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In 1908, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority became America’s first Greek-letter organization established by and for Black college women. Her roots date back to Howard University in Washington, D.C., where Ethel Hedgeman Lyle of St. Louis, Missouri, conceived the idea for formation. She 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.

 

Through the years, however, Alpha Kappa Alpha’s function has become more complex. After her incorporation as a perpetual body on January 29, 1913, Alpha Kappa Alpha gradually branched out and became the channel through which selected college-trained women improved the social and economic conditions in their city, state, nation and the world.

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Today, that tradition has continued locally, nationally, and internationally. 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. It has maintained its focus in two key arenas: the lifelong personal and professional development of each of its members; and galvanizing its membership into an organization of respected power and influence, consistently at the forefront of effective advocacy and social change that results in equality and equity for all citizens of the world.

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The Kappa Phi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. was chartered on

May 1, 1976. The chartering ceremony was held at the Richard’s Educational Center in

Florence, Alabama. 

 

The following Sorors were charter members:

 

James Ella Bulls

 Barbara J. Mitchell

Margaret B. Butler 

Hattie S. Oliver

Dorothy L. Carter 

Deloris A. Pendleton

Shirley R. Douglas

 Debra Smith James

Patricia A. Hawkins 

Lovie D. Softley

Clara (Howlet) Harrison

 Laurena P. (Watkins) Thirlkill

Mattie L. Hughes

Gwendolyn Yarbrough

Elsa W. Jimmar

 

“Supreme in service to all mankind”

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