[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 11]
[Senate]
[Pages 14925-14926]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




               RECOGNIZING THE ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA SORORITY

  Mr. CARPER. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the Alpha Kappa 
Alpha Sorority for 100 years of sisterhood and service and for the 
sorority's commitment to living lives of excellence that can serve as 
an example for us all.
  Founded on the campus of Howard University in Washington, DC, in 
1908, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority is the oldest Greek organization 
established by African-American college-trained women. The small group 
of founders hoped the organization would ensure that their college 
experiences were as significant and helpful as possible. As the 
sorority expanded, members emphasized dual themes of the importance of 
the individual and the strength of an organization of women of ability 
and courage.
  Alpha Kappa Alpha is currently comprised of more than 950 chapters 
located in the United States, the Caribbean, Germany, Korea, Japan and 
my home State of Delaware. It includes more than 200,000 women who 
represent a diverse group including educators, politicians, lawyers, 
medical professionals, media personalities and decisionmakers of major 
corporations.

[[Page 14926]]

They can certainly serve as role models to each of us.
  Furthermore, the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority is dedicated to service. 
Currently, members are actively involved in a voter education and 
registration drive in order to mobilize Americans for the upcoming 
general election. They are also implementing the Extraordinary Service 
Program Platforms with activities dedicated to improving the living 
standards within the Black community, creating opportunities for women 
entrepreneurs, assisting Black families and improving the mental and 
physical health of local communities.
  I am enormously proud to welcome members of the Delaware chapter of 
Alpha Kappa Alpha, along with many of their sisters, to Washington, DC, 
for their 100th anniversary celebration.
  With this important anniversary in mind, the women of Alpha Kappa 
Alpha are to be commended and applauded for their leadership in 
communities across America, their commitment to service and the 
outstanding character that they personify.

                          ____________________