HR1583 95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1583 LRB095 22842 KXB 53278 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, In 1968, the change and movement in housing patterns in the Chicago area brought together a group of women who shared common interests and goals; they saw the need for community service programs and joined together to establish Theta Rho Omega, the first south suburban chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated; and

WHEREAS, Emma J. Bakman, Dorothy J. Bradford, LaRuth Colbert, Helene Davis, Josephine S. Franklin, Barbara Geaither, Renee Green, Lita Holmes, Linda Johnson, Joyce Marvel, Winta Massey, Christine Poquinette, Effie Roe, Rebecca Ross, Nellie Scott, Marie Smith, and Amerike Warren were those early trailblazers; Theta Rho Omega charter members planted a seed that would blossom and flourish over time; early programs included tutoring, scholarship awards, Sickle Cell Anemia drives, "Meet the Candidate" forums, and activities focusing on women's health issues such as cancer, nutrition, blood pressure control, Toxic Shock Syndrome, and weight control; and

WHEREAS, Theta Rho Omega's tutoring program, entitled the IVY AKAdemy, offered academic support for scores of young people at the Anderson Oglesby Public Library in Markham, and continued at the Grand Prairie Public Library in Hazel Crest; in later years, the tutoring program expanded to include a partnership with the Hickory Elementary School in University Park; and

WHEREAS, As the national programs of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated were enhanced, Theta Rho Omega responded; the chapter initiated programs to support area nursing homes, senior citizen residences, and children's hospitals; Theta Rho Omega collaborated with other organizations to sponsor a variety of programs to serve the needs of the Black family and the community, including Back-to-School Festivals, the Cook County Sheriff's Buckle-Up Project, and Collaborative Breast Cancer Forums; chapter members also participated in Walk-a-thons to benefit the March of Dimes, United Negro College Fund, and Y-Me; and

WHEREAS, Alpha Kappa Alpha's current international focus on economic development has led Theta Rho Omega to implement new programs of service such as the Financial Literacy Program for Turner Elementary School in Robbins, and the Economic Keys to Success, with an emphasis on young Black males, in the south suburbs; and

WHEREAS, For the past ten years, the Vision Quest Awards program has served as the major fundraiser for the organization; during the event, outstanding business and community leaders who have impacted youth and adults in a specific target area are recognized along with scholarship recipient; the chapter's signature event generates thousands of scholarship dollars for deserving high school graduates; since its chartering, Theta Rho Omega has awarded more than $150,000 in scholarships; and

WHEREAS, The seed planted 40 years ago has blossomed to impact in a significant way on the south suburban community; the women of Theta Rho Omega Chapter recognize that to receive is a blessing, to be of service is a responsibility; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FIFTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate the women of Theta Rho Omega on this momentous occasion and wish them the best in their future endeavors; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to a representative of Theta Rho Omega as a symbol of our respect.