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Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® South Central Region Hosts over 350 Members during AKA Day Texas

Senator Borris Miles (District 13); Dr. Darlene Breaux, AKA Day Co-Chairman; Kelly P.Hodges, AKA Texas Connection and Social Action Coordinator; DeMetris Sampson, South Central Region, AKA International Connection and Social Action Representative; Joya T. Hayes, South Central Regional Director; Former State Representative, Wilhelmina Ruth Delco, and (far right) Senator Royce West (District 23) Soaring to […]
The post Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® South Central Region Hosts over 350 Members during AKA Day Texas first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

Published

1 year ago

March 15, 2023

Forward Times Staff

Senator Borris Miles (District 13); Dr. Darlene Breaux, AKA Day Co-Chairman; Kelly P.
Hodges, AKA Texas Connection and Social Action Coordinator; DeMetris Sampson, South Central Region, AKA International Connection and Social Action Representative; Joya T. Hayes, South Central Regional Director; Former State Representative, Wilhelmina Ruth Delco, and (far right) Senator Royce West (District 23)

Soaring to Greater Heights of Advocacy in Action!

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, (AKA) Incorporated^®, South Central Region hosted AKA Day at the Texas Capitol on Tuesday, March 7^th. Over 350 members of the oldest Greek-letter organization for women were in attendance to advocate for issues impacting their respective communities. “Soaring to Greater Heights of Advocacy in Action!” was the 2023 AKA Day, Texas theme. Hosted by State Representatives, Alma Allen (District 131), Ron Reynolds (District 27), and Jolanda Jones (District 147), members of the prestigious organization hosted a day of advocacy that focused on several legislative priorities: Healthcare, Mental Health, Election Rights, Criminal Justice, Education, and Firearms Safety.

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated^®, an international service organization, was founded on the campus of Howard University in Washington, D.C., in 1908. Often hailed as “America’s premier Greek-letter organization for African American women, AKA has been at the forefront of social justice to promote fairness and equity. AKA stands in the gap to empower our communities and act in the best interests of all people through social advocacy and justice.

In Texas, The South Central Region of AKA, under the leadership of Mrs. Joya T. Hayes, works to improve communities and the world through compassionate service and be present to influence change at all levels and across all industries. South Central is the second largest region out of the ten regions of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated^®. The Sensational South Central region includes more than 10,000 service-oriented members with more than 120 undergraduate and graduate chapters located in the four-state area of Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, and Texas.

“We are excited to convene in Austin for the 88^th Texas Legislative Session. As an organization, we walk the halls of the Texas State Capitol and boldly lead with superiority to impact the quality of life for the communities we serve,”said Joya T. Hayes, South Central Regional Director.

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated^® had its humble beginnings as the vision of nine college students on Howard University’s campus in 1908. In 1980, the Sorority’s leadership knew there was a need for a formal commitment to impact public policy as it affects African Americans, and the AKA Connection Committee was confirmed as the ninth Standing Committee of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.^®In 2022, the name of the committee was changed to Connection and Social Action Committee. The Connection and Social Action committee identifies and studies national and international issues that impact the quality of life, designs strategies for communication with the membership regarding issues, and mobilizes the membership for action to formulate and recommend position statements to the organization’s President and CEO.

“The Sorority has flourished into a globally impactful organization with 300,000 college-educated members. We have members who lead across the nation in local, state, and federal government. And we are excited to have over 350 members participate this year,” said Kelly P. Hodges, Connection and Social Action Coordinator, Texas.

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated^® has consistently remained at the forefront of effective advocacy and social change, resulting in social justice reform and equality for all. AKA has several National Advocacy Priorities.

Healthcare

According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Black mothers are three times as likely to die from birth complications as white and Hispanic mothers. We want you to take action to disrupt this endemic that disproportionately affects them. We SUPPORT HB 12 (Rose) and any other legislation that would extend Medicaid eligibility to new mothers in Texas a year after their child’s delivery, significantly increasing the length of time moms can access critical postpartum health coverage.

Mental Health

Texas has seen a rise in youth mental health challenges, teen suicide, and school violence, including mass shootings. Schools desperately need mental health services to address this growing concern. We call upon the Texas Legislature to SUPPORT SB 113 (Menendez) and HB 98 (Moody) and any legislation to improve access to evidence-based mental health services and mental health professionals within a district or a collaborative network. At the same time, the Legislature should reduce the burden on educators and districts to identify and solve student mental health issues. Additionally, we ask that you SUPPORT legislation for appropriate resources for all persons needing mental health services, particularly in impoverished communities that have historically lacked access to these services.

Election Rights

Texas has seen record-breaking numbers of voters at the polls, and with that has come many challenges with ensuring that all Texans who are eligible to vote should be able to do so without undue interference and barriers. We ask that you VOTE NO to any legislation that attaches criminal liability to innocent mistakes and seeks to enforce practices that would intimidate potential voters with jail time and enormous fines and SUPPORT HB 2480 (Reynolds) that requires notice regarding the potential eligibility to vote of certain persons convicted of a felony. We ask that you SUPPORT laws that would support those who can vote by mail to ensure that directions are clear, along with access and accommodations for the elderly and voters with disabilities.

State & Local Legislative Priorities

Criminal Justice

Across the nation, communities have witnessed incidents of violence and murder being perpetrated, not by criminals, but by a few rogue officers of the law. Our priority is to protect individuals’ constitutional rights while protecting public safety. We ask that you SUPPORT HB 1808 (Jones) and any others that aim to increase police accountability in Texas by requiring peace officers to carry personal liability insurance to cover damages from “any misconduct, including intentional, negligent, or willful acts” while on duty. In addition, we ask you to SUPPORT HB 413 (Thompson), which would institute a “progressive disciplinary matrix” for allegations of police misconduct. Finally, we ask that you SUPPORT any and all legislation that takes an evidence-based approach toward meaningful changes in the criminal justice system while seeking sustainable solutions that benefit all members of society.

Education

A high-quality and well-funded public education system is the foundation to ensuring that our Texas students have access to the instruction and resources they need to become the best and brightest in the nation. However, Texas currently ranks in the bottom 10 in per-pupil spending. Texas is $4,000 behind the national average, and there has not been an increase or any inflationary adjustments in the basic allotment since 2019. With double-digit inflation, this means that school districts must stretch their education dollars to meet the ever-increasing needs of students.

With over $27 billion in additional general revenue and over $13.6 billion in our state’s Rainy-Day Fund, we ask our Texas lawmakers to vote NO to any legislation that calls for vouchers and parental savings accounts that would divert funds from public community schools. We ask you to SUPPORT any legislation that calls to invest in public school students, increase teacher compensation, and prioritize school safety so districts may attract and retain the best in the industry to educate students while ensuring a safe and secure learning environment.

Firearm Safety

Since 2014, Texas has unfortunately witnessed gruesome mass shootings at Fort Hood (2014), the Dallas police shooting (2016), the Sutherland Springs church shooting (2017), Santa Fe High School Shooting (2018), El Paso Walmart Shooting (2019), Midland-Odessa shooting (2019), and the Uvalde school shooting (2022).

Alpha Kappa Alpha is advocating for any legislation that SUPPORTS stricter laws on carrying firearms, specifically assault-style weapons. More needs to be done to strengthen the process for background checks before an individual can purchase a weapon online, in stores, and at gun shows. Therefore, we ask that you SUPPORT HB 996 (Thierry) and all similar legislation. Lastly, AKA advocates for access to gun safety education for parents and students.

Call to Action

With these priorities in mind, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority encourages its members to become familiar with their local representatives (https://wrm.capitol.texas.gov/home). Members are also encouraged to send emails, make phone calls and schedule in-person visits with elected officials. This call to action is encouraged to ensure the organization’s collective voices are used to influence policy. As the legislature convenes, members of AKA Connection and Social Action committee will monitor legislation and report back to their respective communities. The organization plans to host a post-AKA Day event after the 88^th Legislative Session ends to provide updates on bills and the next steps in regard to legislative priorities.

For more information visit http://www.aka1908.com. Follow the South-Central Region on social media at Facebook: @SouthCentralAKA , Instagram: @southcentralaka, and Twitter: @southcentralAKA

The post Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® South Central Region Hosts over 350 Members during AKA Day Texas appeared first on Houston Forward Times.

The post Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® South Central Region Hosts over 350 Members during AKA Day Texas first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

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IN MEMORIAM: Ramona Edelin, Influential Activist and Education Advocate, Dies at 78

NNPA NEWSWIRE — Born on September 4, 1945, in Los Angeles, California, activist Ramona Edelin’s early years were marked by a commitment to education and social justice. According to her HistoryMakers biography, after graduating from Fisk University with a Bachelor’s degree in 1967, she pursued further studies at the University of East Anglia in England. She earned her master’s degree before completing her Ph.D. at Boston University in 1981.
The post IN MEMORIAM: Ramona Edelin, Influential Activist and Education Advocate, Dies at 78 first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

Published

4 weeks ago

April 3, 2024

Stacy M. Brown

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
@StacyBrownMedia

Once upon a time, Black Americans were simply known as colored people, or Negroes. That is until Ramona Edelin came along. The activist, renowned for her pivotal roles in advancing civil rights, education reform, and community empowerment, died at her D.C. residence last month at the age of 78. Her death, finally confirmed this week by Barnaby Towns, a communications strategist who collaborated with Dr. Edelin, was attributed to cancer.

Born on September 4, 1945, in Los Angeles, California, Edelin’s early years were marked by a commitment to education and social justice. According to her HistoryMakers biography, after graduating from Fisk University with a Bachelor’s degree in 1967, she pursued further studies at the University of East Anglia in England. She earned her master’s degree before completing her Ph.D. at Boston University in 1981.

Edelin’s contributions to academia and activism were manifold. She was pivotal in popularizing the term “African American” alongside Rev. Jesse L. Jackson in the late 1980s.

Jackson had announced the preference for “African American,” speaking for summit organizers that included Dr. Edelin. “Just as we were called Colored, but were not that, and then Negro, but not that, to be called Black is just as baseless,” he said, adding that “African American” “has cultural integrity” and “puts us in our proper historical context.”

Later, Edelin told Ebony magazine, “Calling ourselves African Americans is the first step in the cultural offensive,” while linking the name change to a “cultural renaissance” in which Black Americans reconnected with their history and heritage.

“Who are we if we don’t acknowledge our motherland?” she asked later. “When a child in a ghetto calls himself African American, immediately he’s international. You’ve taken him from the ghetto and put him on the globe.”

The HistoryMakers bio noted that Edelin’s academic pursuits led her to found and chair the Department of African American Studies at Northeastern University, where she established herself as a leading voice.

Transitioning from academia to advocacy, Edelin joined the National Urban Coalition in 1977, eventually ascending to president and CEO. During her tenure, she spearheaded initiatives such as the “Say Yes to a Youngster’s Future” program, which provided crucial support in math, science, and technology to youth and teachers of color in urban areas. Her biography noted that Edelin’s efforts extended nationwide through partnerships with organizations like the National Science Foundation and the United States Department of Education.

President Bill Clinton recognized Edelin’s expertise by appointing her to the Presidential Board on Historically Black Colleges and Universities in 1998. She also co-founded and served as treasurer of the Black Leadership Forum, solidifying her standing as a respected leader in African American communities.

Beyond her professional achievements, Edelin dedicated herself to numerous boards and committees, including chairing the District of Columbia Educational Goals 2000 Panel and contributing to the Federal Advisory Committee for the Black Community Crusade for Children.

Throughout her life, Edelin received widespread recognition for her contributions. Ebony magazine honored her as one of the 100 Most Influential Black Americans, and she received prestigious awards such as the Southern Christian Leadership Award for Progressive Leadership and the IBM Community Executive Program Award.

The post IN MEMORIAM: Ramona Edelin, Influential Activist and Education Advocate, Dies at 78 first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

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Tennessee State University Board Disbanded by MAGA Loyalists as Assault on DE&I Continues

NNPA NEWSWIRE — Recent legislative actions in Tennessee, such as repealing police reform measures enacted after the killing of Tyre Nichols, underscore a troubling trend of undermining local control and perpetuating racist agendas. The new law preventing local governments from restricting police officers’ authority disregards community efforts to address systemic issues of police violence and racial profiling.
The post Tennessee State University Board Disbanded by MAGA Loyalists as Assault on DE&I Continues first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

Published

4 weeks ago

April 3, 2024

Stacy M. Brown

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
@StacyBrownMedia

Tennessee State University (TSU), the state’s only public historically Black college and university (HBCU), faces a tumultuous future as Gov. Bill Lee dissolved its board, a move supported by racist conservatives and MAGA Republicans in the Tennessee General Assembly, who follow the lead of the twice-impeached, four-times indicted, alleged sexual predator former President Donald Trump. Educators and others have denounced the move as an attack on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) and a grave setback for higher education.

Critics argue that TSU’s purported financial mismanagement is a manufactured crisis rooted in decades of underinvestment by the state government. They’ve noted that it continues a trend by conservatives and the racist MAGA movement to eliminate opportunities for Blacks in education, corporate America, and the public sector.

Gevin Reynolds, a former speechwriter for Vice President Kamala Harris, emphasizes in an op-ed that TSU’s financial difficulties are not the result of university leadership because a recent audit found no evidence of fraud or malfeasance.

Reynolds noted that the disbanding of TSU’s board is not an isolated incident but part of a broader assault on DE&I initiatives nationwide. Ten states, including Tennessee, have enacted laws banning DE&I policies on college campuses, while governors appointing MAGA loyalists to university trustee positions further undermine efforts to promote inclusivity and equality.

Moreover, recent legislative actions in Tennessee, such as repealing police reform measures enacted after the killing of Tyre Nichols, underscore a troubling trend of undermining local control and perpetuating racist agendas. The new law preventing local governments from restricting police officers’ authority disregards community efforts to address systemic issues of police violence and racial profiling.

The actions echo historical efforts to suppress Black progress, reminiscent of the violent backlash against gains made during the Reconstruction era. President Joe Biden warned during an appearance in New York last month that Trump desires to bring the nation back to the 18th and 19th centuries – in other words, to see, among other things, African Americans back in the chains of slavery, women subservient to men without any say over their bodies, and all voting rights restricted to white men.

The parallels are stark, with white supremacist ideologies used to justify attacks on Black institutions and disenfranchise marginalized communities, Reynolds argued.

In response to these challenges, advocates stress the urgency of collective action to defend democracy and combat systemic racism. Understanding that attacks on institutions like TSU are symptomatic of broader threats to democratic norms, they call for increased civic engagement and voting at all levels of government.

The actions of people dedicated to upholding the principles of inclusivity, equity, and justice for all will determine the outcome of the ongoing fight for democracy, Reynolds noted. “We are in a war for our democracy, one whose outcome will be determined by every line on every ballot at every precinct,” he stated.

The post Tennessee State University Board Disbanded by MAGA Loyalists as Assault on DE&I Continues first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

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Braxton Haulcy and the Expansion of Walker|West Music Academy

May 24, 2023 – Walker West Music Academy gets an early start on expansion. Join us for a Wednesday episode of The …
The post Braxton Haulcy and the Expansion of Walker|West Music Academy first appeared on BlackPressUSA.