National History

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. is the oldest Greek-letter organization that was founded by young African American women.  Ethel Hedgeman Lyle came up with the idea to start the sorority. The sorority was founded on January 15, 1908 in Minor Hall on the campus of Howard University.

On January 29, 1913, Nellie M. Quander helped incorporate Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. as a non profit organization.

The purpose of the sorority is to “cultivate and encourage high scholastic and ethical standards, to promote unity and friendship among college women, to study and help alleviate problems concerning girls and women in order to improve their social stature, to maintain a progressive interest in college life, and to be of Service to All Mankind.”

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. has been a service to all mankind for 115 years.  The sorority has over 350,000 members.

You can find information about Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. on www.aka1908.com.