Sorors , take a moment and reflect on the following . There is an AKA Endowment Fund at every HBCU in this country . This means in perpetuity we have provided funds for students of this generation and the next that provide access to higher education . I can ’ t say that Soror Ethel imagined this that day long ago in 1908 and I can ’ t say that Sorors Barbara and Constance imagined this in 1980 , but we are truly our ancestor ’ s wildest dreams .

The historic collaboration between our sorority and the Educational Advancement Foundation ( EAF ) demonstrated the power and will of Alpha Kappa Alpha women and recalls a favorite scripture from one of just two books in the

bible named after a woman . The last sentence of Esther , Chapter 4:14 And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this ? This verse was spoken to Esther because she found herself in a position to rescue her people . Doing so would put her at risk , but she set aside her fears trusting that God put her in that position at that time to do what needed to be done . Her faith was tested , but God was working all things for good in her situation .

At a time , such as this , led by the first sitting president of an HBCU to concurrently serve as its leader , aided by a first-generation college graduate from an HBCU and a committee of HBCU graduates , and lifted by 320,000 members ,

we have cemented the legacy of this organization as a leader among leaders innovatively leveraging our networks and willpower to do good .

Our faith was often tested but amid these storms when some questioned our audacity to ask for one more dollar , one more million , we persevered and like Esther set a plan in motion for future generations to thrive . Can you imagine 30 years from now telling this story ? When you do tell it , tell them that this success was built on a foundation of ABC : Audacity , Belief and Collaboration .

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