A Brief History |
| Alpha Kappa Alpha is the oldest Greek-letter organization established in America by Black women. Founded in 1908 at Howard University in Washington, D.C., the idea for formation
was conceived by Ethel Hedgeman Lyle of St. Louis, Missouri. Through the years
Alpha Kappa Alpha's functioning has become more complex. After her incorporation
as a perpetual body in 1913, Alpha Kappa Alpha gradually branched out and became
the channel through which selected college-trained women improved the social and
economic conditions in their city, state, nation and the world. Alpha Kappa
Alpha 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 through a nucleus of more than 160,000 women in over 900 chapters.
The Original Group: Marjorie Hill, Lucy D. Slowe, Lillie Burke, Ethel Hedgeman Lyle, Anna E. Brown, Marie Woolfolk Taylor, Beulah E. Burke, Margaret Flagg Holmes, and Lavinia Norman
The Sophomores of 1908: Norma Boyd, Ethel J. Mowbray, Alice P. Murray, Sarah M. Nutter, Joanna B. Shields, Carrie E. Snowden, and Harriett J. Terry
The Incorporators: Norma Boyd, Julia E. Brooks, Ethel Jones Mowbray, Nellie M. Quander, Nellie Pratt Russell, and Minnie B. Smith Home · Gamma Gamma History · Spring Line 2002 · Current Members · Officers · Programs · Calendar of Events · Alumni Updates · AKA History · Photo Album · |