Stewart said that Alpha Kappa Alpha has an emotional connection to the tragedy because Phi Omicron Omega, one of its 952 chapters, is based in Okinawa, Japan.   While far away from the tragedy and therefore not in the path of the destruction, Stewart said that the members' kinship to the country has impacted them and left them heartbroken.   For that reason, the Sorority is sending out special prayers and solace to its Japan-based chapter and its members. 

Commenting on the extent of the wreckage wrought by the earthquake and tsunami she said: “The graphic images of areas that took a direct hit and felt the full force of the quake and tsunami are disturbing. To see entire towns, villages and cities completely destroyed makes our hearts heavy,” declared Stewart. “As news accounts spread of the mounting toll of lost lives and as the aftershocks of this crisis continue to unfold, Alpha Kappa Alpha extends prayers and uplifting words.” 

Stewart expressed relief that Hawaii and other areas on the west coast of the United States were spared the full impact of its widespread aftereffects.  However, she added,  “As a global organization, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority is linked to its international neighbors and shares its pain and tribulations when tragedy strikes.” 

The international president said the Sorority is monitoring the situation and vows to be completely supportive once the best course of action has been determined.  She said the Sorority would follow the lead of relief organizations and heads of state as they assess the damage and make appeals for assistance.

Capturing the sentiment of the membership, Stewart said: “During this tragedy of epic proportion, Alpha Kappa Alpha is united in prayer and is committed to living up to its theme of providing ‘Global Leadership Through Timeless Service.’ In also keeping with our mission to ‘serve all mankind,’ we stand poised to respond to our neighbors in Japan as they rebuild, regroup and recover.” 

About Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated (AKA) is an international service organization that was founded on the campus of Howard University in Washington, D.C. in 1908. It is the oldest Greek-lettered organization established by African-American college-educated women. It is comprised of 260,000 members in 952 graduate and undergraduate chapters in the United States, the U. S. Virgin Islands, the Caribbean, Canada, Japan, Germany, South Korea and on the continent of Africa. Its membership includes distinguished women who boast excellent academic records, proven leadership skills, and are involved in the global community through advocacy and service. Alpha Kappa Alpha has dedicated itself to improving the quality of life for citizens worldwide and promoting peace.  The organization is led by its 28th International President Carolyn House Stewart of Tampa, Florida whose administration's programmatic theme is “Global Leadership Through Timeless Service