Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc, Simply Stunning

The History of Alpha Kappa Alpha

Alpha Kappa Alpha was inspired by Soror Ethel Hedgeman Lyle during 1907-1908 academic year, on the campus   of Howard University in Washington, D.C.  Alpha Kappa Alpha was formed upon receiving recognition a university organization and became the first Black Greek-letter organization established in America by women of color.  The planning team of nine included the visionary Ethel Hedgeman Lyle, Beulah and Lillie Burke, Margaret Flagg Holmes, Marjorie Hill, Lucy Slowe, Marie Woolfolk, Anna Easter Brown and Lavinia Norman.  The original group developed the name, colors, drafted a constitution, motto and official symbol. 

In late February of 1908 a group of sophomore women who had shown exceptional interest in the organization were invited to join in order to ensure continuity.  Approached by Marie Woolfolk Taylor seven sophomores were admitted without initiation.  This group included Joanna Berry, Norma Boyd, Ethel Jones, Sarah Meriweather, Alice Murray, Carrie Snowden, and Harriet Terry.  Within a few years Alpha Kappa Alpha was incorporated as legal body to insure perpetuity in January 1913 under the leadership of Nellie Quander.

Ethel Hedgeman Lyle	Anna Easter Brown	Beulah Burke	Lillie Burke
Marjorie Hill	Margret Holmes	Lavinia Norman	Lucy Slowe
Marie Woolfolk	Norma Boyd	Ethel Mowbray	Alice Murray
Sarah Meriweather	Joanna Berry	Carrie Snowden	Harriet Terry