It pains me to write this statement as our communities and our nation come to grips with the horrific act of racism that unfolded in Buffalo, NY. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims, the historic Jefferson Street community and the entire City of Buffalo. Another senseless act of gun violence, rooted in hate and disdain for human life, has marred life as we know it as African Americans in this country. So, what do we do and what do we say to ease the pain and anxiety?

There is no simple answer about how we should deal with the tragic deaths of these 10 Americans struck down by the ill-thoughts and will of a white gunman who shares the unfortunate mindset of too many in our country. But through it all, there remains hope as America has always come together for healing and a greater understanding following tragedies like this. We embrace what unites us, instead of what divides us. However, we must take it a step further and continue our fight for social justice and equality. If there was ever a time to realize and honor our calling as women of service, that time is now.

I believe the fight begins at the ballot box. That is where we remove individuals from office who have and continue to use their public platforms to spew hatred, misinformation, and alternative facts. With mid-term elections underway, let’s strive to elevate our voter engagement and mobilization efforts and hold elected officials accountable. Sadly, racism and racist practices are entrenched in American society. We must play our part by exposing racism in all its forms wherever it is found if America is ever to rid itself of this national shame.

As I have said time and time again, we must hold onto hope and the promise of a better day. History has shown us that our hope is not misplaced. From the emancipation of slaves and the Civil Rights Movement to the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), The Urban League, Black Lives Matter, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, and many others, seminal movements and consequential organizations have played a pivotal role in changing the course of history in our country. It can be done again, but it requires all of us. Our work is not done.

So as you sojourn through your day and take this message to heart, please remember Celestine Chaney, 65; Roberta A. Drury, 32; Andre Mackneil, 53; Katherine Massey, 72; Margus D. Morrison, 52; Deacon Heyward Patterson, 67; Aaron Salter, 55; Geraldine Talley, 62; Ruth Whitfield, 86; Pearly Young, 77; and countless others who have senselessly lost their lives to racially-motived mass shootings. We will continue to do all in our power to eliminate unbridled hate and intemperate bigotry as we work together to promote unity, justice, love, and peace throughout our democracy.

May we always remember and never forget.

Sincerely,

Dr. Glenda Glover
International President and CEO

CHICAGO – Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® is continuing to make good on its commitment to our nation’s historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs). This evening the sorority’s International President and CEO Dr. Glenda Glover presented Morris Brown College with a $100,000 donation to establish an endowment for scholarships and other operational needs to help bolster the institution’s sustainability. A check presentation took place on the historic campus at the Dr. Gloria Anderson Multi-purpose Complex.

“Alpha Kappa Alpha is pleased to make this donation to Morris Brown College, as we continue our support of the county’s HBCUs,” said AKA International President and CEO Dr. Glenda Glover.

“Our gift to this historic institution will be used to assist President Kevin James with scholarships, academic support, and programmatic activities that we believe will increase the sustainability of Morris Brown for years to come,” added Dr. Glover.

“I want to thank Alpha Kappa Alpha for their dedication to HBCUs and especially for the sorority’s commitment to strengthening our endowment, which could not have come at a better time with our full accreditation announcement,” said Morris Brown President Kevin James. “I want to thank President Glenda Glover for her leadership and to all the AKAs for their continued support as we continue our quest to restoring Morris Brown to her former glory.”

Alpha Kappa Alpha’s gift to Morris Brown is part of a four-year $10 million goal set by Dr. Glover under the sorority’s HBCU for Life: A Call to Action initiative. Glover implemented the program when she took over leadership of the sorority in 2018. A major component of the initiative is the sorority’s fundraising efforts to secure fiscal sustainability and success for accredited HBCUs around the country. For four consecutive years, members have surpassed their goal to raise $1 million in one day for HBCUs on a designated day in September.

“We started this journey in 2018 with a goal of raising $1 million in one day. Certainly, unchartered territory,” explained Dr. Glover, who is also president of her alma mater Tennessee State University. “We had the audacity to believe we could raise $1 million in one day. And, we did it then, as well as in 2019 and 2020, by exceeding our million-dollar goal. And, in 2021 to raise more than $2.4 million in our final year was simply phenomenal.”

Dr. Glover also shared that AKA has helped thousands of students get into the college of their choice through the sorority’s #CAP initiative. It stands for College Admissions Process and is the signature program she established to increase the number of students who want to attend any college, whether an HBCU or predominately white institution (PWI). Her focus has been on exposing students to HBCUs because she believes the needs of these institutions are so great, including the need to fill seats and to obtain funding.

“Many people are unaware of the significant contributions these legacy institutions continue to make in our cities and throughout the country, including graduating 22% of all African Americans with bachelor’s degrees, nearly 80% of all African-American judges, 50% of all Black lawyers, and 25% of African Americans with STEM degrees. HBCU grads also make up 50% of Black public school teachers.”

The confirmation of Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court of the United States is one of the most incredible historical moments for our nation and one of immense pride and joy for millions of Americans.

African-American women have been at the forefront in bringing about positive change in our country for centuries. The true significance of this confirmation cannot be overstated. With the confirmation of Justice Jackson, an African-American woman with impeccable credentials, a brilliant legal mind and unimpeached character and integrity will serve on the highest court in our nation. This moment in history is long overdue, but the day has finally arrived.

The 320,000 members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority join me in commending President Joe Biden for staying the course and honoring his commitment to our community and to Black women with his nomination. We also commend Senator Dick Durbin, Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman, for shepherding this historic process and ensuring a fair and timely confirmation hearing resulting in a bipartisan confirmation vote of 53-47.

Congratulations Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson! You have earned this sacred appointment, and we know you will serve all of the citizens of this country with honor and integrity.