MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2010 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Representatives Coleman (65th), Buck (72nd), Clarke, Cockerham, Perkins, Thomas
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING AND COMMENDING THE SOUTHEASTERN REGION OF ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA SORORITY, INCORPORATED, FOR THE EXECUTION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE 78TH SOUTHEASTERN REGIONAL CONFERENCE.
WHEREAS, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, was founded at Howard University in Washington, D.C., in 1908, by 16 members, with Ethel Hedgeman Lyle as the visionary; and
WHEREAS, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority grew from one undergraduate group of 16 members to an international organization with more than 250,000 members in over 950 chapters throughout the United States and across six countries; and
WHEREAS, the International President of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Dr. Barbara A. McKinzie implements the legacy of service through her platform of "Economics, Service and Partnerships" (ESP), which places emphasis on the nontraditional woman entrepreneur, encourages partnerships to educate local communities about the economic keys to success, recognizes and utilizes strategies for assisting young African-American males to overcome the formidable challenges to their educational development and well-being through activities that enable support and provide access for the economic growth of the African-American family and features the undergraduate signature program, "Economic Education Advancement through Technology and Health Resource Management" to address the many health issues and crises that face the African-American community in the United States and globally; and
WHEREAS, the Southeastern Region is led by the sorority's regional director, Dr. Juanita Sims Doty, a resident of Jackson, Mississippi, who has served the region with distinction for the past four years; and
WHEREAS, under Dr. Doty's successful administration, the Southeastern Region has contributed more than $400,000.00 to historically black colleges and universities; participated in building a Habitat for Humanity home for the Willis Family, the family adopted by the Southeastern Region during Hurricane Katrina; and mentored children and assisted parents with career opportunities; and
WHEREAS, the Southeastern Region consists of more than 11% of the total membership of the sorority that includes the states of Mississippi, Alabama and Tennessee and maintains an active membership of approximately 27,000 persons; and
WHEREAS, the Southeastern Regional Conference of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority convenes in Jackson, Mississippi, March 11-14, 2010, starting with the "Advocacy and Community Service Day" on March 11, 2010, that will begin with the legislative prayer breakfast promoting the theme "Embracing, Securing and Protecting Our Children's Health and Community"; and
WHEREAS, after the legislative prayer breakfast, in partnership with the National Institutes of Health, the conference will hold a health fair at the Jackson Medical Mall Foundation; and
WHEREAS, the 2010 regional conference is being held in the final year of the regional director's administration, and Dr. Doty proudly convenes this conference in record numbers in her home state to celebrate the rich legacy and heritage of Mississippi; and
WHEREAS, the 2,300 members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority expected in Jackson will continue to advocate that state legislators pursue progressive policies having an impact on the quality of life for our citizens of the state, such as the preservation of the historically black colleges and universities and the promotion and participation of United States Census 2010; and
WHEREAS, members of the Southeastern Region will conduct business sessions and attend workshops to further the mission of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, and the very presence of these distinguished women will stimulate the economy of the State Capital City of Jackson, Mississippi; and
WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to recognize and commend the works, efforts and contributions of such an exemplary organization as Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, and especially its Southeastern Region, which strives through the fulfillment of its mission's statement, "To be of service to all mankind":
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby recognize and commend the Regional Director of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Dr. Juanita Sims Doty, and members of the Southeastern Region on the execution and implementation of the 78th Southeastern Regional Conference.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Dr. Juanita Sims Doty, Dr. Barbara A. McKinzie and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.