include the 
Educational Advancement Foundation (EAF), which strives to make a 
difference in the lives of young women and men. EAF awards 
scholarships, fellowships, grants and mini-grants to young people 
across America.
  I would like to recognize all of the chapters in my great State of 
Ohio including: Alpha Lambda, Alpha Omega, Alpha Sigma Omega, Beta Eta 
Omega, Beta Theta Omega, Beta Xi, Delta Delta, Delta Phi, Delta Pi, 
Epsilon Chi, Epsilon Mu Omega, Iota Iota, Iota Phi Omega, Lambda Mu, 
Lambda Phi Omega, Omega, Omicron, Phi Psi Omega, Pi Gamma, Pi Omicron, 
Psi Eta Omega, Rho Omega, Sigma Mu Omega, Sigma Omega, Tau Lambda 
Omega, Theta, Zeta Alpha Omega, Zeta Theta Omega Chapters. Your service 
to our great State is immeasurable.
  Additionally, I am privileged to have had the opportunity to call so 
many of the members of AKA my colleagues and friends. I would 
especially like to recognize my colleagues here in Congress who are 
members of AKA; Representatives Sheila Jackson-Lee, Eddie Bernice 
Johnson, Diane Watson and the late Juanita Millender-McDonald who have 
and continue to serve their constituents and this country with 
distinction.
  Therefore, on behalf of the Congress of the United States and the 
people of the 11th Congressional district of Ohio, I wish to extend 
congratulations and best wishes to the women of Alpha Kappa Alpha 
Sorority, Inc. on this monumental occasion. I look forward to 
continuing to work with you towards the betterment of our communities 
and this country.

                          ____________________