Adopted in 2000: American Diabetes Association
Founded in 1940, the American Diabetes Association is committed to assist the millions of people affected by diabetes and funds research towards its prevention and/or cure. In 2011 it was estimated that 25.8 million Americans have diabetes, and another 79 million have prediabetes. The year 2000 marked the adoption of the American Diabetes Association as MKU Sorority Inc.'s first national philanthropy after one of our Queen members' father transitioned from complications with diabetes. We honor his life and future generations with healthy action principles through diabetes awareness.
Adopted in 2004: Lupus Foundation of America
The LFA was established in 1977 and has evolved into the largest non-profit lupus organization with nearly 300 chapters and support groups nationwide. The LFA supports lupus research, education, advocacy and support services on the federal, state and local levels. The Lupus Foundation of America focuses on five programs to achieve its objectives: 1. Through its national research program, BRINGING DOWN THE BARRIERS, the LFA is available to direct its financial aid to researchers; 2. Rallies for support and advocacy in the public and private sector for Lupus; 3. Help make new information about Lupus understandable and available to those suffering with the disease; 4. Increase public awareness; 5. Support individuals with the disease, their families and caregivers. Lupus Foundation of America is our second philanthropy in celebration of Imakhu Zakiyah Yaosca, our “Most Distinguished Queen” who rejoined the ancestoral realm after suffering from lupus complications.
Adopted in 2007: Madre!
Our third philanthropy is an international women’s human rights organization chosen for its connection and affinity with MKU’s foundational foci: Education, Health, Career Development and Economic Empowerment. MADRE was born out of a belief that together we can make a difference. In 1983, a group of women activists, poets, teachers, artists and health professionals traveled to Nicaragua to witness the impact of the US-sponsored Contra War. MADRE's Founding Director, Kathy Engel, and the women she brought together had a vision of a unique women-led, women-run international human rights organization, dedicated to informing people in the US about the effects of US policies on communities around the world. MADRE resolved to build real alternatives to war and violence by supporting the priorities of our sister organizations and linking them to the needs of women and families in the US through a people-to-people exchange of direct relief and understanding.