Senate Resolution No. 369

BY: Senator MONTGOMERY

COMMEMORATING the 10th Anniversary of Psi Lambda
Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority,
Incorporated on February 9, 2019

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and
pay tribute to organizations of true purpose and worthy accomplishment
which are dedicated to serving their community and to celebrating and
preserving their rich ethnic heritage; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 10th Anniversary of Psi Lambda Omega Chapter of Alpha
Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated to be celebrated at a Masquerade Gala
honoring its founding members on Saturday, February 9, 2019, at Dyker
Beach Golf Course in Brooklyn, New York; and

WHEREAS, On January 15, 1908, nine friends founded Alpha Kappa Alpha
(AKA) Sorority, Incorporated at Howard University, a historically black
university located in Washington, D.C.; since then, AKA Sorority has
grown into a force of more than 290,000 collegiate members and alumnae,
constituting 1,007 chapters in 42 states, the District of Columbia, the
US Virgin Islands, the Bahamas, Germany, Liberia, South Korea, Japan,
Canada, South Africa, and the Middle East; and

WHEREAS, For more than a century, AKA Sorority has remained true to
its mission comprised of five basic tenets: to cultivate and encourage
high scholastic and ethical standards, promote unity and friendship
among college women, study and help alleviate problems concerning girls
and women in order to improve their social stature, maintain a
progressive interest in college life, and above all, be of Service to
All Mankind; and

WHEREAS, On February 7, 2009, Psi Lambda Omega Chapter of AKA
Sorority was chartered by 39 women who truly believed in the original
concepts developed by nine visionary women more than 100 years ago; and

WHEREAS, The 39 founding members of the Psi Lambda Omega Chapter
include: Phyllis Yvonne Atwater, Clementine Bettis, Michele V. Charles,
Omotayo Cole-Cineus, Thomasena Ellison Clarke, MD, Violet Leigh Coleman,
Yolande Dempster, Avis Daisy Ellison, Dayatra Emmanuel, Valerie Felix,
Mildred Hall Frederick, Eli Gasinu, Ajuba Granville, Janel Gross,
Conair Guillames, MD, Stephanie L. Gumbs-Bennett, Chanel Sherese
Haliburton, Donna Harris-Bowman, Sonja I.J. Harris, Chanel Louise-Hill,
Linda Huff, Marsha V. Jackson, Lynetta Lipsey-Hughes, Claudia Luma,
Letricia McCleary, Leslie A. Hayes, MD, Sunni Middleton, Joyce Solomon
Moorman, Ruby Tangie Murray, Greta P. Adams Nelson, Carolyn
Gross-Norris, DDS, Jocelynn Rainey, Ph.D., Edwisimone
Rodriguez-Dorestant, Ph.D., Claudia Shrader, Ph.D., Eunice M.
Morrison-Skinner, DST, Ethel Marguerite Thompson, Joyce Tyson Coates,
Carol D. Wilkinson and Peggy Wyns-Madison; and

WHEREAS, Today, Psi Lambda Omega Chapter of AKA Sorority continues
to serve its community through the 2018-2022 International Program's

theme, "Exemplifying Excellence Through Sustainable Service," which
strives to advance the mission of the Sorority by promoting, marketing
and supporting historically black colleges and universities; raising
awareness of critical health issues affecting African-American women;
financial planning, asset accumulation and wealth building; exposing
students to the arts with an emphasis on saluting the Harlem Renaissance
and the Black Arts Movement; and engaging in programming designed to
enhance its global partnerships with Soles4Souls, Lions Club
International and organizations that assist refugees and their families
integrate into American life; and

WHEREAS, Using these five tenets the Psi Lambda Omega Chapter is
dedicated to positively impacting the Brooklyn community through
programs such as Youth Health Summits, Social Justice and Human Rights
programs, International Women's Day forums, Back to School Jamborees,
Back Pack Give-away, Baby Hugs Blanket program, ASCEND, The Longest Day,
and Alzheimer's Support Activity; and

WHEREAS, Through their Signature Program CAP, chapter members
collaborate with local schools and assist students as they seek
admission to college by researching the various institutions, preparing
for the ACT and SAT entrance exams, and identifying available
scholarships and other financial aid programs; they also provide
scholarships through the Phyllis Atwater Scholarship and Educational
Advancement Foundation - Avis D. Ellison Fellowship Award; and

WHEREAS. Under the luminous leadership of President Leslie A. Hayes,
the Brooklyn Psi Lambda Omegas of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, in
keeping with this fine tradition, continue to work to develop leaders
and to promote sisterhood and academic excellence while providing
service and advocacy for their community; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
organizations of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, they should be recognized and celebrated by all the citizens
of the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 10th Anniversary of Psi Lambda Omega Chapter of Alpha
Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated on February 9, 2019; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Leslie A. Hayes, MD, President, Brooklyn Psi Lambda Omega
Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.