SR0169 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0169 LRB103 31691 LAW 60222 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® was founded on January 15, 1908, 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 Illinois Congressman and human rights activist Martin B. Madden as the speaker; and

WHEREAS, Through the years, establishing headquarters in Chicago since 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 conditions; 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 43 Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. chapters, 15 of which are located on college and university campuses and 28 active alumnae chapters are located in communities throughout the State; and

WHEREAS, The Central Region is home to 95 empowered and engaged chapters, serving Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Minnesota, Southeastern Missouri, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin; and

WHEREAS, Currently, one member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. is serving in the Illinois Legislature, Senator Mattie Hunter; and

WHEREAS, Currently, one member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. is serving on the Illinois Executive Branch, 48th Lieutenant Governor Julianna Stratton; and

WHEREAS, On May 10, 2023, Illinois members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. will participate in "AKA Day at the Illinois State Capital"; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we declare May 10, 2023 as Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® Day in the State of Illinois; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be presented to the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Nu Omicron Omega Chapter and Tau Chi Chapters in recognition of all Illinois chapters.