The Founding

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. is the oldest Greek-letter organization established in America by Black college women. The record of its origin, growth and development, activities, evolving goals and accomplishments is more than an interesting chronicle of a colorful bit of college-based Americana. It is, rather, a significant and inspiring reflection of the development of a minority group in a changing culture.

In 1908, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. became America's first Greek-letter organization established by and for Black women. Her roots date back to Howard University, Washington, DC, where the idea for formation was conceived by Ethel Hedgeman Lyle. She viewed the Sorority as an instrument for enriching the social and intellectual aspects of college life. After her incorporation as a perpetual body in 1913, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. gradually branched out and became the channel through which select college-trained women improved the social and economic conditions in their city, state, nation and the world.

Today, that tradition has continued--internationally, nationally and locally. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. cultivates and encourages high scholastic and ethical standards; promotes unity and friendship among college women; alleviates problems concerning girls and women; maintains a progressive interest in college life; and serves all mankind.
The Founding Members of our Sorority

The Original Group:Ethel Hedgeman Lyle, Marjorie Hill, Anna Easter Brown, Beulah Burke, Lillie Burke, Margaret Flagg Holmes, Lavinia Norman, Lucy Diggs Slowe, Marie Woolfolk Taylor

The Sophomores: Norma Boyd, Ethel Jones Mowbray, Alice Murray, Sarah Merriweather Nutter, Carrie Snowden, Harriet Terry

The Incorporators: Norma Boyd, Julia Brooks, Ethel Jones Mowbray, Nellie Quander, Nellie Pratt Russell, Minnie Smith