Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®

Howard University co-ed Ethel Hedgeman dreamed of creating a support network for women with like minds coming together for mutual uplift, and coalescing their talents and strengths for the benefit of others. In 1908, her vision crystallized as Alpha Kappa Alpha, the first Negro Greek-letter sorority. In 1913, lead incorporator Nellie Quander ensured Alpha Kappa Alpha’s perpetuity through incorporation in the District of Columbia.

From the core group of nine at Howard, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated has grown into a force of more than 290,000 collegiate members and alumnae, constituting 1,007 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.

Through the years, Alpha Kappa Alpha has used the Sisterhood as a grand lever to raise the status of African-Americans, particularly girls and women, and institute social action initiatives and social service programs that have transformed communities for the better— continually emitting progress in cities, states, the nation, and the world.

*Adapted from Alpha Kappa Alpha History: https://aka1908.com/about/history