January 15 …

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (AKA) is the first African American sorority, dedicated to fostering high scholastic and ethical standards, community service, and the empowerment of women. It is a member of the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) collaborative umbrella composed of historically African American fraternities and sororities, commonly called the Divine Nine.

The sorority’s mission is to cultivate and encourage high academic and ethical standards, promote peace and unity, and provide service to all mankind through its programs and initiatives.

The sorority was founded on January 15, 1908 at Howard University in Washington, D.C., by nine visionary women led by Ethel Hedgeman Lyle. These founders, aware of the challenges facing African American women in higher education, created an organization that would support its members’ academic, social, and professional development, while also addressing the needs of the community.

Some of the most famous AKA members include:

• Kamala Harris — the first woman and person of African and South Asian descent to hold the office of Vice President of the United States;
• Maya Angelou — author and poet known for her influential literary works and activism;
• Phylicia Rashad — actress acclaimed for her role as Clair Huxtable on The Cosby Show;
• Gladys Knight — singer and actress often referred to as the “Empress of Soul;” and
• Coretta Scott King — civil rights leader who carried on the legacy of her husband, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., while making her own significant impact on American history.

Alpha Kappa Alpha has since grown into an international sisterhood, engaging in numerous philanthropic initiatives and championing causes such as health, education, and economic empowerment.