National History
In 1908, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority became America's first Greek-letter organization established by Black college women. Her roots date back to Howard University, Washington, D.C., where the idea for formation was conceived by Ethel Hedgeman Lyle of St. Louis, Missouri. 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 in 1913, Alpha Kappa Alpha gradually branched out and became the channel through which selected college-trained women improved the socioeconomic conditions in their city, state, nation, and the world.
In a world in which materialism is pervasive, and technology and competition have decreased the need for collaboration and cooperation, it is critical to have an association that cuts across racial, international, physical, and social barriers to help individuals and communities develop and maintain constructive relationships with others. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority is that vital organization.
Alpha Kappa Alpha is a sisterhood composed of women who have consciously chosen this affiliation as a means of self-fulfillment through volunteer service. 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 170,000 women in the United States, the Caribbean, Europe, and Africa.
In 1908, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority became America's first Greek-letter organization established by Black college women. Her roots date back to Howard University, Washington, D.C., where the idea for formation was conceived by Ethel Hedgeman Lyle of St. Louis, Missouri. 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 in 1913, Alpha Kappa Alpha gradually branched out and became the channel through which selected college-trained women improved the socioeconomic conditions in their city, state, nation, and the world.
In a world in which materialism is pervasive, and technology and competition have decreased the need for collaboration and cooperation, it is critical to have an association that cuts across racial, international, physical, and social barriers to help individuals and communities develop and maintain constructive relationships with others. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority is that vital organization.
Alpha Kappa Alpha is a sisterhood composed of women who have consciously chosen this affiliation as a means of self-fulfillment through volunteer service. 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 170,000 women in the United States, the Caribbean, Europe, and Africa.
Chapter History!!!
The Epsilon Sigma Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated was chartered on May 1, 1970 at what was then known as East Texas State University. At that time, thirty-two dedicated and hardworking women known as the “Striving 32” where initiated.
These women became Epsilon Sigma’s charter line and they captured a vision that correlated very strongly with the purpose of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. After more than thirty three years of existence, the ladies of Epsilon Sigma continue in their endeavor to uplift and live out that vision through community service, scholarship, and sisterhood.
Currently at Texas A&M University-Commerce, the Epsilon Sigma chapter continues to serve its growing community by supporting AIDS Awareness, Clothing and Food Drives, Reading Programs, and many other programs that meet the sorority's national targets.
The Epsilon Sigma Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated was chartered on May 1, 1970 at what was then known as East Texas State University. At that time, thirty-two dedicated and hardworking women known as the “Striving 32” where initiated.
These women became Epsilon Sigma’s charter line and they captured a vision that correlated very strongly with the purpose of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. After more than thirty three years of existence, the ladies of Epsilon Sigma continue in their endeavor to uplift and live out that vision through community service, scholarship, and sisterhood.
Currently at Texas A&M University-Commerce, the Epsilon Sigma chapter continues to serve its growing community by supporting AIDS Awareness, Clothing and Food Drives, Reading Programs, and many other programs that meet the sorority's national targets.
Our Lovely Founders
In 1908, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority became America's first Greek-letter organization established by and for Black women. Its creation began with an idea by Ethel Hedgeman Lyle, a junior at Howard University in Washington, D.C. She viewed the development of 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.
With a group of nine women: Anna Easter Brown, Beula Elizabeth Burke, Lillie Burke, Marjorie Hill, Margaret Flagg Holmes, Ethel Hedgeman Lyle, Lavinia Norman, Lucy Diggs Slow, and Marie Woolfolk Taylor, Alpha Kappa Alpha was formed on January 15, 1908 at Howard University. A group of sophomore women who showed interest in the organization were chosen to complete this group so the sorority would continue after those of the first group had graduated. Together, these 16 women are honored as the Founders of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
They initiated the first line at Howard's Miner Hall on February 11, 1909, when Ella Albert Brown, Mary Clifford, Lena Jenkins, Mabel Gibson, Ruth Gilbert, and Nellie Pratt Russell became members of the sorority. After coming to the realization that legal incorporation would contribute to the assurance of perpetuity, a group of Sorors led by Nellie Quander sought to incorporate the sorority. On January 29, 1913, Alpha Kappa Alpha was incorporated with "power to organize, institute, and charter subordinate chapters whose particular purposes and objectives would be educational", and would "promote the intellectual standard and mutual uplift of its members."
Thanks to the efforts of our incorporators, Nellie Pratt Russell, Nellie Quander, Norma Elizabeth Boyd, and Beatrice Smith, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., was the first sorority in the United States organized by Black women to be incorporated.
In 1908, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority became America's first Greek-letter organization established by and for Black women. Its creation began with an idea by Ethel Hedgeman Lyle, a junior at Howard University in Washington, D.C. She viewed the development of 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.
With a group of nine women: Anna Easter Brown, Beula Elizabeth Burke, Lillie Burke, Marjorie Hill, Margaret Flagg Holmes, Ethel Hedgeman Lyle, Lavinia Norman, Lucy Diggs Slow, and Marie Woolfolk Taylor, Alpha Kappa Alpha was formed on January 15, 1908 at Howard University. A group of sophomore women who showed interest in the organization were chosen to complete this group so the sorority would continue after those of the first group had graduated. Together, these 16 women are honored as the Founders of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
They initiated the first line at Howard's Miner Hall on February 11, 1909, when Ella Albert Brown, Mary Clifford, Lena Jenkins, Mabel Gibson, Ruth Gilbert, and Nellie Pratt Russell became members of the sorority. After coming to the realization that legal incorporation would contribute to the assurance of perpetuity, a group of Sorors led by Nellie Quander sought to incorporate the sorority. On January 29, 1913, Alpha Kappa Alpha was incorporated with "power to organize, institute, and charter subordinate chapters whose particular purposes and objectives would be educational", and would "promote the intellectual standard and mutual uplift of its members."
Thanks to the efforts of our incorporators, Nellie Pratt Russell, Nellie Quander, Norma Elizabeth Boyd, and Beatrice Smith, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., was the first sorority in the United States organized by Black women to be incorporated.
**Striving 32-Charter Line**
Brenda Bailey
Vivian Bradshaw
Erma Caldwell
Celesta Clayton
Sylvesta Clayton
Helen Coleman
Brenda Collier
Clara Farris
Joyce Fields
Mildred Francis
Thelma Harris
Diann Hynson
Jacquelyn Jackson
Linda Jackson
Johnie James
Cassandra Johnson
Brenda Lester
Ada Lockett
Portia McBeth
Glenda McKissick
Qwendolyn McMillian
Jean Moore
Ida Nunn
Judy Ross
Sheridan Shaw
Betty Silmon
Mildred Smith
Linda Wade
Alma Waller
Julia Warren
Gloria Wilcox
Rita Williams
On May 1, 1970 at what was then known as East Texas State University. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated initiated 32 lovely and intelligent women. The "Striving 32" worked very hard to be the first sorority in the Pan-Hellenic Council to get a charter on this campus.
Brenda Bailey
Vivian Bradshaw
Erma Caldwell
Celesta Clayton
Sylvesta Clayton
Helen Coleman
Brenda Collier
Clara Farris
Joyce Fields
Mildred Francis
Thelma Harris
Diann Hynson
Jacquelyn Jackson
Linda Jackson
Johnie James
Cassandra Johnson
Brenda Lester
Ada Lockett
Portia McBeth
Glenda McKissick
Qwendolyn McMillian
Jean Moore
Ida Nunn
Judy Ross
Sheridan Shaw
Betty Silmon
Mildred Smith
Linda Wade
Alma Waller
Julia Warren
Gloria Wilcox
Rita Williams
On May 1, 1970 at what was then known as East Texas State University. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated initiated 32 lovely and intelligent women. The "Striving 32" worked very hard to be the first sorority in the Pan-Hellenic Council to get a charter on this campus.
