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Founded on the campus of Howard University in Washington, DC in 1908, Alpha
Kappa Alpha Sorority is the oldest Greek-letter organization established by
African American college-trained women. To trace its history is to tell a story of
changing patterns of human relations in America in the 20th century. The small
group of women who organized the Sorority was conscious of a privileged
position as college-trained women of color, just one generation removed from
slavery. They were resolute that their college experiences should be as
meaningful and productive as possible. Alpha Kappa Alpha was founded to apply
that determination.
As the Sorority grew, it kept in balance two important themes: the importance of
the individual and the strength of an organization of women of ability and
courage. As the world became more complex, there was a need for associations
which cut across racial, geographical, political, physical and social barriers. Alpha
Kappa Alpha’s influence extends beyond campus quads and student interest. It
has a legacy of service that deepens, rather than ends, with college graduation.
The goals of its program activities center on significant issues in families,
communities, government halls and world assembly chambers. Its efforts
constitute a priceless part of the global experience in the 21st century.
The Purpose of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. is to cultivate and encourage high
scholastic and ethical standards, to promote unity and friendship among college
women, to study and help alleviate problems concerning girls and women in order
to improve the social stature, to maintain a progressive interest in college life,
and to be of service to all mankind.
Kappa Alpha Sorority is the oldest Greek-letter organization established by
African American college-trained women. To trace its history is to tell a story of
changing patterns of human relations in America in the 20th century. The small
group of women who organized the Sorority was conscious of a privileged
position as college-trained women of color, just one generation removed from
slavery. They were resolute that their college experiences should be as
meaningful and productive as possible. Alpha Kappa Alpha was founded to apply
that determination.
As the Sorority grew, it kept in balance two important themes: the importance of
the individual and the strength of an organization of women of ability and
courage. As the world became more complex, there was a need for associations
which cut across racial, geographical, political, physical and social barriers. Alpha
Kappa Alpha’s influence extends beyond campus quads and student interest. It
has a legacy of service that deepens, rather than ends, with college graduation.
The goals of its program activities center on significant issues in families,
communities, government halls and world assembly chambers. Its efforts
constitute a priceless part of the global experience in the 21st century.
The Purpose of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. is to cultivate and encourage high
scholastic and ethical standards, to promote unity and friendship among college
women, to study and help alleviate problems concerning girls and women in order
to improve the social stature, to maintain a progressive interest in college life,
and to be of service to all mankind.
| Disclaimer: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. is not responsible for the design and content of these web pages. They are the sole property and responsibility of the Beta Mu Chapter who hosts and maintains this web site. All rights reserved. |
The Original Group: Anna Easter Brown, Beulah Burke, Lillie Burke, Marjorie Hill, Margaret Flagg
Holmes, Ethel Hedgeman Lyle, Lavinia Norman, Lucy Slowe and Marie Woolfolk Taylor
Led by Ethel Hedgeman Lyle, the nine Howard University students who came together to form
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority were the scholastic leaders of their classes. Each also had a special
talent or gift that further enhanced the potential of this dynamic group.
The Sophomores: Norma Boyd, Ethel Jones Mowbray, Alice Murray, Sarah Meriweather Nutter,
Joanna Berry Shields, Carrie Snowden and Harriet Terry
With the exception of Ethel, the original group of women was comprised of college seniors. To
ensure the continuity of the organization, seven Class of 1910 honor students who had expressed
interest were invited to join without initiation.
The Incorporators: Norma Boyd, Julia Brooks, Ethel Jones Mowbray, Nellie Quander, Nellie Pratt
Russell and Minnie Smith
Nellie Quander was elected president in 1911. Under her visionary leadership, Alpha Kappa Alpha
initiated a dynamic plan of expansion. The first step of establishing a national body in perpetuity
was taken in 1913 when Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority was legally incorporated.
The excitement continues to grow as Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority approaches the 100th
anniversary of its founding. The historic milestone will feature a yearlong commemoration,
culminating in a gala week of tributes, salutes and praise in Washington, D.C., where the
Sorority was founded. The climactic celebration will coincide with the Sorority's biennial
international confab, during which more than 20,000 members are expected to make the
pilgrimage to Howard University to honor the Alpha Kappa Alpha founders and celebrate the
Sorority's 100-year history.
anniversary of its founding. The historic milestone will feature a yearlong commemoration,
culminating in a gala week of tributes, salutes and praise in Washington, D.C., where the
Sorority was founded. The climactic celebration will coincide with the Sorority's biennial
international confab, during which more than 20,000 members are expected to make the
pilgrimage to Howard University to honor the Alpha Kappa Alpha founders and celebrate the
Sorority's 100-year history.
| The Founders Commemorative Window Andrew Rankin Memorial Chapel, Howard University |
