Founded on the campus of Howard University in Washington, DC in 1908, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. ® 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.

 

During the academic year 1907-1908, Ethel Hedgemon Lyle, a junior at Howard University in Washington, DC, returned to school with a desire to organize a sorority. She discussed this idea with a number of her classmates and after a period of exchanging ideas, a group of nine females started to work to create the preliminary organization. In this group were Anna Easter Brown, Beulah Burke, Lillie Burke, Marjorie Hill, Margaret Flagg Holmes, Ethel Hedgemon Lyle, Lavinia Norman, Lucy Diggs Slowe and Marie Woolfolk Taylor. These women were 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.

 

To keep the legacy of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. ® alive, seven sophomores were admitted into the sorority: Norma Boyd, Ethel Jones Mowbray, Alice Murray, Sarah Meriweather Nutter, Joanna Berry Shields, Carrie Snowden and Harriet Terry.

 

As the Sorority grew, it kept in balance: 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 association, which cut across racial, geographical, political, physical and social barriers. After 116 years, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. ® will continue to do great work and be of service to all mankind.

 

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. ® was incorporated in 1913 to ensure its perpetuity for all time.

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Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.® is very pleased to note that our new programs agenda, as set forth by our new International President Danette Anthony Reed! The 2022 - 2026 programs agenda entitled "Soaring to Greater Heights of Service and Sisterhood" is designed to take our community service impact to new heights. The six initiatives are as follows:

 

• I. Strengthen our Sisterhood

• II. Empower our Families 

• III. Build our Economic Wealth 

• IV. Enhance our Environment

• V. Advocate for Social Justice 

• VI. Uplift our Local Community 

 

Since 1908, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.® has implemented programs of service that have touched countless lives. This program will help expand that community presence beyond our college campus!