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WHEREAS, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® (AKA), established on Wednesday, January 15, in 1908 at Howard University in Miner Hall, holds the distinction of being the oldest Greek-lettered organization founded by African American college-educated women; and,
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WHEREAS, with a remarkable membership of over 365,000 women across 12 countries, AKA is celebrated as “America’s premier Greek-letter organization for African American women,” fostering leadership, service, and sisterhood within communities worldwide; and,
WHEREAS, The Alpha Alpha Omega Chapter of AKA, chartered in April 1927, has proudly served the Greater Pittsburgh area for nearly a century, demonstrating a commitment to excellence through various community initiatives, mentorship programs, and partnerships with local organizations, including Pittsburgh Public Schools, UPMC Magee, and the Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank; and,
WHEREAS, Gwendolyn L. Kirtley, Great Lakes Regional Director, leads the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® 94th Great Lakes Regional Conference, Greater Together: An Artful Tapestry of Service and Sisterhood in Pittsburgh, at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, from April 24-27, 2025, gathering over 7,000 members from 99 chapters, celebrating 100 years of impactful service within the Great Lakes Region; and,
WHEREAS, this momentous conference serves as a unique opportunity for personal and professional development for its participants, reinforcing the mission of AKA in cultivating a spirit of community engagement, leadership, and empowerment among its members; and,
WHEREAS, Danette Anthony Reed, the International President & CEO of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®, exemplifies exemplary leadership and dedication to the sorority’s foundational tenets, inspiring members to promote high scholastic and ethical standards, friendship, and service to humanity; and,
WHEREAS, the commitment of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® to initiatives that empower families, build economic wealth, enhance the environment, advocate for social justice, and uplift the local community resonates deeply with the values of the City of Pittsburgh;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby declare Thursday, April 24, 2025 to be “Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® Day” in the City of Pittsburgh.