Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Lamba Chi Omega Chapter

Floor Speech

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Mr. CASE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Lamba Chi Omega Chapter for its 45 years of dedication and commitment to the State of Hawaii and the Pacific Islands.

Founded on the campus of Howard University on January 15, 1908 in Washington, D.C., Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority is the oldest international Greek-letter service organization established by college- educated African American women, with over 300,000 members in over 1,000 chapters worldwide. Forty-five years ago, the women of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Lambda Chi Omega Chapter followed in their founders' footsteps to start a chapter in Hawaii.

Coined as the ``First Chapter of the Pacific,'' Lambda Chi Omega established a legacy of leadership, service and community involvement that has significantly impacted the lives of the people of Hawaii. The vision, dedication and leadership of the founding members in establishing a legacy of sisterhood, scholarship and service continues to impact in Hawaii today.

The commitment to excellence and service by Lambda Chi Omega Chapter's founders is deeply rooted in the legacy of charter members Annie Briscoe, Sharon Brown, Dale Buffaloe, Bessie Crawford, Ella Edwards, Geraldine Hale, Barbara Hayman, Dorothy Henry, Barbara Jones, Sandi (Lakin) Sumbry, Lorene McLaurin, Georgette Moon, Ada Morgan, Virginia Payton, Lorna Peck, Donna Poindexter, Jane Sayles, Marjorie Singer, Edith Smith and Dannis Thompson.

Through their unwavering commitment to education, health, economic empowerment and social justice, the chapter's members have made an important difference in the lives of Hawaii's residents. In addition, their contribution to the community serves as a testament to the power of collective action and the positive impact that can be achieved when people come together for a common cause.

Additionally, we must pay tribute to Bettye Jo Harris, one of the chapter's pioneers and long-time community activist who has been a leading figure in the fight for civil rights and equality in Hawaii. Through her tireless work on behalf of all minorities, the underserved and the needy, she has spearheaded civil rights advances in Hawaii, and her contributions are worth commending here in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Today, I formally recognize the outstanding service and dedication of the members of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Lambda Chi Omega Chapter. Let us all commend them for their tireless efforts and selfless commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of others, and let us all wish them continued success in all their endeavors.

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