Informational Presentation

The History of Alpha Kappa Alpha

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated is the oldest Greek-letter organization established in America by Black college women. The record of its origin, growth and development, activities, evolving goals, and accomplishments is more than an interesting bit of history, it is a significant and inspiring reflection of the emergence of a dynamic group in a changing culture.

The efforts of Alpha Kappa Alpha women in the promotion of high scholarship, vocational and career guidance, health services, the advancement of human and civil rights, and in so many other areas constitute a priceless part of the American experience in the twentieth century.

- Marjorie H. Parker, Ph.D.

The History of Alpha Kappa Alpha

On January 15, 1908 on the campus of Howard University, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority became America’s first Greek-letter organization established by and for Black women.

Our founders viewed the Sorority as an instrument for enriching the social and intellectual aspects of college life by providing mental stimulation through interaction with friends and associates.

The Founders of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated

Norma Elizabeth Boyd

Beulah Elizabeth Burke

Anna Easter Brown

Lillian Burke

Marjorie Hill

Margaret Flagg Holmes

Ethel Hedgeman Lyle

Ethel Jones Mowbray

Alice P. Murray

Lavinia Norman

Lucy Diggs Slowe

Sarah MeriweatherNutter

Joanna Mary Berry Shields

Carrie Snowden

Marie Woolfolk Taylor

Harriet Josephine Terry

Alpha Kappa Alpha Today

Today, the tradition established by our founders has continued - internationally, nationally and locally. Alpha Kappa Alpha cultivates and encourages high scholastic and ethical standards; promotes unity and friendship among college women; alleviates problems concerning girls and women; maintains a progressive interest in college life; and serves all mankind through a nucleus of more than 160,000 women in over 900 chapters.

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. International Program

Our current International Program, “Blazing New Trails”, includes five targets:

EducationHealthBlack FamilyEconomicsThe Arts

The History of the Eta Mu Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

The Eta Mu chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. was chartered at Georgia State University on December 20, 1972 by fifteen outstanding and dedicated women.

The Founders of the Eta Mu Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Sheila A. Bowden Polly Lewis

Josephine Bronson Ora Mims

Laverne Chapman Rosemary Reed

Wilhelmina Chapman Solomie Watson

Marcia Edwards Rene Welder

Valerie Hamm Vicki Winfrey

Brenda Henderson Dianna Wright

Carol Huff

The Eta Mu Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Today

Since its inception, the Eta Mu Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated has striven to provide quality programs of service on the campus of Georgia State University and the community at large. Eta Mu Chapter has sponsored many programs under the national targets of Education, Health, Black Family, Economics, and the Arts.

The Eta Mu Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Programs

Eta Mu Chapter programs have included: STD and Breast Cancer Awareness Seminars Economic Empowerment Seminars Forum on Being a Black student at a Predominantly White college Hands on Atlanta Days "Into the Streets" Donations to St. Jude's Ranch for Children Skate for Sickle Cell Anemia “Skee”, “Skee Phi”, and “Mind, Body, and Soul” Weeks Sponsoring Red Cross Blood Drives

Eta Mu Chapter Achievements

In addition to its commitment to quality programs, the Eta Mu Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated also promotes high scholastic and chapter achievement on the local and international level.

Eta Mu Chapter Achievements

1997-98 Dean's Cup for Scholastic Achievement A member receiving the African American Heritage Award

for Academic Achievement and Community Service Greek Award for Chapter Programs

1999 South Atlantic Regional Conference: First Place - Homie Regulus Basileus Award Second Place - Chapter Achievement First Place - Chapter Attendance.

Eta Mu continues to bear the legacy of excellence that has been passed down through the years. Its members are future leaders, scholars, and role models, not only for Alpha Kappa Alpha, but for the world.