House Concurrent Resolution 86

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE MEMBERS OF THE POISED PEARLS OF LAUREL INTEREST GROUP UPON THE MOST AUSPICIOUS OCCASION OF BECOMING A CHARTERED GRADUATE CHAPTER OF ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA SORORITY, INC., ON MAY 7, 2022.

WHEREAS, the ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., within the State of Mississippi whose focus and intent have made a substantial impact on the City of Laurel, as well as, in and throughout the Jones, Jasper, Covington and Smith Counties service area, are proud to announce the official chartering of a graduate chapter of the sorority by the Poised Pearls of Laurel Interest Group; and

WHEREAS, the Poised Pearls of Laurel Interest Group, in keeping with the mission, aims and principle tenets of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., has provided programming which promotes community, civic and governmental engagement, health, education, financial literacy and international diplomacy, through five instrumental targets, including: HBCU for Life: A Call to Action; Women's Healthcare and Wellness; Building Your Economic Legacy; the Arts; and Global Impact; and

WHEREAS, the Poised Pearls of Laurel Interest Group of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., which consists of 31 active general members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., will be historically acknowledged as the charter members of the graduate chapter, slated for official investiture on Saturday, May 7, 2022; and

WHEREAS, founded on January 15, 1908, upon the campus of Howard University, a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) located in Washington, D.C., by Ethel Hedgemon and eight like-minded friends, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., was created as a support network for the women to benefit not only themselves, but others through their talents and strengths; and

WHEREAS, from the original group of Ivies, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and its ivy vine have grown into a force of more than 290,000 collegiate members and alumnae, constituting over 1,007 chapters in 42 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Bahamas, Germany, Liberia, South Korea, Japan, Canada, South Africa and the Middle East; and

WHEREAS, for more than a century, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., has remained true to its mission: to cultivate and encourage high scholastic and ethical standards, promote unity and friendship among college women, study and help alleviate problems concerning girls and women in order to improve their social stature, maintain a progressive interest in college life, and above all be of service to all mankind; and

WHEREAS, the Poised Pearls of Laurel was birthed through the vison of Sonya Varnell to charter a chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., in the area of Laurel, Jones County, and she, along with eight fellow Alpha Kappa Alpha sorors, on Thursday, December 11, 2014, met at the home of Sonya McSwain to begin the planning of a chapter, which was initially named the S.T.A.R.S of Laurel; and

WHEREAS, as the name of the chapter would later change to the Poised Pearls of Laurel, additional inclusion and services were provided to Jones, Jasper, Covington, Smith and Wayne Counties, focusing on the mission of "providing Progressive, Inspiring, and Empowering (P.I.E.) programs and outreach"; and

WHEREAS, through the progressive and forward-thinking aim regarding education, economic security, health care and poverty, the Poised Pearls of Laurel sought to inspire young girls and women by serving as mentors and role models in leadership and womanhood, and empowering the community to take control of their destiny by encouraging skill-building and producing relevant programs; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to recognize and commend the works, efforts and contributions of such an historical organization as Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and the individual members who strive to exemplify the infallible meaning of its creed, as demonstrated by the Poised Pearls of Laurel, whose unmitigated dedication to excellence brings honor to the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the members of the Poised Pearls of Laurel Interest Group of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., on the occasion of its official chartering of a graduate chapter on May 7, 2022, and express heartiest wishes for continued growth, prosperity and success in all of their collective and individual future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the Poised Pearls of Laurel Interest Group of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.