MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2019 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) Witherspoon, Horhn, Barnett, Blount, Dearing, Frazier, Hopson, Jackson (11th), Jackson (32nd), Norwood, Simmons (12th), Simmons (13th)

Senate Resolution 5

(As Adopted by Senate)

A RESOLUTION CONGRATULATING ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA SORORITY, INC., ON THE OCCASION OF ITS POLICY IMPACT "2019 AKA DAY AT THE MISSISSIPPI STATE CAPITOL" TO MOBILIZE THE IVY FOR CIVIL RIGHTS AND SOCIAL JUSTICE WITH SPECIAL EMPHASIS ON VOTER EMPOWERMENT.

     WHEREAS, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, the first Greek-letter Sorority for college-educated African-American women, has grown from nine women in one undergraduate chapter in 1908 to a dynamic international nonprofit, nonpartisan organization of more than 300,000 members in over one thousand chapters throughout the United States and 55 nations, with more than 30 active chapters within the State of Mississippi; and

     WHEREAS, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., was founded on the campus of Howard University in Washington, D.C., more than 111 years ago, by nine visionary women under the leadership of Ethel Hedgeman Lyle; and

     WHEREAS, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., is an indomitable force for good in their communities, state, nation and the world, that transcends cultures and diplomatic borders, dedicated to transforming lives and positively impacting communities through established international programs that are innovative, socially relevant and measurable; and

     WHEREAS, Glenda Baskin Glover serves as the 30th International President of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, and Mitzi Dease Paige serves as the 26th South Eastern Regional Director; and

     WHEREAS, the South Eastern Region of Alpha Kappa Alpha consists of more than 8,000 members in 107 chapters with more than 30 of those chapters being located in Mississippi, where these chapters work independently and collectively to embrace and implement the International Program Initiatives under the 2018-2022 umbrella "Exemplifying Excellence through Sustainable Service" which includes HBCU for Life:  A Call to Action; Women's Healthcare and Wellness; Building Your Economic Legacy; the Arts; Global Impact; and a signature program #CAP, the College Admissions Process, to improve the lives of individuals and positively impact the future of this great state, this nation and the world; and

     WHEREAS, each chapter member's efforts in supporting the service programs contribute to the proud history and success of Alpha Kappa Alpha, as service is the hallmark and signature of Alpha Kappa Alpha; and

     WHEREAS, there are six Alpha Kappa Alpha women who serve as members of the Mississippi Legislature which include: Representatives Sonya Williams-Barnes, Alyce G. Clarke, Angela Cockerham, Debra H. Gibbs and LaTaisha Jackson; and Senator Tammy Witherspoon, who along with other members of the Legislature discuss, with those attending the event, the status of legislation relating to the public policy agenda and the program initiatives of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.; and

     WHEREAS, on February 7, 2019, more than 100 members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., answered the call to convene in Jackson, Mississippi, to attend the "2019 Alpha Kappa Alpha AKA Day at the Mississippi State Capitol," to receive a legislative update, promote advocacy and take action as part of their commitment to civil rights, social justice, political awareness, voter empowerment and commitment to statewide civic engagement; and

     WHEREAS, because "AKA Day at the Capitol" is a national political awareness initiative for the sorority to promote its public policy agenda, thousands of members of this extraordinary sorority travel to visit with state lawmakers around the country; and

     WHEREAS, it is the policy of the Senate to acknowledge the contributions of such organizations as Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., where its members devote their talents, time and energy in excess of two million hours of community service advancing effective initiatives fostering a better and equal quality of life for all individuals, especially the individuals of the great State of Mississippi:

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commemorate Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., on the observance of the 2019 "Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Day at the Capitol," for their outstanding service to the community under the program initiative, "Exemplifying Excellence through Sustainable Service," in an effort to engage, enlighten and energize communities.

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to committee representatives of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Mississippi chapters and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.