Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated

Conceived by Miss Ethel Hedgeman Lyle, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated is the first black greek organization founded by African-American collegiate women. On January 15, 1908 fifteen additional women congregated in Miner Hall on the campus of Howard University in Washington, D.C. to birth the sorority. Seeking to advocate for African-American community and issues plaguing the mankind, these women worked in unison to promote the purpose of the sisterhood:

 

"To cultivate and encourage high scholastic standards, promote unity and friendship among college women, to study and help alleviate problems concerning girls and women in order to improve their social stature, to maintain a progressive interest in college life and to be of 'Service to All Mankind.'"

 

To ensure perpetuity through expansion, Miss Nellie Mae Quander devised the incorporation of Alpha Kappa Alpha with the help of five women. On January 29, 1913, their vision came to fruition.

 

The trailblazing women involved in the establishment of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated are recognized as the 'Twenty Pearls.' Present-day Alpha Kappa Alpha continues to breed innovation by promoting leadership, scholarship and sisterhood across the globe.