Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority (January 15, 1908)
Established on January 15, 1908, at Howard University in Washington, D.C., Alpha Kappa Alpha is the first historically Black sorority and has set the standard for service, sisterhood, and scholarship for more than a century.
Founded by a visionary group of 16 young women, led by Ethel Hedgemon Lyle, AKA was built on the foundation of fostering academic excellence and engaging in meaningful community service. Over the decades, it has grown into a global organization with over 1,061 chapters and more than 355,000 members dedicated to serving humanity.
Key Initiatives and Achievements
"Service to All Mankind": AKA’s timeless motto reflects its mission to address the needs of underserved communities.
HBCU Endowment Initiative: Under the leadership of International President Dr. Glenda Glover, AKA launched an effort to raise $1 million for historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in a single day, successfully surpassing that goal.
Signature Programs: The sorority continues to drive impactful projects through its current 2022-2026 program, "Soaring to Greater Heights of Service and Sisterhood," which includes initiatives in education, health, and economic development.
Global Impact: AKA members are actively involved in international efforts, from building schools in Africa to addressing global health disparities.
Notable Members
Alpha Kappa Alpha counts among its members a long list of distinguished women who have shaped history, including:
Kamala Harris – The first woman, first Black, and first South Asian U.S. Vice President.
Coretta Scott King – Civil rights leader and activist.
Mae Jemison – The first Black woman to travel into space.
Toni Morrison – Nobel Prize-winning author.
A Legacy of Sisterhood and Excellence
As the first organization of its kind, Alpha Kappa Alpha has been a trailblazer, inspiring countless women to embrace leadership and service while maintaining a strong bond of sisterhood. Known for their iconic Pink and Green, members of AKA continue to lead with grace, intelligence, and compassion.
On this Founders' Day, we celebrate the extraordinary legacy of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Here's to many more years of Soaring to Greater Heights!