SR-153, As Adopted by Senate, February 28, 2008

            Senators Clark-Coleman, Whitmer, Clarke, Basham, Barcia, Gleason, Switalski, Jacobs, Anderson, Brater, Scott, Hunter, Olshove, Cherry, Thomas, Schauer and Hardiman offered the following resolution:

            Senate Resolution No. 153.

            A resolution honoring the Centennial Anniversary of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

            Whereas, Nine students from Howard University in Washington, D.C., led by Ethel Hedgeman Lyle, met in 1908 to form an association of women students through which their talents and strengths would be organized for the mutual benefit of all; and

            Whereas, On January 15, 1908, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., became the world's first Greek-letter organization established by African-American women; and

            Whereas, This year marks the 100th anniversary of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.; and

            Whereas, Throughout its history, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., has established programs and activities in response to changes in African-American communities and the world. They have tackled issues such as education inequities, disparate health care, civil rights, foreign affairs, and numerous social action issues; and

            Whereas, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., has over 200,000 members and more than 900 chapters located throughout the United States, West Africa, the Bahamas, the Virgin Islands, Japan, Korea, and Germany. Nearly 30 of these chapters are located in communities and on college and university campuses in the great state of Michigan; and

            Whereas, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., 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, Inc., members in the state can count among their achievements 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 by the Senate, That we honor and express sincere appreciation of Great Lakes Regional Director Schylbea J. Hopkins and the members of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., for their commitment to service 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, Inc., and the Great Lakes Regional Director's office.