[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 1]
[Senate]
[Page 536]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA SORORITY

 Mrs. CLINTON. Mr. President, I am pleased to commemorate the 
centennial anniversary of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, 
America's first Greek-letter organization established by Black college 
women. It is with great pride that I join my friends Congresswoman 
Sheila Jackson-Lee, Congresswomen Diane Watson, and Congresswoman Eddie 
Bernice Johnson in extending our congratulations to all of its members 
on this tremendous occasion.
  On January 15, 1908, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority was founded at Howard 
University in Washington, DC, by Ethel Hedgeman Lyle, who envisioned 
AKA as a source of social and intellectual enrichment for its members. 
Over the past century, AKA has evolved into a nationwide organization 
of college-trained women working to improve the socioeconomic 
conditions in their cities, States, and countries throughout the world. 
Today, the sorority serves through a membership of more than 200,000 
women in 975 chapters in the United States and several other countries.
  In September 2005, along with my colleagues in the House, I had the 
pleasure of cohosting a reception on Capitol Hill for the House AKA 
leadership and nearly 100 members. I was reminded yet again of the 
remarkable strength and unwavering dedication of AKA to improve the 
lives of others.
  AKA's significant contributions to the Black community and to 
American society over the past century are widespread. From election 
reform and safety to and health care and education initiatives, AKA has 
raised money for and spread awareness about issues that directly impact 
countless lives across the country. In addition to advancing these 
services, AKA maintains a focus on strengthening the quality of life 
for its members. AKA cultivates and encourages high scholastic and 
ethical standards, promotes unity and friendship among college women, 
alleviates problems facing girls and women, maintains a progressive 
interest in college life and continues to demonstrate the power of 
Ethel Hedgeman Lyle's vision a century later.
  Today marks not only a moment for celebration but also a time to give 
thanks to all members for the significant contributions AKA have made 
to our communities and America over the past century.
  AKA's members have built an enduring legacy of leadership and service 
that has made a profound contribution to our history and to our future. 
As the women of AKA celebrate this significant milestone, I add to the 
chorus of thanks and praise for your 100 years of groundbreaking 
achievement and the many accomplishments yet to come.

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