Honoring Our Past
Founded on the campus of Howard University in Washington, DC in 1908, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® is the oldest Greek-letter organization established by African American college-trained women. To trace its history is to tell a story of changing patterns of human relations in America in the 20th century.
The small group of women who organized the Sorority was conscious of a privileged position as college-trained women of color, just one generation removed from slavery. They were resolute that their college experiences should be as meaningful and productive as possible. Alpha Kappa Alpha was founded to apply that determination.
Learn more about our sorority's illustrious history by visiting the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated® website.
Mission
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® was founded on a mission of five basic tenets that have remained unchanged since the sorority’s inception. Our mission is:
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to cultivate and encourage high scholastic and ethical standards,
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to promote unity and friendship among college women,
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to study and help alleviate problems concerning girls and women in order to improve their social stature,
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to maintain a progressive interest in college life,
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and to be of “Service to All Mankind.”
Vision
In the early 1900s, Howard University co-ed Ethel Hedgemon dreamed of creating a support network for women with like minds who would come together for mutual uplift and coalescence of their talents and strengths for the benefit of others.
In 1908, her vision crystalized as Alpha Kappa Alpha, the first Negro Greek-letter sorority. Five years later in 1913, lead incorporator, Nellie Quander, ensured Alpha Kappa Alpha’s perpetuity through incorporation in the District of Columbia.
