WHEREAS, for 70 years, the Zeta Epsilon Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., of Suffolk and Smithfield has cultivated fellowship among its members as they work together to address the needs of the community; and
WHEREAS, on February 14, 1954, the Zeta Epsilon Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) Sorority became the first AKA chapter to be chartered in the Mid-Atlantic region; initially serving both the Franklin and Suffolk area, the Lambda Psi Omega chapter of AKA would later branch off from the organization in 1978 to serve the Franklin community; and
WHEREAS, the 12 charter members of the Zeta Epsilon Omega chapter of AKA were a distinguished group of medical doctors and educators and included Pauline C. Morton, Dr. Ernell Harris Holland, Mary Craig, Lola Spease, Alma Diggs, Jeanne Hoffler, Rose Hurst, Annie Newton, Dorothy Rainey, Dr. Margaret Reid, Marilyn Wyatt, and Elva Goode; and
WHEREAS, the Zeta Epsilon Omega chapter of AKA has made a profound and lasting impact in the local community through voter education and registration activities, annual scholarships to high school students, summer reading and math programs, youth leadership programs, back-to-school supply drives, recycling events, tree plantings, health fairs, and other forms of regular support for families, seniors, and area nonprofits; and
WHEREAS, over the years, the Zeta Epsilon Omega chapter of AKA has carried out its mission beyond the local community by supporting civil rights causes, raising millions of dollars for historically Black colleges and universities, advancing health care initiatives, and participating in a variety of clothing drives; and
WHEREAS, through a deep and unwavering commitment to their organization's mission and values, the members of the Zeta Epsilon Omega chapter of AKA have helped to make the Suffolk area a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That the Zeta Epsilon Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., hereby be commended on the occasion of its 70th anniversary; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the Zeta Epsilon Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., as an expression of the House of Delegates' admiration for the organization's contributions to the Commonwealth.