President's Message

Barbara McKinzie

When the clock tolls 12:00 AM and 2009 ushers in, Alpha Kappa Alpha begins the journey toward its second centennial.

Reflecting on our first 100 years is uplifting because our Founders laid a model of sisterhood and service that has been a beacon to us. Looking back, we are proud of the Extraordinary Service Provided this nation through Alpha Kappa Alpha's hard work and resolve. Our mark has been felt worldwide.

Now, we begin another odyssey, and it comes at a seminal moment in history.

We are uplifted by the historic election of President-elect Barack Obama. His platform of change is one we embrace and support. We must pledge to help bring his vision to reality and his hard work to fruition. This can be done when we fan out to neighborhoods and communities worldwide. The strength of his narrative is that his portfolio is anchored by his experience as a community organizer. Essentially, that is what Alpha Kappa Alpha does. So, our mission is an extension and an appendage of his noble vision. With a leader in the White House whose experiences and worldview mirrors ours, we are filled with Enthusiasm, Satisfaction and Pride.

We bless him and his family as he begins governing. With so many challenges ahead, our new president will need the solidarity of all of us. It is critical that we boost him, uplift him and pray, as he confronts these all-too-real world dilemmas. The economy, world peace and our future hinge on his vision, insight and judgment. We hold him and his team in the palm of our hands as he puts his agenda and plan into action.

With so much at stake, we must also use the occasion of a New Year to resolve to recommit ourselves to our mission…..our programs…our sisterhood.

Thanks and Happy New Year.

Barbara A. McKinzie
Centennial International President