"A vision lit the path for our sixteen illustrious founders.  A vision based upon scholarship, sisterhood, and service to all mankind. A vision, which over the past ninety-five years, has continually inspired and enlightened African-American women both domestic and abroad."

On January 15, 1908, the idea for formation of an instrument for enriching the social and intellectual aspects of African American collegiate women was conceived.  Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority was founded by Ethel Hedgeman Lyle in Minor Hall on the campus of Howard University in Washington D.C. It was America’s first Greek-letter organization established by and for black women.  Five years after it’s founding, on January 29, 1913, the perpetuity of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority was ensured through its incorporation. 

Through the years, the purposes, envisioned by Ethel Hedgeman Lyle and the fifteen other women who contributed to the Sorority’s founding, have applied to every transformation presented to the African-American community. Continuing in the twenty-first century, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated continues to provide inspirational leadership, enduring services and a unifying sisterhood. 

Today, more than 140,000 women in over 860 chapters worldwide, including West Africa, the Bahamas, the Virgin Islands, England and Germany compose Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Its members consciously choose their affiliation as a means of self-fulfillment through service to all mankind, and represent the epitome of class grace, and womanhood.