[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 117 (Wednesday, July 16, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1484]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E1484]]
          HONORING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. HILDA L. SOLIS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 16, 2008

  Ms. SOLIS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the 100th anniversary 
of the founding of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. Throughout the years 
Alpha Kappa Alpha has instilled in its members the qualities of 
sisterhood and service to the community. It should be commended on 
reaching this tremendous milestone.
  Alpha Kappa Alpha is the oldest Greek-letter organization established 
by African American college-trained women in 1908. Since its inception, 
Alpha Kappa Alpha has always been an advocate for the less fortunate 
and an agent for change in the community. One of the top priorities of 
Alpha Kappa Alpha has been to remain true to its core mission of 
sisterhood and service to the community. Alpha Kappa Alpha's 
Extraordinary Service Program has worked to improve the living 
standards within the black community through economic education, 
creating exposure and opportunities for the women entrepreneur, 
assisting black families, and improving the mental and physical health 
of local communities.
  This week over 25,000 members of Alpha Kappa Alpha, including 
Patricia Jones, a constituent from the 32nd Congressional District of 
California, came to Washington, DC to attend the Centennial Convention. 
They are joined in their work and the legacy of their work by Honorary 
Members of the Sorority including Maya Angelou, former astronaut Mae 
Jemison and the late Rosa Parks, Coretta Scott King, Marian Anderson 
and Eleanor Roosevelt.
  Madam Speaker, I hope that my colleagues will join me in 
congratulating Alpha Kappa Alpha for 100 years of service to the 
community. As a Latina Member of Congress, I look forward to working to 
promote economic and educational advancement in all communities of 
color.

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