"Supreme in Service to All Mankind"
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated Founders
Founders (Left to Right): Anna Easter Brown, Beulah Elizabeth Burke, Lillie Burke, Marjorie Hill, Margaret Flagg Holmes, Ethel Hedgemon Lyle, Lavinia Norman, Lucy Diggs Slowe, Marie Woolfolk Taylor. Sophomores (Left to Right): Joanna Mary Berry Shields, Norma Elizabeth Boyd, Ethel Jones Mowbray, Sarah Meriweather-Nutter, Alice P. Murray, Carrie Snowden, Harriet Josephine Terry.
Ethel Hedgemon Lyle: "Our Guiding Light"
Just one generation removed from slavery, Howard University student Ethel Hedgemon (Lyle), inspired by two of her professors, had a vision of creating a support network for women that uplifted their talents and strengths, and encouraged scholarship, friendship, and service.
She and a group of eight other distinguished women worked together to establish the organization. On January 15th, 1908 in Miner Hall at Howard University, Lyle's vision came true as Alpha Kappa Alpha became the first Greek-letter organization established by African American college-trained women.
The group who worked with Lyle consisted of Anna Easter Brown, Beulah Burke, Lillie Burke, Marjorie Hill, Margaret Flagg-Holmes, Lavinia Norman, Lucy Diggs Slowe, and Marie Woolfolk-Taylor. On February 21, 1908, seven members of the Howard University class of 1910 were inducted into the organization. Together with the 9 original founders, Joanna Mary Berry Shields, Norma Elizabeth Boyd, Ethel Jones Mowbray, Sarah Merriweather Nutter, Alice P. Murray, Carrie Snowden, and Harriet Josephine Terry. The 16 women became and are acknowledged as Alpha Kappa Alpha’s original 16 founders.
Incorporators
To preserve the sorority's name, colors, symbols, and motto, Alpha Kappa Alpha member Nellie May Quander worked with members Julia Evangeline Brooks, Nellie Pratt Russell, and Minnie B. Smith to acquire incorporation for the sorority. Their efforts in ensuring the protection and perpetuity of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority were successful and the sorority became incorporated on January 29th, 1913. Alpha Kappa Alpha became the first Black Greek-letter organization to attempt and be successful in earning its incorporation. Because of their efforts, our sorority today can continue to expand its programs and services while staying true to our founding principles and brand.
Mission
Alpha Kappa Alpha’s mission is to cultivate and encourage high scholastic and ethical standards, to 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".
Founded: January 15th, 1908 at Howard University, Washington, DC
Incorporated: January 29th, 1913
Motto: “By Culture and By Merit”
Symbol: Ivy Leaf
Flower: Pink Tea Rose
Colors: Salmon Pink and Apple Green
International President & CEO: Danette Anthony Reed
Sorority Membership:
325,000 initiated members in graduate and undergraduate chapters located in 12 countries including the United States, Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada, Dubai, Germany, Japan, Liberia, Nigeria, South Korea, South Africa, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.