[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 63 (Monday, April 17, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E317]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA SORORITY, LAMBA CHI OMEGA CHAPTER

                                 ______
                                 

                              HON. ED CASE

                               of hawaii

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 17, 2023

  Mr. CASE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Alpha Kappa Alpha 
Sorority, Lamba Chi Omega Chapter for its 45 years of dedication and 
commitment to the State of Hawaii and the Pacific Islands.
  Founded on the campus of Howard University on January 15, 1908 in 
Washington, D.C., Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority is the oldest 
international Greek-letter service organization established by college-
educated African American women, with over 300,000 members in over 
1,000 chapters worldwide. Forty-five years ago, the women of Alpha 
Kappa Alpha Sorority, Lambda Chi Omega Chapter followed in their 
founders' footsteps to start a chapter in Hawaii.
  Coined as the ``First Chapter of the Pacific,'' Lambda Chi Omega 
established a legacy of leadership, service and community involvement 
that has significantly impacted the lives of the people of Hawaii. The 
vision, dedication and leadership of the founding members in 
establishing a legacy of sisterhood, scholarship and service continues 
to impact in Hawaii today.
  The commitment to excellence and service by Lambda Chi Omega 
Chapter's founders is deeply rooted in the legacy of charter members 
Annie Briscoe, Sharon Brown, Dale Buffaloe, Bessie Crawford, Ella 
Edwards, Geraldine Hale, Barbara Hayman, Dorothy Henry, Barbara Jones, 
Sandi (Lakin) Sumbry, Lorene McLaurin, Georgette Moon, Ada Morgan, 
Virginia Payton, Lorna Peck, Donna Poindexter, Jane Sayles, Marjorie 
Singer, Edith Smith and Dannis Thompson.
  Through their unwavering commitment to education, health, economic 
empowerment and social justice, the chapter's members have made an 
important difference in the lives of Hawaii's residents. In addition, 
their contribution to the community serves as a testament to the power 
of collective action and the positive impact that can be achieved when 
people come together for a common cause.
  Additionally, we must pay tribute to Bettye Jo Harris, one of the 
chapter's pioneers and long-time community activist who has been a 
leading figure in the fight for civil rights and equality in Hawaii. 
Through her tireless work on behalf of all minorities, the underserved 
and the needy, she has spearheaded civil rights advances in Hawaii, and 
her contributions are worth commending here in the U.S. House of 
Representatives.
  Today, I formally recognize the outstanding service and dedication of 
the members of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Lambda Chi Omega 
Chapter. Let us all commend them for their tireless efforts and 
selfless commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of others, 
and let us all wish them continued success in all their endeavors.

                          ____________________