ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA SORORITY HISTORY

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority is the oldest Greek-letter organization established in America by black women. Founded in 1908, by nine students of Howard University in Washington DC, its membership approaches two hundred thousand women in the United States, the Caribbean, Europe, and Africa.

To trace the history of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority is to actually tell a story of changing patterns of human relations in America in the Twentieth Century. At the begining of the century when Alpha Kappa Alpha was organized, America was a young nation - young in spirit, young in outlook. As the world grew more and more complex, there was a need for associations which cut across racial, national, physical and social barriers, associations which helped individuals develop and maintain constructive relationships with others.

Alpha Kappa Alpha is such an organization. A union of thousands of college-trained women who are bound by a powerful mystique, it is a real and moving factor in the lives of students at more than four hundred institutions of higher learning. It is one of the most solvent corporations in the world today that is controlled by Africa American women.

Alpha Kappa Alpha is, obviously, an effective channel for meaningful efforts and rewarding activities, and it is a friendly association that fosters constructive and personal relations. It is a recognized force for social action and a strong ally in
the continuing struggle for civil and human rights. As Alpha Kappa Alpha has grown, it has kept in balance two very important themes: the importance of the individual and the strength of an organization of women of courage and ability. The future of Alpha Kappa Alpha is bright, for its members are never satisfied with their accomplishments. Building on the experiences of ninety-nine years of sisterhood and service, Alpha Kappa Alpha is moving into a new century of increased services and richer fellowships.

QUICK FACTS

• Founded: January 15, 1908 at Howard University, Washington, DC
  
  
• Incorporated: January 29, 1913
  
  
• Twenty Pearls:
  Founders and Incorporators
  
  
• Motto: "By Culture and By Merit"
  
  
• Symbol: Green enameled Ivy Leaf
  
  
• Flower: Pink Tea Rose
  
  
• Colors: Salmon Pink and Apple Green
  
  
• Purpose:
  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 the social stature. To maintain a progressive interest in college life, and to be of service to all mankind.