Bill
HJR 13
HJR 13 designates an Illinois Alpha Kappa Alpha Day to honor the sorority and enable its members to meet lawmakers, a ceremonial designation with no legal or funding impact.
Status note: The bill text and legislative history provided correspond to an Illinois House Joint Resolution recognizing Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (AKA). Some metadata supplied with the request (e.g., “CONSTITUTION OF NEW MEXICO, Education, Public Schools” and an August 15, 2025 introduction date) appears inconsistent with the resolution text and timeline below. This summary reflects the content and recorded actions of the Illinois resolution.
Purpose and intent
- HJR 13 is a ceremonial joint resolution to recognize and honor Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated (AKA) by designating a day at the Illinois State Capitol for the organization’s members to meet with lawmakers and engage in civic activity. The resolution also proclaims a specific “Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated Day” in Illinois (dates appear as May 1, 2025 in the original draft and April 30, 2025 in the House amendment).
Key provisions and content
- Recitals summarize AKA’s history and mission:
- Founded January 15, 1908 (Ethel Hedgemon Lyle and eight other collegiate women).
- Mission statements cited: promote scholastic/ethical standards, unity among college women, alleviate problems affecting girls and women, and be “Service to All Mankind.”
- Historical notes: hosted its first political action conference in 1915 with human-rights activist/Illinois Congressman Martin B. Madden; established headquarters in Chicago in 1949.
- Membership and scope (as amended): “over 360,000 initiated members in 1,086 chapters” across all 50 U.S. states/territories and 12 nations; international and regional activities cited (Caribbean, Africa, Europe, Canada, Bahamas, Bermuda, U.A.E., etc.).
- The resolution highlights AKA’s advocacy priorities (Black maternal health, education, suicide prevention) and cooperative participation with Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. on a joint “Alpha Day.”
- Final resolving clause: declares the designated day in Illinois as “Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated Day” (House amendment sets date to April 30, 2025; original text designated May 1, 2025).
Who is affected
- The resolution is honorary/ceremonial. It principally affects:
- Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. members and chapters in Illinois (and the broader regional delegation referenced).
- State recognition of AKA’s civic engagement activities—no direct regulatory, programmatic, or funding effects on other entities or state operations.
Procedural and timeline highlights
- Filing/Committee: introduced and filed by Rep. Kimberly Du Buclet (and others); multiple committee referrals and amendments occurred between 2023–2025.
- Major floor actions:
- Passed the Illinois House (May 7, 2025) as CSHJR 13(MLV).
- Passed the Illinois Senate (May 20, 2025).
- “Resolution Adopted / Adopted Both Houses” recorded June 1, 2025.
- Fiscal note: FN1 reports zero fiscal impact (ceremonial resolution).
- Post-adoption notation: an entry of “action postponed indefinitely” appears on 2025-06-03 in the record; this may reflect a later procedural step or clerical status and conflicts with the “adopted” entries noted above.
Sponsors
- Primary sponsors listed include Rep. Kimberly Du Buclet, Sen. Mattie Hunter, and Rep. Stapp; many additional cosponsors from both chambers are recorded.
Bottom line
- HJR 13 is an honorary Illinois joint resolution recognizing the history and civic contributions of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and designating a day in 2025 for AKA members to engage at the Illinois State Capitol. It does not create legal obligations, modify state law, or authorize expenditures.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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