International
http://www.aka1908.org
Founded on the campus of Howard University in
Washington, DC on January 15, 1908, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority is the
oldest Greek-letter organization established by and for
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.
Founders
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 Harriett 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. |
