Press Releases
Contact:
Brendan Daly/Nadeam Elshami
202-226-7616
For Immediate Release
01/15/2008
Pelosi Commemorates Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority’s 100th Anniversary
Washington, D.C. – Speaker Pelosi issued the following
statement today in commemoration of Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) Sorority’s 100th
anniversary as the first Greek-letter organization founded by African American
college women on January 15, 1908. It is a fitting occasion as today is also
the 79th birthday of venerated civil rights Leader, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther
King Jr.
“As we mark Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority’s historic centennial
celebration, we should also take a moment to reflect on the many contributions
Black Greek letter organizations have made to the African-American community’s
economic, cultural, spiritual, and political fabric, and to our nation as a
whole.
“The founders of this remarkable organization,
college-educated women of color just one generation removed from slavery,
recognized their responsibility to their communities and to their country.
Today, this organization has grown from its initial chapter at Howard
University here in Washington to more than 200,000 members in the United
States, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Canada. AKA members continue
to help African Americans find strength and pride, as well as encourage a
strong sense of community. The goals of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority cut across
racial, international, social, political, and educational barriers: ‘Service to
all mankind.’ AKA members are striving
to build a better America and a better world.
“Over the years, I have served in Congress with several
members of this great organization, including Congresswomen Sheila Jackson Lee,
Eddie Bernice Johnson, Diane Watson, and the late Juanita Millender-McDonald.
Some of their esteemed honorary members include Eleanor Roosevelt, Coretta
Scott-King, and Rosa Parks. On behalf of every Member of Congress, I salute the
Members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority for their past and continued
contributions to our nation.”