| AKA History |
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated was founded on January 15, 1908 at Howard University. It
is the first and oldest greek-lettered organization established for women of color. The founders, Ethel
Hedgeman Lyle and 15 other young ladies, envisioned an organization, which would promote social
and economic betterment on the local, state, national and international levels.
Alpha Kappa Alpha addresses the challenges facing our communities and delivers programs to affect
change. Throughout the United States, West Africa, the Caribbean, Germany, Great Britain, Korea and
anywhere Alpha Kappa Alpha women live or work, there exists the network of professional college
women serving all mankind.
Since 1908, Alpha Kappa Alpha has evolved with the growing and ever-changing demands of society.
While maintaining the same primary areas- education, health, economics, the black family, the arts,
public policy and world community- she has founded and developed programs and initiatives to meet
these demands. In the twenties, Alpha Kappa Alpha waged a war on diphtheria and smallpox. During
the forties, Alpha Kappa Alpha rallied against lynchings. During the fifties, the Sorority launched the
first health research project on sickle cell anemia. In the mid-eighties, Alpha Kappa Alpha collaborated
to ensure the passage of the Martin Luther King Holiday Bill. In the nineties, the Sorority established
the Ivy Reading AKAdemy. During 2002, Alpha Kappa Alpha built and dedicated nine schools in South
Africa. This is in keeping with the Sorority's initial objective and purpose, to cultivate and encourage
high scholastic and ethical standards, promote unity and friendship among college women, alleviate
problems concerning women and girls and to maintain a progressive interest in college life. Through
these activities, Alpha Kappa Alpha women fulfill the commitment embodied in her theme, "Service To
All Mankind".
For more information visit www.aka1908.org
is the first and oldest greek-lettered organization established for women of color. The founders, Ethel
Hedgeman Lyle and 15 other young ladies, envisioned an organization, which would promote social
and economic betterment on the local, state, national and international levels.
Alpha Kappa Alpha addresses the challenges facing our communities and delivers programs to affect
change. Throughout the United States, West Africa, the Caribbean, Germany, Great Britain, Korea and
anywhere Alpha Kappa Alpha women live or work, there exists the network of professional college
women serving all mankind.
Since 1908, Alpha Kappa Alpha has evolved with the growing and ever-changing demands of society.
While maintaining the same primary areas- education, health, economics, the black family, the arts,
public policy and world community- she has founded and developed programs and initiatives to meet
these demands. In the twenties, Alpha Kappa Alpha waged a war on diphtheria and smallpox. During
the forties, Alpha Kappa Alpha rallied against lynchings. During the fifties, the Sorority launched the
first health research project on sickle cell anemia. In the mid-eighties, Alpha Kappa Alpha collaborated
to ensure the passage of the Martin Luther King Holiday Bill. In the nineties, the Sorority established
the Ivy Reading AKAdemy. During 2002, Alpha Kappa Alpha built and dedicated nine schools in South
Africa. This is in keeping with the Sorority's initial objective and purpose, to cultivate and encourage
high scholastic and ethical standards, promote unity and friendship among college women, alleviate
problems concerning women and girls and to maintain a progressive interest in college life. Through
these activities, Alpha Kappa Alpha women fulfill the commitment embodied in her theme, "Service To
All Mankind".
For more information visit www.aka1908.org
