President Reaches Out to Those Impacted by Tornadoes in the South
Sorority sets up relief fund
In an impassioned outreach to those in Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, Kentucky and Alabama—states in the eye of the devastating tornadoes—International President Barbara A. McKinzie offered much-needed comfort. She reported that scores of people have been impacted by the crisis, including members. McKinzie urged the 200,000 Alpha Kappa Alpha women worldwide to reach out to their sisters in the southern corridor and to others devastated with their pocketbooks and their prayers.
She announced that a special disaster relief fund has been established for members who will need help recovering from the devastating aftermath of these tornadoes. She said that this helping hand underscores the Sorority’s resolve to help in a time of crisis. McKinzie added that this assist is an extension of the Sorority’s core mission: “to provide service to all mankind.” It is also emblematic of the mission of sisterhood that binds all members.
Following is a complete text of President McKinzie’s statement:
It is painful to see the images of tornadoes wreaking havoc on the Southern states where thousands of our members reside. But it is even more devastating for those caught in the eye of the deadly tornadoes.
The news reports dramatically underscore the wreckage and the stark reality that more than 50 lives have been lost through this catastrophe.
It is a daunting dilemma because one's life hangs in the balance.
I ask our members to put our Alpha Kappa Alpha sisters affected by the devastation in your prayers, as they go through this crisis of uncertainty. We need to reach out to those members in prayer, comfort and with our treasure.
We are establishing a disaster fund for AKAs impacted by this disaster. As Alpha Kappa Alpha women have always been first responders, we must respond by donating to this fund. Please make your checks payable to Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.; denote Southern Tornadoes in the memo section, and forward to the Corporate Office. As we continue to monitor the situation, we will present checks to those severely affected by this emergency.
Meanwhile, may God comfort you in the knowledge that the strength and support of our sisterhood will overcome any disaster. Ultimately, we vow to be a lifeline to those impacted during their immediate crisis and into the future.
Barbara A. McKinzie
International President