Famous Members of Alpha Kappa Alpha: Celebrating Influential Women in (2024)

By Jason Bolton August 05, 2024 11:51

Photo by courtesy of Dwight Carter.

Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) was one of the primary Greek-life organizations African American college women opened. The organization was established on January 15, 1908, at the Howard University campus in Washington, DC, by Ethel Hedgeman Lyle and eight other women students who envisioned a sorority dedicated to upholding social justice principles within their communities. The principles of education, service, and sisterhood are the foundation for Alpha Kappa Alphas' motto: By Culture and Merit.

Alpha Kappa Alpha has shaped its existence from then on, focusing on civil rights, education, and health initiatives. Today, boasting a membership of over 200,000 college-educated women in more than 950 chapters globally, the organization remains impactful by empowering these ladies on numerous societal dilemmas, hence becoming an institution deeply rooted within African American culture and activism.

Prominent Alpha Kappa Alphas

1. Kamala Harris

Kamala Harriswas born October 20, 1964, in Oakland, California, Harris is an Alpha Kappa Alpha member and the current vice President of the United States. A Howard University graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Economics, Harris has made quite the name for herself through her political career. In her early political career, she held the position of Attorney General of California and was a senator for California before becoming vice president.

It is no coincidence that so many of the things Harris has fought for, social justice, healthcare reform, and women's rights, are values instilled by AKA. Her breaking of the glass ceiling to become the first female Vice President and the first African American and Asian American Vice President in US history is a sign her leadership resonates & AKA's legacy for promoting women into politics.

2. Coretta Scott King

Coretta Scott King, Wife of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., was Born on April 27, 1927, in Marion, Alabama. In addition to being a gifted musician,she was also an outspoken advocate for social justice. She held degrees from Antioch College and the New England Conservatory of Music. In 1952, Coretta joined Alpha Kappa Alpha and found a sisterhood that supported her work with civil rights.

After her husband was killed in 1968, Coretta devoted the second half of her life to establishing his legacy by founding The King Center for Nonviolent Social Change in Atlanta. Her continued efforts for civil rights, women's rights, and LGBTQ+ Rights have helped shape this critical time in American history. Her membership in the AKA sorority positioned her to speak out and act on it, a foundation that has motivated many generations of women toward political engagement.

3. Maya Angelou

From St. Louis, Missouri, Born April 4, 1928,Maya is a Poet, memoirist, and civil rights activist. Her most famous work is the autobiographical I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, which documents her life struggles in a time when Blackness and Americanness were defined differently. Angelou joined Alpha Kappa Alpha in 1983 before her passing and continued to uplift others with her literary works.

The poem became a rallying cry for equality and justice, and Angelou remained a beloved figure in American literary circles and the civil rights movement. Through AKA, Angelou found an opportunity to connect with other noteworthy women and promoted her message of empowerment for education, a legacy that endures even now.

4. Shirley Chisholm

Born November 30, 1924, in Brooklyn, New York, Shirley Chisholm was the first African-American woman elected to The United States Congress. Brooklyn College and Columbia University graduate Chisholm was a civil rights activist in the era of race and gender rights; she used politics as a medium to fight for growing voices, paving the way not only in New York but all over America. In 1946, she pledged to the sorority Alpha Kappa Alpha while there, honing her leadership skills and commitment to public service.

The 1968 election political events marked a turning point in mainstream politics. Chisholm's campaign for presidency helped shape women and people for change, as seen in her groundbreaking run forpresident in '72.

5. Zora Neale Hurston

Born in Notasulga, Alabama, on January 7th of 1891, Zora Neale Hurston was a prominent writer and anthropologist who played a key role during the Harlem Renaissance. Her most popular novel is "Their Eyes Were Watching God" which centers on the themes of race, gender, and identity. Alpha Kappa Alpha provided Hurston with a sisterhood of women that would help buoy her efforts to build community through literature.

The work of Hurston has been a crucial influence on African-American literature and culture, but her contributions to anthropology have long remained in general obscurity.

Inspiring Future Generations

Today, the AKA symbolizes a legacy of hope and inspiration for young women everywhere. The sorority supports the growth of future leaders through initiatives like mentoring programs, scholarships, and community-building efforts. The sorority stresses the importance of academic excellence and social responsibility among its members so they can make a positive impact on their communities in particular, he said.

Furthering Social Justice And Equality

Alpha Kappa Alpha women are not only making a difference in society, but sisters have made meaningful strides in advancing social justice and equality in the American landscape in the American landscape. Whether their work is in civil rights activism or political leadership, these women have helped sculpt policies and elevate the voices of those most negatively impacted by our state on behalf of marginalized communities.

Their work in civil rights, education, and health care helped build a more just society and awakened the possibility of having universities for women across this country. The future of leadership and social justice continues to be inspired by the legacy with slight modifications it leaves behind as AKA thrives.

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