SPRINGFIELD – A resolution sponsored by State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) to establish an Alpha Kappa Alpha Day has been adopted by the Senate.

“I am proud to be a part of this sorority, and its commitment to excellence and grace,” Hunter said. “AKA deserves a day of recognition in Illinois, highlighting the organization’s diligent work and service to the community.”

The resolution, known as SR 94, declares May 12, 2021 Alpha Kappa Alpha Day in Illinois.

Founded January 15, 1908 at Howard University in Washington DC, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority (AKA) is the oldest African-American sorority in United States history.

Hunter has been an active AKA member since 2006. Other notable members include Rosa Parks, Coretta Scott King, Vice President Kamala Harris and Illinois’ own Lt. Gov. Julianna Stratton.

Alpha Kappa Alpha has 260,000 members in graduate and undergraduate chapters in the U.S. and abroad.

Its mission is to cultivate and encourage high scholastic and ethical standards, promote friendship and unity among college women, help alleviate problems concerning girls and women in order to improve their social status, maintain progressive interest in college life, and to be of "Service to All Mankind."

“AKA plays an important role in developing black female leaders and serving our communities,” Hunter said. “This sisterhood is a foundational part of our heritage as Black women.”