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Honoring Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. And the Importance of Black Fraternal, Social and Civic Institutions

Date: Feb. 28, 2006
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Higher Education Arts, Entertainment, and History


HONORING ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA SORORITY, INC. AND THE IMPORTANCE OF BLACK FRATERNAL, SOCIAL AND CIVIC INSTITUTIONS -- (Extensions of Remarks - February 28, 2006)
SPEECH OF HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON OF TEXAS IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2006

* Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the importance of black fraternal, social and civic institutions to the African-American community and to America as a whole. 2006 marks the 100th anniversary of Alpha Phi Alpha, the first continuous, collegiate black Greek letter fraternity. This is remarkable when you think of the social and political climate of 1906--where we were almost 50 years away from Brown v. Board of Education or Rosa Parks refusing to give up her bus seat. During this era of Jim Crow, black fraternal, social and civic institutions refused to accept this imposed inferiority, and banded together to provide support and promote solutions.

* I am a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, the oldest black Greek letter fraternity founded by collegiate women. Founded in 1908 at Howard University, AKA was established in order to provide social and intellectual enrichment through member interactions.

Throughout the years, AKA's purpose has expanded as it strives to promote high scholastics and ethical standards, vocational and career guidance, health services and the advancement of human and civil rights. Led by national Basileus, Norma S. White, Alpha Kappa Alpha focuses on five national targets including: education, health, the black family, economics, and the arts. Most importantly the women of AKA seek to make a difference in our communities and to be of supreme service to all of mankind.

* When you look at AKA's distinguished membership it is easy to see its impact on America. Amongst these women are: Coretta Scott King, Rosa Parks, Maya Angelou, Toni Morrison, Ella Fitzgerald, and Dr. Mae Jemison--just to name a few.

* The impact of black fraternal, social and civic organization is truly immeasurable. They have brought together and inspired the leaders that have made America what it is today.

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