Honor Sorority’s 10th Anniversary

Senate Resolution No. 369 BY: Senator MONTGOMERY COMMEMORATING the 10th Anniversary of Psi Lambda Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated on February 9, 2019 WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and pay tribute to organizations of true purpose and worthy accomplishment which are dedicated to serving their community and to celebrating and preserving their rich ethnic heritage; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commemorate the 10th Anniversary of Psi Lambda Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated to be celebrated at a Masquerade Gala honoring its founding members on Saturday, February 9, 2019, at Dyker Beach Golf Course in Brooklyn, New York; and WHEREAS, On January 15, 1908, nine friends founded Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) Sorority, Incorporated at Howard University, a historically black university located in Washington, D.C.; since then, AKA Sorority has grown into a force of more than 290,000 collegiate members and alumnae, constituting 1,007 chapters in 42 states, the District of Columbia, the US Virgin Islands, the Bahamas, Germany, Liberia, South Korea, Japan, Canada, South Africa, and the Middle East; and WHEREAS, For more than a century, AKA Sorority has remained true to its mission comprised of five basic tenets: to cultivate and encourage high scholastic and ethical standards, promote unity and friendship among college women, study and help alleviate problems concerning girls and women in order to improve their social stature, maintain a progressive interest in college life, and above all, be of Service to All Mankind; and WHEREAS, On February 7, 2009, Psi Lambda Omega Chapter of AKA Sorority was chartered by 39 women who truly believed in the original concepts developed by nine visionary women more than 100 years ago; and WHEREAS, The 39 founding members of the Psi Lambda Omega Chapter include: Phyllis Yvonne Atwater, Clementine Bettis, Michele V. Charles, Omotayo Cole-Cineus, Thomasena Ellison Clarke, MD, Violet Leigh Coleman, Yolande Dempster, Avis Daisy Ellison, Dayatra Emmanuel, Valerie Felix, Mildred Hall Frederick, Eli Gasinu, Ajuba Granville, Janel Gross, Conair Guillames, MD, Stephanie L. Gumbs-Bennett, Chanel Sherese Haliburton, Donna Harris-Bowman, Sonja I.J. Harris, Chanel Louise-Hill, Linda Huff, Marsha V. Jackson, Lynetta Lipsey-Hughes, Claudia Luma, Letricia McCleary, Leslie A. Hayes, MD, Sunni Middleton, Joyce Solomon Moorman, Ruby Tangie Murray, Greta P. Adams Nelson, Carolyn Gross-Norris, DDS, Jocelynn Rainey, Ph.D., Edwisimone Rodriguez-Dorestant, Ph.D., Claudia Shrader, Ph.D., Eunice M. Morrison-Skinner, DST, Ethel Marguerite Thompson, Joyce Tyson Coates, Carol D. Wilkinson and Peggy Wyns-Madison; and WHEREAS, Today, Psi Lambda Omega Chapter of AKA Sorority continues to serve its community through the 2018-2022 International Program's theme, "Exemplifying Excellence Through Sustainable Service," which strives to advance the mission of the Sorority by promoting, marketing and supporting historically black colleges and universities; raising awareness of critical health issues affecting African-American women; financial planning, asset accumulation and wealth building; exposing students to the arts with an emphasis on saluting the Harlem Renaissance and the Black Arts Movement; and engaging in programming designed to enhance its global partnerships with Soles4Souls, Lions Club International and organizations that assist refugees and their families integrate into American life; and WHEREAS, Using these five tenets the Psi Lambda Omega Chapter is dedicated to positively impacting the Brooklyn community through programs such as Youth Health Summits, Social Justice and Human Rights programs, International Women's Day forums, Back to School Jamborees, Back Pack Give-away, Baby Hugs Blanket program, ASCEND, The Longest Day, and Alzheimer's Support Activity; and WHEREAS, Through their Signature Program CAP, chapter members collaborate with local schools and assist students as they seek admission to college by researching the various institutions, preparing for the ACT and SAT entrance exams, and identifying available scholarships and other financial aid programs; they also provide scholarships through the Phyllis Atwater Scholarship and Educational Advancement Foundation - Avis D. Ellison Fellowship Award; and WHEREAS. Under the luminous leadership of President Leslie A. Hayes, the Brooklyn Psi Lambda Omegas of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, in keeping with this fine tradition, continue to work to develop leaders and to promote sisterhood and academic excellence while providing service and advocacy for their community; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when organizations of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our attention, they should be recognized and celebrated by all the citizens of the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commemorate the 10th Anniversary of Psi Lambda Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated on February 9, 2019; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Leslie A. Hayes, MD, President, Brooklyn Psi Lambda Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.