| ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA APPLAUDS RESILIENCE OF NEW ORLEANIANS |
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CONTACT: Melody M. McDowell - Chief Information Officer - Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority 773-660-2001 - Office 312-371-8917 - Cell This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it - e-mail ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA APPLAUDS RESILIENCE OF NEW ORLEANIANS President praises sorority for its role in rebuilding area and restoring hope Chicago, Illinois - August 30, 2010 - Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority's recently-installed international president Attorney Carolyn House Stewart credited the spirit of the citizens of New Orleans, members of the Sorority, and other volunteers for their collective resolve and collaborative efforts in rebuilding the city and restoring hope to those whose lives were upended by Hurricane Katrina. She noted that on the occasion of the fifth anniversary of the Hurricane, it is inspiring to see the citizens united in their determination to rise from the rubble and begin anew. Said Stewart, “We all share the sensitivity of personal loss as a result of Katrina to so many and share our prayers and words of encouragement. We must continue our collective efforts to support the area impacted by the storm including the resilent citizens who stayed and those who wish to return.” Stewart credits Alpha Kappa Alpha's chapters in New Orleans and along the Gulf Coast, other agencies, and individuals for their focused commitment to the rebuilding mission. The AKA president pointed out that in 2006, soon after Katrina hit the Sorority channeled its monies, resources and energies to New Orleans where they held their Leadership Conference. As part of the community service initiative that preceded the Conference, Alpha Kappa Alpha made history as the first organization of its kind to fund and collaborate in the construction of a Habitat for Humanity home. She recalled how uplifted members felt as they worked alongside builders and helped hammer, apply drywall and performed other tasks that culminated in the completion of a new home for a resident whose home was destroyed by the Hurricane. She said members in Mississippi combined their resources and joined with Habitat for Humanity to build a home for another family displaced by the Hurricane. On the day the keys were handed over to the new owners, he Sorority had a Mobile Medical Van at the site where exams were conducted free of charge to the community. Attorney Stewart added that chapters in New Orleans and along the Gulf Coast… odonated boxes of food and staples to New Orleans residents through a partnership with Feed the Children o continue to serve the area by contributing time, talent and treasure Stewart noted that Alpha Kappa Alpha remains inspired by the citizens who exhibited “courage and extreme fortitude during a tragedy of epic proportions.” “The levees may have broken, but this did not break the will of the citizens,” said Stewart. She noted that Alpha Kappa Alpha has a 102-year history of “providing service to all mankind ” and that the current administration's theme is “Global Leadership Through Timeless Service.” Inspired by AKA's legacy of service and by the current programmatic theme, she said local chapters would continue to serve New Orleans. Attorney Stewart declared that this commitment to service is part of the Sorority's mission that its 250,000 members in 975 chapters worldwide vow to fulfill. - ######## - |
