Howard University student, Ethel Hedgemon Lyle, dreamed of creating a support network for women with like minds coming together for mutual uplifting and to help others as well. In 1908, her vision became Alpha Kappa Alpha, the first Black Greek-letter sorority. Five years later (1913), lead incorporator, Nellie Quander, ensured Alpha Kappa Alpha’s perpetuity through incorporation in the District of Columbia. 

 

Together with eight other students at Howard, Hedgeman crafted a design that not only fostered interaction, stimulation, and ethical growth among members; but also provided hope for the masses. From the core group of nine at Howard, AKA has grown into a force of more than 360,000 collegiate members and alumnae, constituting 1,074 chapters in 42 states, the District of Columbia, the US Virgin Islands, the Bahamas, Germany, Liberia, South Korea, Japan, Canada, South Africa and the Middle East. 

  

For more information about our national legacy, please visit www.aka1908.com. 

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