Dazzling Array of Notables to be Honored at Biennial Convention

Liberian president, U.S. Surgeon General, rapper-entrepreneur among honorees

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority will present awards to a distinguished panoply of achievers during its Public Meeting—one of a host of events that will be held during the organization's biennial convention in St. Louis, MO, July 9-16.

The honorees hail from around the globe and have excelled in diverse fields of endeavor, but are bound by their commitment to excellence and passion for service.

In announcing the names of the honorees, McKinzie said: "Alpha Kappa Alpha is proud to acknowledge, support and pay tribute to these exemplars of excellence by presenting them with these awards.

Those who will be honored include:

INTERNATIONAL SERVICE
Her Excellency the Right Honorable Michaëlle Jean, C.C., C.M.M., C.O.M., C.D. – Gov. Gen., Canada
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President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Liberia


Founders' Graduate Service Award
Peggy Lewis LeCompte


Ethel Hedgeman-Lyle Undergraduate Service Award
Lauryn A. Pollard


Carey B. Preston Leadership Award
Faye B. Bryant


Septima Poinsette Clark Award
Vice Admiral Regina M. Benjamin, M.D., M.B.A. – U.S. Surgeon General


Septima Poinsette Clark Award
Lisa A. Newman, M.D., M.P.H., F.A.C.S


Rosa Louise Parks - Coretta Scott King Award
Clara Kirk


Anna Eleanor Roosevelt Medallion of Honor
Shawn Corey Carter (aka Jay-Z)

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PRESIDENT'S AWARDS

International President Barbara A. McKinzie will bestow President's Awards upon the following military and legislative leaders who have embodied in word and deed, the noble devotion to service.

  • Brig. Gen. Belinda "Brenda" Pinckney – U.S. Army
  • Retired Brig. Gen. Velma "Von" Richardson – U.S. Army
  • Brig. Gen. Julia J. Cleckley – Army National Guard
  • Brig. Gen. Barbaranette T. Bolden – U.S. Pacific Command
  • Brig. Gen. Allyson R. Solomon – Maryland National Guard
  • Retired Maj. Gen. Marcelite J. Harris – U.S. Air Force


McKinzie applauded the following trio of legislators for their advocacy and outspokenness and for promoting Alpha Kappa Alpha's service mission through their support of legislation aimed at helping those to whom the organization renders service.

  • Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (Texas)
  • Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson (Texas)
  • Rep. Diane E. Watson (California)