Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated was founded on the campus Howard University in 1908. The noble idea of Alpha Kappa Alpha was conceived by Ethel Hedgemen Lyle, who believed the sorority would serve "as an instrument for enriching the social and intellectual aspects of college life by providing mental stimulation through interaction with friends and associates." There were nine original founders who took advantage of their privileged position as college-trained women of color in order to make their college experiences as meaningful and productive as possible.

To ensure the continuity of the organization, seven Class of 1910 honor students who had expressed interest were invited to join without initiation. To preserve the integrity of the organization, Alpha Kappa Alpha was incorporated in 1913 with Nellie Quander taking the lead along with the other Incorporators: Norma Boyd, Julia Brooks, Ethel Jones Mowbray, Nellie Pratt Russell and Minnie Smith.

Today the influence and concerns of Alpha Kappa Alpha extend beyond the college campus. Throughout the years, the sorority has grown and remained socially relevant and dedicated to uplifting the communities it serves as well as itself. After 107 year of service, the singular determination of Alpha Kappa Alpha continues to be “service to all mankind” reverberates throughout the United States, Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Caribbean, with a membership of nearly 280,000 collegiate members and alumnae.  

For more information, visit Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.