2023 House Resolution 15

Whereas, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated was founded on the campus of Howard University on January 15, 1908, by nine junior and senior students, under the leadership of Ethel Hedgeman Lyle and Lavinia Norman, Margaret Flagg, Lucy Slowe, Marie Woolfolk, Beulah Burke, Lillie Burke, Anna Easter Brown, and Marjorie Hill, who, collectively, sought to form an association of women students through which their talents and strengths would be organized for the mutual benefit of all. This group later expanded to include seven sophomores (Joanna Berry, Norma Boyd, Ethel Jones, Sara Merriweather, Alice Murray, Carrie Snowden, and Harriet Terry) who were asked to join to ensure the continuity of the sorority; and

Whereas, This year marks the 115th anniversary of its founding, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, has its place in history as the world’s first and oldest Greek-letter organization established by African-American college-educated women; and

Whereas, Throughout its history, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, has led conversations, advocacy, and actions to address needs in African-American communities related to education inequities, disparate health care, civil rights, economic empowerment, job training, and numerous social justice issues; and

Whereas, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, has over 325,000 members and more than 1,000 chapters located throughout the United States, West Africa, the Bahamas, the Virgin Islands, Japan, Korea, and Germany. Over 30 of these chapters are in communities and on college and university campuses in the great state of Michigan; and

Whereas, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, members in the state have made numerous contributions to the educational, civic, and well-being of Michigan’s citizens and communities through its work on issues including economic development, community development, at-risk youth, homelessness, domestic violence, breast cancer awareness, education, personal money management, and entrepreneurship; and

Whereas, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, members in the state can count among their achievement’s successful collaborations with organizations such as the Salvation Army, Boys and Girls Clubs, rescue missions, American Cancer Society, Susan G. Komen Foundation, Meals on Wheels, numerous food banks, and shelters; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the members of this legislative body declare January 15, 2023, as Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Founders’ Day in the state of Michigan; and be it further;

Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the national headquarters for Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, and its Great Lakes Regional Director’s office.