SJ0055 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SJ0055 LRB103 39962 ECR 71116 r

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, On January 15, 1908, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated was founded with the mission to promote unity and friendship among college women, to study and help alleviate problems concerning girls and women in order to improve their social stature, to maintain a progressive interest in college life, and to be of "Service to All Mankind"; and

WHEREAS, In 1915, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. hosted its first political action conference with human rights activist and Illinois Congressman Martin B. Madden as the speaker; and

WHEREAS, Since establishing its headquarters in Chicago in 1949, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.'s function has become more complex, expanding to mobilize members worldwide for advocacy and service projects to improve socioeconomic, racial, political, and environmental issues; and

WHEREAS, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.'s diverse collaborative work throughout the United States, the Caribbean, Europe, Africa, and the United Arab Emirates integrates an elevated level of personal engagement with the strong bonds of sisterhood and a productive network of community partners; and

WHEREAS, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.'s annual event is an opportunity for members to speak with local lawmakers, engage in workshops, and advocate for critical issues such as Black maternal health, education, and suicide prevention; and

WHEREAS, Illinois is home to 44 Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. chapters, of which 16 are active chapters located on college and university campuses and 28 are active alumnae chapters located in communities throughout the State; and

WHEREAS, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.'s Illinois chapters, along with chapters located throughout Indiana, Kentucky, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin, are designated as the sorority's Central Region, and this region is home to 96 empowered and engaged chapters focused on advocacy and service; and

WHEREAS, Presently, a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. serves in each chamber of the Illinois General Assembly, including Senator Mattie Hunter and Representative Kim du Buclet; and

WHEREAS, Notably, 48th Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton, who serves in the State's executive branch, is also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.; and

WHEREAS, On May 1, 2024, Illinois members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. will participate in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated Day at the Illinois State Capital; and

WHEREAS, The Illinois delegation of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. will be joined by the Illinois delegation of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. for Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated Day at the Illinois State Capitol in a collective effort to advance the priorities of the respective communities they serve; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING HEREIN, that we declare May 1, 2024 as Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated Day in the State of Illinois.