LANSING — On Wednesday, state Rep. Leslie Love (D-Detroit) introduced, and the House adopted, House Resolution 158 declaring Sept. 27, 2017, as Alpha Kappa Alpha Day in the state of Michigan. She was joined on the House floor by Toni Kendrick, the Great Lakes regional director of AKA; Dr. Eva L. Evans, past international president of AKA; and former state Rep. Maureen Stapleton.
“I was proud to be joined by members of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority this week as we recognized the countless contributions that these members have made to our society,” Love said. “The sorority had its humble beginnings more than 100 years ago as the vision of nine college students, and over the years, it has flourished into a globally impactful organization of more than 290,000 college-trained members. This organization could not be more deserving of this honor.”
Founded in 1908 at Howard University in Washington, D.C., Alpha Kappa Alpha Inc. is the oldest Greek-lettered organization to have been established by African-American college-educated women. Since then, it has expanded its national and global presence, with chapters scattered throughout the U.S. and members worldwide engaging in advocacy and service projects to improve socioeconomic, racial, political and environmental conditions. The sorority has chapters in nearly all 83 counties in Michigan.
“Over the years, Alpha Kappa Alpha has cultivated and encouraged high scholastic and ethical standards, and has worked to promote unity and friendship among college women,” Love said. “Many college women credit the sorority with having a lasting impact on the trajectory of their lives, encouraging them to study and work to alleviate problems concerning girls and woman so as to improve their social stature. I am humbled and grateful for the opportunity to recognize their significant achievements and contributions in the state House this week.”
Chapters across the country embarked on the “Launching New Dimensions of Service” program to execute service programs addressing community needs, and chapters in Michigan are eager to address problems facing Michigan.
“Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. is dedicated to being the voice for those that are most in need in communities around the country,” Kendrick said. “Over 100 members from around the state of Michigan spent the day adding our support to strengthening human trafficking laws in Michigan.”