[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 92 (Wednesday, June 10, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E867]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA SORORITY, INC. 
                       OMICRON CHI OMEGA CHAPTER

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 10, 2015

  Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the 30th anniversary 
of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Omicron Chi Omega Chapter.
   Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority was founded on the campus of Howard 
University January 15, 1908, as the first Greek-letter organization 
established by collegiate black women. Inaugurated with the founding 
principle, ``To be supreme in service to all mankind,'' Chapters today 
continue to be conscientious members of their communities, sensitive to 
the needs and struggles of underserved populations.
   Prince William County's Omicron Chi Omega Chapter was founded August 
26, 1984, and chartered May 19, 1985, by five exceptional women: Rosyln 
Dunn, Venus Miller, Jannette Smithson, Alice Taylor and Mary Williams. 
During its 30-year history, the Chapter has received many local 
community awards and recognition from the Commonwealth of Virginia and 
Alpha Kappa Alpha for its involvement in the Back to School/Stay in 
School Program, its support of SAVAS (Sexual Assault Victim's Advocacy 
Services), and its contributions to ACTS and the American Heart 
Association.
   The 2014-2018 International Program focuses on five areas of 
engagement: Educational Enrichment, Health Promotion, Family 
Strengthening, Environmental Ownership, and Global Impact. Working 
under the banner of Environmental Ownership, Omicron Chi Omega recently 
restored the Dumfries Elementary School playground. In addition to the 
global program, Omicron Chi Omega provides $10,000 annually in 
scholastic scholarships to graduating high school seniors, sponsors 
food drives for the Hilda Barg Homeless Prevention Center and SERVE 
Family Shelter, provides school supplies and coats to Prince William 
County Public Schools students, sponsors programs on physical and 
mental awareness for senior citizens and their caregivers, and 
established a drive to deliver black dolls to the Children's National 
Medical Center in Washington, D.C., to reflect the diverse cultures of 
children in need. In 2014, I had the honor of participating in the 
Chapter's Restoration of Voting Rights forum.
   One of the Chapter's longest standing initiatives, the Little Miss 
AKA Scholarship Pageant, is now in its sixteenth year. The pageant 
highlights the Chapter's dedication to the young women of our 
community. The six-month long program allows for young girls between 
the ages of five and seventeen to enhance their personal development, 
build self-esteem, increase social skills, and meet women of diverse 
professions and positive role models.
   Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in celebrating the 
30th anniversary of the founding of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. 
Omicron Chi Omega Chapter. The Chapter continues the legacy of Alpha 
Kappa Alpha's founders and continues to be an invaluable force for good 
in our community.

                          ____________________