SR0734 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0734 LRB104 21602 LAW 37061 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, On January 15, 1908, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated was founded by Ethel Hedgemon Lyle and eight other collegiate women with the mission to cultivate and encourage high scholastic and ethical standards, 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, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated has a rich history of social action; in 1915, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated hosted its first political action conference with human rights activist and Illinois Congressman Martin B. Madden as the speaker, marking its commitment to progress through advocacy, education, social progress, and political engagement; and

WHEREAS, Soaring to greater heights of service and sisterhood, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated established its headquarters on the South Side of Chicago in 1949, becoming more complex, while expanding to mobilize over 390,000 initiated members in 1,120 chapters in 50 U.S. states and territories and 15 nations, focusing on advocacy and service projects aimed at improving socioeconomic, racial, political, and environmental issues, further amplifying its influence; and

WHEREAS, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated's diverse collaborative work throughout the United States and including, but not limited to, the Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada, 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, Incorporated's annual advocacy day event is an opportunity for its members to meet and discuss proposed legislation with Illinois lawmakers, engage in educational workshops concentrated on the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus four key pillars of Illinois government, and explore ways to enhance civic engagement; and

WHEREAS, Illinois is home to 50 Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated chapters, of which 18 are located on college and university campuses and 32 are alumnae chapters located in communities throughout the State; and

WHEREAS, The Illinois chapters of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated along with chapters located throughout Indiana, Kentucky, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, and St. Louis and Cape Girardeau, Missouri are designated as the sorority's Central Region, and this region is home to 94 empowered and engaged chapters focused on advocacy and service; and

WHEREAS, On May 6, 2026, Illinois members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated will participate in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated Day at the Illinois State Capitol; and

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

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we declare May 6, 2026 as Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated Day in the State of Illinois.