A house RESOLUTION

TO commend and celebrate the enduring legacy of the Epsilon Beta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., for its outstanding commitment to service, uplifting the community, and advocating for social justice.

Whereas, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., an enduring international service organization, was founded on January 15, 1908, at Howard University in Washington, D. C., to foster a network for Black college-trained women under the visionary leadership of Ethel Hedgeman Lyle; and

Whereas, the sorority, in its one hundred sixteen-year journey, has grown into an international force of over 355,000 women across twelve countries, dedicated to enhancing family life, supporting local communities, and contributing to global initiatives; and

Whereas, the mission of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., established in its founding days, revolves around the cultivation of high scholastic and ethical standards, the promotion of unity and friendship among college-trained women, the study and address of issues concerning girls and women to improve their social standing, the maintenance of a progressive interest in college life, and a commitment to "Service to All Mankind"; and

Whereas, officially incorporated on January 29, 1913, Alpha Kappa Alpha, Inc., expanded its service impact through subordinate chapters, exemplified by the dedication of fifteen founding women, led by Dr. Ellen Carter Watson, in chartering of the Epsilon Beta Omega Chapter on March 15, 1949, serving the Greenville, Spartanburg, and Union areas; and

Whereas, the Epsilon Beta Omega Chapter, adhering to the motto "Service to All Mankind," collaborates with various entities to strengthen local communities and focuses on six initiatives, including Strengthening Our Sisterhood and five program initiatives: Empower Our Families, Build Our Economic Wealth, Enhance Our Environment, Advocate for Social Justice, and Uplift Our Local Community; and

Whereas, remaining steadfast in its commitment to serve, empower families, eradicate childhood poverty, foster positive youth development, enhance economic wealth, and advocate for social justice, the chapter plays a pivotal role in promoting the 2022-2026 Signature Program at Cleveland Academy under the leadership of International President and CEO Danette Anthony Reed; and

Whereas, with seventy-five years of dedicated service, the Epsilon Beta Omega Chapter continues its legacy through various initiatives, including launching a revolutionary economic initiative and being part of the first Black-owned, women-led sorority-based digital banking financial institution in the United States, showcasing a commitment to social justice, fairness, and equality; and

Whereas, over the past seven decades, Epsilon Beta Omega Chapter has prioritized environmental sustainability and responsible practices, demonstrating a legacy of partnership, sisterliness, trust, and commitment to service; and

Whereas, recognizing seventy-five years of exemplary service of the Epsilon Beta Omega Chapter, the South Carolina House of Representative is deeply grateful for the positive impact it has made on the Greenville, Spartanburg, and Union communities and beyond, and the members congratulate them for their dedication to making a lasting impact locally, nationally, and globally. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, commend and celebrate the enduring legacy of the Epsilon Beta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., for its outstanding commitment to service, uplifting the community, and advocating for social justice.

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