Sorority Mourns Loss of Honorary Member and Civil Rights Trailblazer M. Athalie Range

Life was testimony to strength, endurance and service to all mankind

International President Barbara A. McKinzie joined the 200,000 members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority in grieving the loss of Honorary Member and civil rights trailblazer M. Athalie Range.

Range, inducted into the Sorority 31 years ago, was a community advocate and human rights champion. In eulogizing her, McKinzie noted that Range’s life was a portrait in courage. She cited the high points of her life as testimony of how she altered the civil rights landscape.

Range:

Successfully spearheaded a building drive during the 1950s for African American schools in Miami, Florida.

Was the first African American and first woman in Florida
history to serve in a high-ranking state government post, as director of the Department of Community Affairs.

Was a mentor and inspired many leaders to launch careers in public service.

M. Athalie Range perpetuated the purposes and ideals of the sorority through her work and community service. She was a living testimony to the strength and endurance of our sisterhood and our motto, “Service to All Mankind.” We will hold her life up, as an example of Alpha Kappa Alpha and her acts will continue to inspire us.