top of page
ivy1.jpg

The Purpose of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated

Alpha Kappa Alpha's purpose is to cultivate and encourage high scholastic and ethical standards; promote unity and friendship among college women; alleviate problems concerning girls and women; maintain a progressive interest in college life; and to provide service to all mankind.

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated

History

On January 15, 1908, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority became the first Greek-lettered organization established by and for black women. Its creation began with Ethel Hedgeman Lyle, a junior at Howard University located in Washington, D.C. During the academic year 1907-1908, Ethel Hedgeman, returned from her summer vacation with the inspiration and desire to organize a sorority, an association of women students through which the talents and strengths of these students could be organized for the mutual benefit of all. She discussed this idea with a number of her classmates and associates during the fall and early winter. After a period of exchanging ideas and pooling suggestions, the group of nine started to work to crystallize the preliminary organization.

​

In this group were the Burke sisters (Beulah and Lillie), Margaret Flagg Holmes, Marjorie Hill, Lucy Slowe, Marie Woolfolk Taylor, Anna Easter Brown, and Lavinia Norman. Late in February 1908, seven students of the class of 1910 were admitted. These members were Joanna Berry, Norma Boyd, Ethel Jones, Sarah Meriweather, Alice Murray, Carrie Snowden, and Harriet Terry. In the later years it became the Alpha Kappa Alpha tradition to honor all these women as "founders."

 

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority was incorporated in 1913 to ensure its perpetuity for all time. Our membership consists of ladies of distinction and exemplary character who excel in scholarship, leadership and service. An international sisterhood with more than 185,000 members, Alpha Kappa Alpha seeks to be supreme in service to all mankind. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. continues to be a channel through which selected college-trained women improve the social and economic conditions in their city, state, nation and the world.

AKA Founders

A few of our brave and beautiful founders.

[Image from AKA PAO chapter]

bottom of page