Alpha Kappa Alpha: A Radical Solution

On a cold Wednesday in January of 1908, a group of young African American women acted on a revolutionary notion. Only a generation removed from legal slavery, this dynamic group recognized their extreme (relative) privilege as college-educated negro women. Rather than leave the less fortunate behind, they joined forces to commit their lives to a set of common ideals: sisterhood, scholarship, and service to all mankind.

Enrolled at an (illustrious) all-black college because of racism, outnumbered at that college because of sexism, and often ignored because of their ages, in my opinion, the crystallization of Alpha Kappa Alpha is nothing short of divine order. Very few organizations are borne under these circumstances, and yet, here we are.

What do you love most about AKA?

"Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. has allowed me to continue volunteering in the community, advancing the causes of our youth within an amazing sisterhood of like-minded women with a history of excellence and phenomenal service." - Soror Carolyn Carter

"I absolutely love this Sisterhood. As one of the four Admins for the 'We Help Each Other' Facebook group, I'm blessed each and every day to see sisterhood and service to each other in action, not just words. For 20 years, my Sorors have been by my side through the ups and downs of life. Membership in Alpha Kappa Alpha is a blessing and a responsibility. I will always do my best to uphold her legacy. I will strive to ensure that we remain committed to serving the community and all mankind." - Soror Nkeshi Free

"I love networking and fellowshipping with sorors of all ages, but especially those with the experience, know-how, and the skills to plan and organize the events that support our community." - Soror Sarah Brown-Derbah

"The Sisterhood is unmatched!" Also, I love being around like-minded women with a heart to serve." - Soror Gretchen Farrow

"Back when I wanted to be an AKA, I studied in Spain for a short moment. While I was there, I visited La Cathedral de Barcelona and I prayed to God for direction. I asked God to give me a sign if I should be an AKA or if I should just carry on as if I didn’t have a passion to connect. Sure enough when I opened my eyes, I searched around for a sign and there was an AKA donning a beautiful salmon pink and apple green tote. That is when I realized in that moment that if I was an AKA already, I would have hung out with my Soror that more than likely spoke Spanish as her first language. I understand the immensity and the feminine power of what it felt like to be an AKA in that moment and I have been grateful ever since. My family also has a restaurant, Southfield Pancake House and 1/5th of the people that patronize are Sorors. They are supportive and ever-present." - Soror Amanda DasGupta

From establishing scholarships at Howard, to curing disease and famine in the Mississippi Delta, to establishing a firm on Wall Street and more, learn about other great service projects my sorority has done through the years here.

112 years ago, a small group of college girls dared to embark on a radical journey. Because there are elements of our history that only Sorors are allowed to know, it's bittersweet that many people can't understand the sacrifices that led to the creation and sustenance of America's first Black sorority. 

Even still, it's an honor and a privilege to lend myself to the global force that is Alpha Kappa Alpha. Overwhelming (in the best ways) is it to descend from a line of strong black women who had the foresight to design a framework that has stood the test of time for over a century. From the original nine to 300,000 members worldwide, our Pearls clearly did something right. 

We are our founders' wildest dreams!