In 1908, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority became America's first Greek-letter organization established by and for Black women. Its creation began with an idea by Ethel Hedgeman Lyle, who was currently a junior at Howard University in Washington, D.C. She viewed the development of the sorority as an instrument for enriching the social and intellectual aspects of college life by providing mental stimulation through interaction with friends and associates.

With a group of nine women: Anna Easter Brown, Beulah Elizabeth Burke, Lillie Burke, Marjorie Hill, Margaret Flagg Holmes, Ethel Hedgeman Lyle, Lavinia Norman, Lucy Diggs Slowe, and Marie Wolfolk Taylor, Alpha Kappa Alpha was formed January 15, 1908 at Howard University. A group of sophomore women which included Norma Boyd, Ethel Jones Mowbray, Alice P. Murray, Sarah M. Nutter, Joanna B. Shields, Carrie E. Snowden, and Harriet J. Terryshowed interest in the organization and were chosen to complete this group so the sorority would continue after those of the first group had graduated. Together, these 16 women are honored as the Founders of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

After coming to the realization that legal incorporation would contribute to the assurance of perpetuity, a group of sorority members led by Nellie Quander sought to incorporate the sorority. On January 29, 1913, Alpha Kappa Alpha was incorporated with "power to organize, institute, and charter subordinate chapters whose particular purposes and objectives would be educational", and would "promote the intellectual standard and mutual uplift of its members". Thanks to the efforts of our incorporators, Norma Boyd, Julia E. Brooks, Ethel Jones Mowbray, Nellie M. Quander, Nellie Pratt Russell, and Minnie B. Smith, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., was the first sorority in the United States organized by Black women to be incorporated.

 

 

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Exemplifying Excellence Through Sustainable Service

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Since 1908, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated has implemented programs of service impacting countless lives.

The 2018-2022 International Program will focus on Exemplifying Excellence Through Sustainable Service℠. Members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, through its 300,000 members and 1,024 chapters, will have an opportunity to address community needs with programs in five target areas:

1. HBCU 4 Life: A Call to Action

2. Women's Healthcare and Wellness

3. Building Your Economic Legacy

4. The ARTS

5. Global Impact

 

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority will expand its community presence as a result of these initiatives, which include International Community Impact Days and our signature enrichment program, ASCEND℠.

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Click here For more information concerning Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.®.

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