On Sept. 11, 2001, teacher Sarah Clark was doing what she loved most, edifying the young minds of her students. She was escorting sixth graders who were embarking on a trip to the Channel Islands National Marine Society in California, which was funded by the National Geographic Society. Clark never made it. Their plane, Flight 77, crashed into the Pentagon.
Alpha Kappa Alpha’s international president, Carolyn House Stewart, remembered her sorority sister in the wake of terrorist Osama bin Laden’s long-awaited capture, which ended in his demise.
“On the day of her death, she was living up to Alpha Kappa Alpha’s mission of service. On this fateful and pivotal historic moment, we pray that Sarah’s and the thousands of families who lost loved ones, will find some closure.”
Stewart notes that the events of Sept. 11 were both globally horrific and “personal” to the sorority. The news of Bin Laden’s death on May 1, 2011, brought closure and relief.
Stewart adds that the occasion provides a powerful reminder of the important role the men and women fighting overseas are playing to rid the world of terrorists who threaten world peace. She said that among those serving admirably in the military are many Alpha Kappa Alpha members.
“Alpha Kappa Alpha is proud of the contributions our members are making as part of the global mission to fight for the right to live in peace. We praise them. We salute them. We honor them,” says Stewart. –yvette caslin
