The Founding
On January 15, 1908, sixteen women on the campus of Howard University, Washington, DC, established Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. It is the first Greek-letter organization established in America by and for Black women. The group who organized Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority were conscious of the privilege and responsibility as college trained members of a minority group, just one generation removed from slavery. These young
women were determined that their college experience would be meaningful and valuable, in order to enhance their self-realization. Alpha Kappa Alpha was organized to be one instrument for the achievement of this goal.
Keeping this goal in mind, a purpose for Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority was developed. It's purpose: to promote high ethical and moral standards, to promote unity and friendship among college women, to study and help alleviate problems concerning girls and women, to maintain an progressive interest in college life, and to be of service to all mankind. For 95 years, Alpha Kappa Alpha has remained true to its original principals that have guided over 200,000 ladies who seek self-fulfillment through service and sisterhood. Currently, its membership encompasses women in the United States, Africa, Europe and the Carribbean.
Nine Howard University students were led by Ethel Hedgeman Lyle into a sisterhood in 1908. Four years later, Nellie Quander and her gallant and visionary associates contributed the added dimension of national organization and perpetual membership. These women and those who have come after them, the never-ending stream of eternally young, hopeful, enthusiastic women, need to be remembered. The efforts of these Alpha Kappa Alpha women in scholarship promotion, vocational guidance, encouragement of foreign study, health services, and the promotion of human and civil rights constitute a priceless part of the Black experience in America.
�The Original Group Marjorie Hill
����������The Sophomores of 1908
The Incorporators