Honoring the Centennial Celebration of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and Declaring May 22, 2008 as "Alpha Kappa Alpha Day" in the City of Philadelphia.

WHEREAS, The City Council of Philadelphia is pleased to honor the Centennial Celebration of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.; and

WHEREAS, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. is the oldest Greek-letter organization established in America by African-American women. It was founded in 1908 by nine students led by Ethel Hedgeman Lyle at Howard University in Washington DC, and now counts over 200,000 members in the United States, the Caribbean, Europe, and Africa; and

WHEREAS, Alpha Kappa Alpha is a union of thousands of college-trained women who are bound by a powerful mystique. It is a real and moving factor in the lives of students at more than four hundred institutions of higher learning. It is one of the most solvent corporations in the world today that is controlled by African-American women; and

WHEREAS, Alpha Kappa Alpha is an effective channel for meaningful efforts and rewarding activities and fosters constructive relationships. Through its theme, “Economics, Sisterhood and Partnerships”, the sorority is a recognized force for social action and a strong ally in the continuing struggle for civil and human rights; and

WHEREAS, As Alpha Kappa Alpha has grown, it has kept in balance two very important themes: the importance of the individual and the strength of an organization of women of courage and ability; and

WHEREAS, The local Graduate and Undergraduate chapters work dutifully to provide on going service to community in the areas of political awareness and education, economic literacy and financial stability, support of the Black Family especially the African American male, health related issues, technology and education. It is fitting that the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority celebrates its 100th year of service to mankind in Washington, D.C., a City rich with history

;

now therefore

RESOLVED, That the City Council of Philadelphia declares and recognizes May 22, 2008 as “Alpha Kappa Alpha Day” in the City of Philadelphia to recognize the Centennial Celebration of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That three Engrossed copies of this resolution be presented to the representatives of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated as evidence of the sincere sentiment of this legislative body.

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