Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Salutes Member Ellen Johnson Sirleaf On Winning Nobel Peace Prize

Oct. 7, 2011 - PRLog -- Contact: Melody M. McDowell - Chief Information Officer - Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority 773-660-2001 - Office -  312-371-8917 - Cell -   e-mail: melodyaka@aol.com

ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA SORORITY SALUTES MEMBER ELLEN JOHNSON SIRLEAF
WINNING THE NOBEL PEACE PRIZE
Liberian President and Alpha Kappa Alpha Member Hailed for Phenomenal Global Achievement

Chicago, Illinois - October 7, 2011 - Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority today extended accolades and congratulations to Liberian President  -- and Alpha Kappa Alpha member  -- Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, on being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize by the Norwegian Nobel Committee.  Hailing the award as “a recognition of global proportions,” Alpha Kappa Alpha's international president Carolyn House Stewart, declared that the honor underscores Johnson Sirleaf's success in championing women's rights and human rights.  

Stewart said the Sorority's 260,000 members in 958 chapters worldwide are bursting with pride that a member was presented this honor.  She said that Johnson Sirleaf's accomplishments embody Alpha Kappa Alpha's theme: “Global Leadership Through Timeless Service.”

The Sorority's international president declared that the award represents a bold international endorsement of the courageous leadership she has exhibited.  Stewart reflected that when Sirleaf Johnson assumed the presidency of Liberia as the first woman to lead an Africa nation, she was faced with nearly-insurmountable barriers to hurdle.

“Liberia was ravaged by war, women were being suppressed and the economic outlook was bleak when she became president. However, with a capacity to lead, a reservoir of hope and an unmatched love for her native Liberia, she set to restore peace and liberate women," Stewart assessed.

"Key to her success," added Stewart, "was her indomitable faith in Liberia and its people.  That devotion resulted in her instituting a series of reforms and putting the country on a path toward vitality.  The ultimate show of support for her efforts is the climactic presentation of the Nobel Peace Prize.”

Alpha Kappa Alpha, noted Stewart, has been a strong ally of Johnson Sirleaf.  During its international conference in St. Louis in 2010, the Sorority personally presented her with a $500,000 donation that was targeted toward the construction of a marketplace where women could earn a living.  By regaining their capacity to support their families after losing their husbands to years of war and strife, the marketplaces provide them with a source of economic hope, empowerment and inspiration.
Stewart said that Johnson Sirleaf 's commitment to service mirrors Alpha Kappa Alpha's mission, which is “service to all mankind.”

“Ellen Johnson Sirleaf's passion for service represents the underpinnings upon which Alpha Kappa Alpha was founded 103 years ago,” declared Stewart.  “We are so proud that her devotion to these ideals has led to her receiving this highest of high honors.”

Stewart added that the first woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize was the late Wangari Maathai, who was also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority.

Stewart also congratulated the co-awardees: Leymah Gbowee and Tawakkul Karman for their landmark efforts in bringing peace to the world and liberation to women.”



About Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority:
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated (AKA) is an international service organization that was founded on the campus of Howard University in Washington, D.C. in 1908. It is the oldest Greek-lettered organization established by African-American college-educated women. It is comprised of 260,000 members in 958 graduate and undergraduate chapters in the United States, the U. S. Virgin Islands, Bermuda, the Caribbean, Canada, Japan, Germany, South Korea and on the continent of Africa. Its membership includes distinguished women who boast excellent academic records, proven leadership skills, and are involved in the global community through advocacy and service. Alpha Kappa Alpha has dedicated itself to improving the quality of life for citizens worldwide and promoting peace.  The organization is led by its 28th International President Carolyn House Stewart of Tampa, Florida whose administration's programmatic theme is “Global Leadership Through Timeless Service.”   For more information, log on to www.aka1908.com.

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