Sorority Hails Barack Obama's History-Making Victory
AKA president speaks at prayer rally at historic Ebenezer Baptist Church
"Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority says change has arrived."
With that declaration, Alpha Kappa Alpha's international president, Barbara A. McKinzie, congratulated President-elect Barack Obama on his election as President of the United States of America. Addressing thousands at a prayer rally held at Atlanta's historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, and convened by its pastor the Rev. Dr. Raphael Warnock and the Rev. Al Sharpton, McKinzie characterized Mr. Obama's triumph as a "seminal moment in history."
Speaking on behalf of the organization's 225,000 members in 975 chapters worldwide, McKinzie noted that the Sorority has a special connection with Sen. Obama. She noted that the Sorority had honored him with its prestigious Anna Eleanor Roosevelt Medallion of Honor during its Centennial Celebration held in July. Named in honor of the former first lady and honorary member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, the award is presented to a global leader for recognized humanitarian work. She said his achievements make him worthy of such a coveted accolade.
McKinzie said that Obama's historic ascension to the presidency as the first African American to hold the office is dramatic testimony to how far America has come in advancing race relations. She said it is a testimony to the vision laid by the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
"We congratulate President-elect Obama, First Lady, Michelle and First Children Malia and Sasha. We praise them for their sacrifices, commitment and exhibiting grace under fire during the past 22 months."
McKinzie proclaimed that January 20th is only the beginning and put in historic context the bigger significance of the genesis of this blessed journey.
She cited President-elect Obama's focus on fixing the economy, getting people back to work and restoring America to its global standing as reasons his message captivated the electorate and transcended humanity. She said his vow to bring change to a nation beleaguered and demoralized added to his emphatic victory. She said that the ultimate message from the election results signals a readiness for progressive change.
McKinzie said that following the official swearing in, the Sorority will arrange a meeting with the new administration to advance its ESP program. Introduced in July 2006, when she became president, the program focuses on economics, entrepreneurship, leadership development and improving the financial well being of the traditionally disadvantaged. She said the Sorority programs were necessary due to failed leadership policies of the past 30 years that have crippled the middle class.
While the AKA president vowed to support the new president, she said that the AKA membership will monitor his agenda and respond to any results that reflect significant barriers to achieving the progressive change program.
"This is a moment of historic proportion," she marveled. "But we must not lose sight of the work that has to be done to restore America to its rightful leadership position and set it back on a course of greatness. Ultimately, that is the 'change we can believe in.'"
Click here for complete press release.