Since its founding on January 15, 1908, on the campus of Howard University, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. has been at the forefront of empowering women, uplifting communities, and breaking barriers. The first Greek-letter organization established by Black college women, AKA, was founded by 16 visionary women led by Ethel Hedgemon Lyle, who sought to cultivate a sisterhood rooted in academic excellence, cultural pride, and service to humanity.
Over the past century, Alpha Kappa Alpha has grown into a global organization with nearly 1,200 chapters and over 355,000 members worldwide. Through its initiatives focusing on education, health, and economic empowerment, AKA has consistently advanced its motto, “By Culture and By Merit,” and produced a legacy of extraordinary women whose achievements have left an indelible mark on history.
Alpha Kappa Alpha’s Legacy of Excellence
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. has cultivated generations of women who have reshaped history and championed progress in every field imaginable. Through programs such as the Exemplifying Excellence Through Sustainable Service initiative, AKA continues to address critical issues, from education and health disparities to economic inequities. The sorority’s members have consistently demonstrated how sisterhood and service can transform lives and communities.
As we honor Founders Day, we celebrate the extraordinary legacy of Alpha Kappa Alpha women who have paved the way for countless others. Their stories remind us of the power of resilience, excellence, and collective action in creating a better world.
Althea Gibson
As a trailblazer in sports, Gibson shattered racial barriers in tennis during the 1950s. She became the first African-American to win a Grand Slam title, claiming victory at the French Open in 1956. She went on to win five additional Grand Slam championships, including Wimbledon and the U.S. Open. Gibson’s pioneering accomplishments opened doors for future Black athletes and demonstrated the power of perseverance. As an Alpha Kappa Alpha woman, her legacy reflects the sorority’s emphasis on breaking barriers and achieving excellence.
Marian Anderson
Anderson’s voice not only captivated audiences but also broke racial barriers in the arts. In 1939, after being denied the opportunity to perform at Constitution Hall due to her race, she gave a historic concert on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, attended by over 75,000 people. Anderson became the first Black singer to perform at the White House and later made history as the first Black singer to perform with New York’s Metropolitan Opera in 1955. A proud Alpha Kappa Alpha member, Anderson’s legacy speaks to the sorority’s commitment to cultural advancement and resilience.
Dorothy Vaughan
Vaughan made history as the first Black woman supervisor at NASA, where she led a team of women mathematicians—known as “human computers”—who were instrumental in America’s space exploration during the mid-20th century. Vaughan’s contributions, highlighted in the book and film Hidden Figures, exemplify her brilliance, leadership, and commitment to progress. As a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, she embodies the sorority’s dedication to academic excellence and impactful service.
Sharon Pratt
Pratt made history as the first Black woman to serve as mayor of a major American city when she was elected to lead Washington, D.C., in 1991. During her tenure, she worked tirelessly to improve the city’s finances and infrastructure while navigating complex political challenges. Pratt’s groundbreaking leadership continues to inspire women in politics and aligns with AKA’s mission to develop leaders who advocate for change.
Alice Walker
Walker, a celebrated author and activist, became the first Black woman to win the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1983 for her iconic novel The Color Purple. The book, which explores themes of race, gender, and resilience, has been adapted into an award-winning film and Broadway musical. Walker’s literary contributions and activism exemplify Alpha Kappa Alpha’s values of cultural enrichment and advocacy for social justice.
Cathy Hughes
As the founder of Radio One (now Urban One), Hughes became the first Black woman to head a publicly traded corporation in 1999 and revolutionized Black media. Under her leadership, Urban One has grown into the largest African-American-owned broadcasting company in the U.S., empowering Black voices and creating opportunities for diverse stories to be heard. Hughes’ entrepreneurial spirit and innovation reflect the Alpha Kappa Alpha commitment to economic empowerment and community uplift.
