SPONSOR:	Sen. Henry

DELAWARE STATE SENATE

148th GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 14

RECOGNIZING MARCH 24, 2016 AS ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA SORORITY or "AKA DAY AT THE CAPITOL" IN DELAWARE.

WHEREAS, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, is 108 years young and was founded on the campus of Howard University in Washington, D.C., and has been in relentless existence since January 15, 1908; and

WHEREAS, Ethel Hedgeman Lyle, Anna Easter Brown, Beulah Burke, Lillian Burke, Marjorie Hill, Margaret Flagg Holmes, Lavinia Norman, Lucy Diggs Slowe and Marie Woolfolk Taylor, established the first Greek-lettered organization established by and for African American, college-educated women; and

WHEREAS, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated consists of 260,000 members globally, with record breaking service community service to all mankind, totaling over one million hours, particularly in the African-American neighborhoods; and

WHEREAS, Epsilon Iota Omega, Sigma Zeta Omega, Zeta Omega, Delta Lambda and Tau Omicron Chapters of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated’s influence and civic contributions have brought about economic security, environmental sustainability and addressed issues of global poverty, social justice and spiritual change throughout Delaware, as well as nationally and internationally; and

WHEREAS, Epsilon Iota Omega, Sigma Zeta Omega, Zeta Omega, Delta Lambda and Tau Omicron Chapters of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated and its members have been actively involved in our local communities through spearheading Emerging Young Leaders, AKAette and Debutante programs for middle and high school girls; partnering with local restaurants to raise funds for Heifer International, sponsoring shoe drives for the needy; collaborating with local churches to host Voter’s Registration Drives; advocating health care initiatives; writing letters to support Anti-Bullying laws; and many other community focused contributions; and

WHEREAS, for the thirteenth consecutive year the members of Delaware’s Tri-Chapters of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Zeta Omega Chapter, serving Wilmington and New Castle County Counties, Epsilon Iota Omega Chapter, serving Kent County & Sussex County and Sigma Zeta Omega Chapter serving Newark, have provided consistent guidance in advocacy to the Delaware General Assembly; and

WHEREAS, today, more than ever their thoughts and interest are important to help improve, strengthen and ensure that responsible legislation and public policy is enacted to govern the great state of Delaware; and

WHEREAS, their 2016 Theme of “Education, Past and Present” is timely and most appropriate as we struggle nationally and locally to ensure there are educational opportunities available for all students, regardless of race or socio-economic status.

WHEREAS, this year, at the direction of their national leadership, they have been called to implement the A.S.C.E.N.D (Achievement, Self-Awareness, Communication, Engagement, Networking and Developmental Skills) program;

WHEREAS, A.S.C.E.N.D. is a youth enrichment program designed for high school students to motivate, engage and assist them in reaching their maximum potential; and

WHEREAS, through this very important program, students will have the opportunity to receive academic, life skills and vocational employment training to support their journey beyond high school; and

WHEREAS, through their committed talent and resources, the Tri-State Chapters of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Sorority, Incorporated have undoubtedly provided advocacy and service to all mankind;

NOW, THEREFORE:

BE IT RESOLVED by Senate of the 148^th General Assembly of the State of Delaware, that March 24, 2016, shall be “AKA Day at the Capitol” in Delaware.