Congratulating the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) Chapter 106 "Sophocles" of Providence on the Joyous Occasion of Its 100th Anniversary

WHEREAS, The American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) was founded in 1922 in Atlanta, Georgia, during a time of intense discrimination against Greek immigrants in the United States. Established in response to bigotry and hostility—particularly from the Ku Klux Klan—AHEPA stands for civil rights, justice, and the full integration of Greek Americans into the civic life of this nation. AHEPA is rooted in the timeless Hellenic ideals of education, philanthropy, civic responsibility, and family and personal excellence. AHEPA grew to become the largest and oldest grassroots association of American citizens of Greek heritage and Philhellenes, with chapters throughout the United States, Canada, Australia, and Europe; and

WHEREAS, AHEPA Chapter 106 “Sophocles” of Providence was founded on May 30, 1926, and for a century has served as a pillar of leadership, service and cultural pride in Rhode Island. In 2026, the chapter marks its 100th anniversary, a milestone commemorated at its Centennial Gala on June 13, 2026, at the historic Rhodes-on-the-Pawtuxet, reflecting one hundred years of continuous service, leadership, and community engagement. For generations, the chapter has been a cornerstone of the Greek-American community of Rhode Island, promoting Hellenic culture and heritage while striving to help its members become good American citizens, encouraging civic-mindedness, and fostering a deep commitment to the enduring values and democratic ideals of this country; and

WHEREAS, From its earliest years, Chapter 106 established itself as a respected and effective civic organization whose influence has spanned generations. In 1939, the chapter proudly hosted the th Supreme Convention of the Order of AHEPA, welcoming thousands of delegates and visitors to Rhode Island and highlighting the strength of the local Greek-American community. At that convention, the chapter dedicated the Samuel Gridley Howe Memorial Flagpole, which still stands at Brown University today, honoring Dr. Samuel Gridley Howe, the distinguished American physician, humanitarian, abolitionist, and Philhellene who served as a volunteer surgeon during the Greek War of Independence; and

WHEREAS, Throughout its history, Chapter 106 has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to education and youth, maintaining a long-standing scholarship program that has supported students and families for decades. The chapter also fosters intergenerational mentorship, creating enduring bonds of friendship and leadership within the community. As part of its support for youth development, the chapter provides an annual award to students who excel in the Greek Language School program of the Church of the Annunciation and hosts an annual luncheon recognizing Sunday School students; and

WHEREAS, Locally, Chapter 106 maintains a deep and enduring partnership with the Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation of Cranston, where members generously give their time, treasure, and talent in support of parish life, cultural programs, and community events, including the Cranston Greek Festival. Through this volunteerism, leadership, and charitable support, the chapter helps strengthen the cultural and communal foundation of the local Greek- American community; and

WHEREAS, The chapter’s record of philanthropy and service is extensive. Members raised substantial funds in support of the American war effort during World War II through the purchase of war bonds and later provided relief to Greece in the aftermath of the war. Many Brothers have also honorably served in the Armed Forces of the United States. The chapter has long supported public health initiatives, including fundraising and awareness efforts for Cooley’s Anemia, and has been a national leader in support of Saint Basil Academy in Garrison, New York—so significantly that a hall there is named in honor of former Chapter President, Supreme Treasurer, and Chairman of the AHEPA Board of Trustees, Spiro C. Samaras; and

WHEREAS, Chapter 106 has also played an important role in public affairs and Hellenic advocacy, supporting strong relations between the United States and Greece, advocating for justice in Cyprus, and assisting refugees following the 19 Turkish invasion while maintaining close relationships with local, state, national, and Greek officials. The chapter is working alongside Rhode Island State Senator Leonidas Raptakis on the Rhode Island Hellenic Heritage License Plate initiative. Chapter 106 regularly participates in the annual Greek Independence Day observances at the Rhode Island State House hosted by Senator Raptakis, as well as other civic commemorations honoring Hellenic heritage and American democratic ideals; and

WHEREAS, For one hundred years, AHEPA Chapter 106 “Sophocles” has embodied the values upon which AHEPA was founded—service, faith, patriotism, education, community leadership, family and personal excellence, and the preservation and promotion of Hellenic heritage—making a lasting impact on Rhode Island and proudly sustaining its cultural legacy for future generations; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island hereby joyously congratulates the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) Chapter 106 “Sophocles” of Providence on the joyous occasion of its 100th Anniversary; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to the President of AHEPA Chapter 106 "Sophocles" of Providence, Mr. George Coclin.