Kirk Watson: “Today, Madam Speaker, January 15, 2008, is an auspicious day for Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, as it…”

“Today, Madam Speaker, January 15, 2008, is an auspicious day for Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, as it celebrates its 100th birthday anniversary. Founded in 1908 on the campus of Howard University in Washington, D.C., Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority is the first Greek-letter organization founded by African American college women. Alpha Kappa Alpha is a sisterhood of women who have consciously chosen to improve the socioeconomic conditions in their city, State, Nation, and the world. Its history tells a story of changing patterns of human relations in America in the 20th century. The small group who organized the sorority was just one generation removed from slavery. The sorority has directed its efforts toward improving the quality of life for all mankind while living the sorority motto: by culture and by merit. I am proud to count myself as a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority; and throughout the years I have witnessed firsthand how the power, vision, and commitment of our founders and members have inspired AKA to endure and prosper through 10 decades.”