Honoring Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.®, on reaching the historic milestone of 117 years of serving communities.

Bill Number

H.Res. 45

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Education

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-01-15: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.

Last Updated

2025-07-21T19:44:15Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This House Resolution (H. Res. 45) aims to honor Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., on its 117th anniversary by recognizing its historical contributions to community service, education, and advocacy for women and girls.

Key Provisions

• Founding and History: The resolution details that the sorority was founded on January 15, 1908, at Howard University in Washington, DC, by nine women: Ethel Hedgemon, Anna Easter Brown, Beulah Elizabeth Burke, Lillie E. Burke, Marjorie Hill, Margaret Flagg, Lavinia Norman, Lucy Diggs Slowe, and Marie Woolfolk. It was incorporated on January 29, 1913.
• Core Tenets: Established on five principles: promoting high scholastic and ethical standards; fostering unity and friendship among college women; addressing problems faced by girls and women to improve their social status; encouraging interest in college life; and providing "Service to All Mankind."
• Growth and Reach: Now includes over 1,075 chapters worldwide, more than 120,000 active members, and has initiated over 365,000 members.
• Service Programs: Focuses on enhancing well-being in local, national, and international communities through the 2022-2026 theme "Soaring to Greater Heights of Service & Sisterhood," which includes six initiatives:
• Strengthen Our Sisterhood.
• Empower Our Families.
• Build Our Economic Wealth.
• Enhance Our Environment.
• Advocate for Social Justice.
• Uplift Our Local Community.
• Notable Members: Highlights Vice President Kamala D. Harris as a proud member, noting her as the first woman in that office.
• Resolution Action: The House of Representatives congratulates and commends the sorority for 117 years of service.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

None. This is a non-binding resolution expressing congressional recognition and does not amend or create any laws.

Potential Impacts

• On Citizens: Provides symbolic affirmation of the sorority's community service efforts, potentially inspiring greater public awareness and participation in similar initiatives focused on education, social justice, and economic empowerment, especially for women and underserved communities.
• On Government Agencies: Minimal direct impact, but may encourage federal support for related programs in education and workforce development through the Committee on Education and the Workforce, to which the resolution was referred.
• On International Relations: Indirectly positive, as the sorority's international chapters promote U.S.-based values of service and advocacy abroad, fostering goodwill through global community programs.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Primary: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and its over 120,000 members worldwide, who receive formal congressional recognition.
• Secondary: Members of Congress (introduced by Representatives like Ms. Adams and others), historically Black colleges and universities (e.g., Howard University), and communities served by the sorority's initiatives in social justice, environment, and economic development.
• Broader: Women and girls, particularly in minority communities, who benefit from the sorority's advocacy and service programs.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal/Constitutional: No enforceable legal effects; as a simple resolution, it falls under Congress's constitutional power to express opinions without requiring presidential approval or binding action.
• Political: Demonstrates bipartisan and diverse congressional support (introduced by a multi-racial, multi-state group of representatives), highlighting the sorority's role in civil rights and public service. It also politically elevates the legacy of Vice President Harris and underscores the influence of historically Black Greek-letter organizations in U.S. politics and society.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Adams, Alma S. [D-NC-12]

Cosponsors (16)

Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC], Rep. Wilson, Frederica S. [D-FL-24], Rep. Williams, Nikema [D-GA-5], Rep. Carter, Troy A. [D-LA-2], Rep. Kamlager-Dove, Sydney [D-CA-37], Rep. McClellan, Jennifer L. [D-VA-4], Rep. Kelly, Robin L. [D-IL-2], Rep. Sykes, Emilia Strong [D-OH-13], Rep. Thompson, Bennie G. [D-MS-2], Rep. Green, Al [D-TX-9], Rep. Johnson, Henry C. "Hank" [D-GA-4], Rep. Jackson, Jonathan L. [D-IL-1], Rep. Underwood, Lauren [D-IL-14], Rep. Lee, Summer L. [D-PA-12], Rep. Bynum, Janelle [D-OR-5], Rep. Watson Coleman, Bonnie [D-NJ-12]

Recent Actions

• 2025-01-15: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
• 2025-01-15: Submitted in House
• 2025-01-15: Submitted in House

Bill Versions

• Honoring Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.®, on reaching the historic milestone of 117 years of serving communities. — issued 2025-01-15 — PDF (3 pages)