Alpha Kappa Alpha facts for kids

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (AKA) is the first sorority for African American college women. It was started on January 15, 1908, at Howard University in Washington, D.C. A group of sixteen students, led by Ethel Hedgemon Lyle, founded the sorority. This was a big step, helping to open doors for African American women at a time when they faced many challenges. Alpha Kappa Alpha officially became a recognized organization on January 29, 1913.

AKA is one of the largest Greek-letter organizations in the United States. It has more than 350,000 members in over 1,000 chapters across the U.S. and other countries. Women can join while in college or after they have earned a college degree.

Alpha Kappa Alpha is part of the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), which is a group of historically Black fraternities and sororities. The current International President is Danette Anthony Reed. The sorority's historical records are kept at the Moorland-Spingarn Research Center.

Quick facts for kids Alpha Kappa Alpha
ΑΚΑ
Founded	January 15, 1908; 117 years ago (1908-01-15) Howard University
Type	Social
Affiliation	NPHC
Emphasis	African American
Scope	International
Motto	"By Culture and By Merit"
Colors	Salmon Pink      Apple Green
Symbol	Ivy leaf
Flower	Pink Tea Rose
Publication	Ivy Leaf
Chapters	1,061
Nicknames	AKAs, Alpha Women, Pretty Girls, Ivies
Headquarters	5656 S. Stony Island Ave. Chicago, Illinois 60637 United States

History of Alpha Kappa Alpha

Miner Hall (left) and Main Hall in 1868. Miner Hall was where Alpha Kappa Alpha was founded on January 15, 1908. The building was taken down in 1961.

How Alpha Kappa Alpha Began: 1907–1912

In the spring of 1907, Ethel Hedgemon Lyle started working to create a sisterhood at Howard University. A faculty member, Ethel T. Robinson, encouraged her. Hedgemon began inviting interested classmates to join her efforts. They spent the summer of 1907 researching ideas for their new group.

When they returned to Howard in the fall of 1907, Hedgemon and Marie Woolfolk presented their idea to the university. They received approval right away. This made AKA the first sorority to be approved at a historically Black college or university.

The first official meeting of nine female students was held on January 15, 1908, in Miner Hall. On February 21, 1908, seven sophomore students were invited to join the sorority. In its first few months, Alpha Kappa Alpha quickly became a leader in campus activities. They started traditions like special ceremonies, social events, and public presentations. The students began their community service on May 1, 1908, by planting ivy and a tree on the Howard University campus.

The first initiation ceremony was held on February 11, 1909. On May 25, 1909, Alpha Kappa Alpha held its first Ivy Day, a celebration that included planting ivy at Miner Hall. The sorority also began other service efforts that continue today. For example, before 1912, they helped create the NAACP chapter in D.C., fed the hungry, and clothed the poor.

Becoming Official: 1912–1913

Alpha Kappa Alpha continued to grow at Howard University. By the end of the 1911–12 school year, there were over 40 members. In October 1912, some members wanted to change the sorority's name, colors, and symbols. Nellie Quander, a former president, disagreed with these changes. She believed the group had no right to make such big changes without everyone agreeing. A vote showed that most members did not want the changes.

Because of this, some undergraduate women who wanted to make changes decided to form a new group. This new group later became the 22 founders of Delta Sigma Theta. Nellie Quander then worked to make Alpha Kappa Alpha an officially recognized organization. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority became the first African American sorority to be nationally incorporated on January 29, 1913.

A close up of an Alpha Phi Alpha delegate badge from the 23rd Boulé. This meeting included Alpha Kappa Alpha, Alpha Phi Alpha, and Kappa Alpha Psi. It was held December 27–31, 1940, in Kansas City, Missouri.

Growing and Helping Others: 1913–1940

Alpha Kappa Alpha continued to expand, even internationally. A second chapter was started at the University of Chicago in the fall of 1913. The sorority was the first Black Greek-letter organization at Howard University to offer a scholarship program. They also provided funds to help members with school and studies abroad.

Members of Alpha Kappa Alpha came together at their annual meeting called the Boulé. The sorority's pledge was written by Grace Edwards and accepted in 1920. The sorority's crest was designed by Phyllis Wheatley Waters and also accepted that year. In 1921, the Ivy Leaf was named the official magazine, and Founders' Week was created to honor the sorority's founders. Pearls were also introduced as a symbol that year.

On May 10, 1930, Alpha Kappa Alpha, along with other fraternities and sororities, formed the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) at Howard University. The NPHC helps these organizations work together and share ideas.

During the Great Migration, AKA members helped thousands of African Americans moving from the Southern U.S. to the North. They helped them find homes and get used to city life. They also volunteered at Freedman's Hospital.

In 1933, during the Great Depression, International President Ida Jackson visited a school in Mississippi. She saw how difficult life was for African Americans there. In 1934, she started a Summer School for Rural Teachers to train future teachers. She worked with many students and adults, and helped create a large library.

In 1938, Ida Jackson focused on health issues and started a regional health clinic. This clinic grew into the Mississippi Health Project, led by Dr. Dorothy Boulding Ferebee. This project brought basic medical care to rural Black communities for six summers. It was known as the first mobile health clinic in the U.S., helping about 15,000 people. It helped reduce diseases like diphtheria and smallpox and improved health habits.

In 1938, the sorority created the National Non-Partisan Lobby on Civil and Democratic Rights (NPC). This was the first full-time group to lobby the U.S. Congress for civil rights for minority groups. The NPC worked with other important organizations like the NAACP. In 1949, Alpha Kappa Alpha was the first sorority to become a life member of the NAACP.

To continue their work, Alpha Kappa Alpha started the American Council on Human Rights (ACHR) in 1945. This council advised the government on civil rights laws. In 1946, Alpha Kappa Alpha was the first sorority to gain observer status at the United Nations.

In 1945, Alpha Kappa Alpha also opened The National Health Office in New York City. This office worked to promote health programs and increase the number of student nurses.

Civil Rights and Education: 1950–1970

Throughout the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s, AKA members sponsored programs for job training, reading, heritage, and youth. They encouraged young people to improve their math, science, and reading skills. In 1953, they started a fashion show called Fashionetta to raise money for projects. The ACHR continued to work for civil rights during these years, drawing attention to laws about education, transportation, and employment. They also helped with important civil rights cases like Brown v. Board of Education.

Alpha Kappa Alpha also helped inner-city youth. In 1965, the sorority received a $4 million grant to run the Cleveland Job Corps. This made them the first sorority to operate a federal job training center. The Cleveland Job Corps trained young women, aged 16 to 21, in job and educational skills. Later, it also accepted males. The sorority ran this center until 1995.

The sorority educated the community by publishing The Heritage Series from 1968 to 1972. These were biographies of important African American women in fields like law, politics, medicine, and business. Alpha Kappa Alpha also donated $20,000 to help preserve Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthplace in Atlanta, Georgia, in the early 1970s. In 1978, a Memorial Window was dedicated at Howard University to honor the sorority's founders.

Moving Towards the 21st Century: 1980–2007

After its 75th anniversary, Alpha Kappa Alpha helped fight poverty in Africa through the African Village Development Program (AVDP). They worked with Africare to reduce poverty in African villages. They also built ten schools in South Africa after apartheid ended and donated computer technology.

Since 1990, the sorority has offered after-school mentoring programs like ON TRACK. This program helped 20,000 third graders who were at risk of falling behind in school. It focused on improving communication, academics, and social skills. Programs like the Ivy Reading AKAdemy and Young Authors Program helped improve reading and writing skills. P.I.M.S. focused on math and science.

In 2005, after Hurricane Katrina, the sorority raised money for disaster relief. In 2007, they helped build a house in New Orleans for a family affected by the hurricane, working with Habitat for Humanity.

Alpha Kappa Alpha also raised awareness about health issues like AIDS, sickle cell anemia, breast cancer, and the importance of staying healthy. They partnered with African Ancestry to help members trace their family history through DNA testing, connecting them to their roots in Africa.

Celebrating 100 Years: 2008

Alpha Kappa Alpha celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2008 with events throughout the year. Many members visited Howard University from January 12 to 15, 2008. During this time, the sorority donated $1 million in scholarships to Howard University. They also provided libraries for a middle school and a senior citizens' home.

From July 11 to 18, 2008, Alpha Kappa Alpha held its 63rd Boulé. Events included a town hall meeting, a unity march with other NPHC members, and a concert featuring singer Patti LaBelle. On July 17, 2008, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority set a Guinness World Record for the largest-ever silver service sit-down dinner, with 16,206 members.

The United States Congress recognized Alpha Kappa Alpha's achievements. U.S. Senator Hillary Clinton and U.S. Representative Sheila Jackson-Lee, who is a sorority member, worked to pass laws honoring the sorority's founding. The toy company Mattel also designed a Barbie doll wearing a pink and green evening gown to celebrate.

Ivy Leaf magazine issue, 1934

Alpha Kappa Alpha tree at Howard University.

Symbols of Alpha Kappa Alpha

The sorority's motto is "By Culture and By Merit." Its official colors are salmon pink and apple green. The symbol is the Ivy leaf, and its flower is the Pink Tea Rose. The official publication is the Ivy Leaf magazine. Members of Alpha Kappa Alpha are often called AKAs, Alpha Women, Pretty Girls, and Ivies.

Membership in Alpha Kappa Alpha

Alpha Kappa Alpha has over 300,000 members worldwide, with about 90,000 active members from many different backgrounds and jobs. Most members are college graduates. Alpha Kappa Alpha has over 1,000 chapters in the United States, the Caribbean, Canada, and South Africa.

Members use the term soror, which comes from the Latin word for "sister," to refer to each other. The leadership group is called the Directorate. For chapters made up of college graduates, "Omega" is added to their name. "Supreme" is used before the title of an international leader, like Supreme Basileus. Members who have passed away are called "Ivies Beyond the Wall."

Honorary membership is the highest honor in Alpha Kappa Alpha. Famous honorary members include Jane Addams, a Nobel Peace Prize winner, and Eleanor Roosevelt, a former First Lady.

Ivy Leaf Pledge Club, Wilberforce University, 1922

How to Join Alpha Kappa Alpha

In the past, potential members would join the Ivy Leaf Pledge Club before becoming part of the sorority. They would learn about the sorority's history and traditions.

Today, those interested in joining attend an "interest meeting" or "rush." After receiving an official letter, they can go through the membership process. To join, prospective members must have a good academic record, usually a 2.5 GPA or higher, and a history of community service. If someone has already graduated from college, they might be invited to join by a graduate chapter.

Alpha Kappa Alpha's National Headquarters in Chicago, Illinois

Leadership of Alpha Kappa Alpha

The sorority's early leadership came from three groups: the original founders, the sophomores who joined later, and the members who helped officially incorporate the sorority. Together, these are known as "The Twenty Pearls."

The Twenty Pearls

Acting Surgeon General Rear Admiral Kenneth P. Moritsugu at the 98th National Founders Day in 2006. Then Alpha Kappa Alpha Executive Director Barbara McKinzie sits to the right.

Executive Directors

The Executive Director position was created in 1949. Here are some of the people who have held this role:

International Presidents

These are the International Presidents since the office was created in 1913:

The Boulé

The Boulé is the main governing body of the sorority. It meets every two years. The first Boulé was held at Howard University in Washington, D.C., in December 1918. Famous speakers at Boulé conventions have included civil rights leaders Martin Luther King Jr. and Roy Wilkins.

Chapters and Regions

The nine regions of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority within the United States

After having 32 chapters by 1924, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority organized its chapters into regions across the United States and other countries. The Boulé decides the boundaries of these regions. Each of the ten regions is led by a Regional Director. This director is also a member of the sorority's board of directors. Many Regional Directors have later been elected as international presidents.

Philanthropy and Programs

Alpha Kappa Alpha is known for its many programs that help communities.

Ivy Acres

Ivy Acres is a planned retirement center in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. It is sponsored by Senior Residences, Incorporated, which is part of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. Ivy Acres aims to be one of the first retirement centers started by African Americans and minorities in the U.S. It will offer living options for people over fifty-five, welcoming everyone regardless of their background.

The community will be built on 48 acres of land. It is planned to have 188 independent living units, 40 assisted-living apartments, and 20 private rooms for skilled nursing care.

Alpha Kappa Alpha's Alpha Epsilon chapter at Virginia State University in 1994.

Ivy Reading AKAdemy

The Ivy Reading AKAdemy is a program that encourages communities to get involved in education. It focuses on helping young children learn and master basic reading skills by the end of third grade. The program works with the goals of "No Child Left Behind" to improve reading for kids.

Leadership Fellows Program

The Leadership Fellows Program is a special event where thirty Alpha Kappa Alpha college students are trained for leadership roles. They also do community service for one week. Students must have at least a 3.0 GPA to be chosen for this program. The program has been held in various cities and has been supported by companies like General Electric.

Partnerships in Mathematics and Science (PIMS)

PIMS started in 1994 to help young people succeed in math, science, and technology. The program aims to increase the number of Black women in these fields. Chapters have offered two-week summer camps with hands-on activities, field trips, and talks from experts. For example, a PIMS program in Marietta, Georgia, provided educational trips for girls in third through fifth grade to encourage their interest in math and science.

Young Authors Program

The Young Authors Program encourages children in kindergarten through third grade to read and write. Each of the sorority's ten regions chooses a child's story to be published in a special book called The Spirit Within: Voices of Young Authors. In 2004, twenty children were honored in the first book. Former U.S. Department of Education Secretary Rod Paige and First Lady Laura Bush have attended events for this program, highlighting the importance of reading.

Educational Advancement Foundation (EAF)

Alpha Kappa Alpha's Educational Advancement Foundation (EAF) is a separate organization that provides financial support for learning. It gives academic scholarships to both sorority members and non-members. It also offers grants for community service projects.

The EAF was started in 1978 and officially began in 1980. Eight years later, it awarded its first scholarships. By 2000, the EAF published a book about its history and how to start other charitable groups. The EAF has given over $200,000 in grants and awarded scholarships to 1,400 students.

EAF Projects

Members assisting Delaware's Department of Highway Safety in distributing booster seats to low-income children

• Advocates for Black Colleges – This project aims to raise $100,000 for a chosen historically Black college or university. The money supports scholarships and programs at the school.
• Howard University Fund – To celebrate its 100th anniversary, Alpha Kappa Alpha is donating $2 million to Howard University. One million dollars will improve Alpha Kappa Alpha's historical archives at the Moorland-Spingarn Research Center. Another million dollars will go to the Nellie M. Quander Scholarship Fund, which helps female students at Howard University.
• Chapter Scholarships – Local chapters of Alpha Kappa Alpha also send money to the EAF to fund scholarships in their communities. These scholarships usually range from $100 to $500.
• Alpha Kappa Alpha Exhibit – This exhibit shows the achievements of Alpha Kappa Alpha members over 100 years. It traveled to several cities across the nation from 2006 to 2008.

Centennial museum at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center

Notable Members

Many members of Alpha Kappa Alpha have become important civil rights activists, educators, entertainers, and politicians.

See Also

In Spanish: Alpha kappa alpha para niños

Images for kids

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  The official crest of Alpha Kappa Alpha.