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Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated (AKA) holds the distinction of being the first Greek-letter organization established by and for African-American collegiate women. Founded on January 15, 1908, on the campus of Howard University in Washington, D.C., its creation was spearheaded by nine exceptional women committed to fostering unity, academic excellence, and service. The founders, led by Ethel Hedgeman Lyle, include Anna Easter Brown, Beulah Burke, Lillie Burke, Marjorie Hill, Margaret Flagg Holmes, Lavinia Norman, Lucy Diggs Slowe, and Marie Woolfolk Taylor.
Guided by the motto “By Culture and By Merit,” AKA has grown to nearly 300,000 members worldwide, with 1,018 graduate and undergraduate chapters. Its iconic salmon pink and apple green colors, along with the ivy leaf symbol, represent the sorority’s enduring legacy of sisterhood and service.
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. has cemented its place in history as a pillar of empowerment, sisterhood, and service. Its members, both past and present, have consistently exemplified leadership, cultural pride, and a commitment to social justice. From paving the way in politics and academia to making groundbreaking contributions in the arts, sports, and science, the women of AKA continue to inspire future generations.
For over a century, Alpha Kappa Alpha has demonstrated that with unity, determination, and a commitment to excellence, remarkable change is possible. The sorority remains a shining example of the transformative power of education, service, and sisterhood.
Throughout its history, AKA has been a beacon for extraordinary women who have excelled in various fields. Here are some of the most renowned members who continue to inspire:
1. Beverly Johnson
Named Honorary Member during the 2025 Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® Leadership Seminar
2. Karine Jean-Pierre
Named Honorary Member during the 2025 Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® Leadership Seminar
3. Laura Coates
Named Honorary Member during the 2025 Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® Leadership Seminar
4. Gabby Thomas
Named Honorary Member during the 2025 Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® Leadership Seminar
5. Tamron Hall
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Tamron Hall is a two-time Emmy Award-winning journalist and the dynamic host of the “Tamron Hall Show.” Her career spans decades of groundbreaking reporting and powerful storytelling. Tamron’s dedication to giving a voice to the voiceless and her relentless pursuit of truth make her an inspiring addition to our sorority.
6. Tembi Locke
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Tembi Locke is a New York Times best-selling author, actor, entrepreneur, TV producer/writer, and podcaster. Her memoir, “From Scratch,” has touched the hearts of many, and her multifaceted career showcases her versatility and passion.
7. Attica Locke
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Attica Locke is a New York Times best-selling author and an accomplished TV writer and producer. Her novels, deeply rooted in social justice themes, have captivated readers and critics alike. Attica’s work in television continues to push boundaries, bringing diverse and compelling narratives to the screen.
8. Phylicia Rashad
9. Loretta Devine
10. Wanda Sykes
11. Toni Morrison
12. Cathy Hughes
13. Lynn Whitfield
14. Gladys Knight
15. Vice President Kamala Harris
16. Maya Angelou
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Original Chapter: Honorary
17. Erica Campbell
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Original Chapter: Honorary
18. Brandy
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Original Chapter: Honorary
19. Iyanla Vanzant
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Original Chapter: Honorary
20. Yolanda Adams
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Original Chapter: Honorary
21. Alicia Keys
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Original Chapter: Honorary
22. Yvette Nicole Brown
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Original Chapter: Delta Pi
23. Vanessa Bell Calloway
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Original Chapter: Delta Phi
24. Roxie Roker
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Original Chapter: Alpha
25. Jamilah Lemieux
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Original Chapter: Delta Rho Omega
26. Donda West
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Original Chapter: Alpha Eta
27. Yvette Lee Bowser
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Original Chapter: Xi Beta
28. Marjorie Vincent-Tripp
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Original Chapter: Beta
29. Shamari DeVoe
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Original Chapter: Nu Lambda Omega
30. Cassandra Wilson
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Original Chapter: Beta Delta Omega
31. Sunny Hostin
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Original Chapter: Upsilon Nu Omega
32. Star Jones
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Original Chapter: Lambda Zeta
33. Katherine Johnson
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Original Chapter: Nu
34. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee
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Original Chapter: Alpha Kappa Omega
35. Lisa Borders
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Original Chapter: Iota Mu
36. Althea Gibson
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Original Chapter: Beta Alpha
37. A’ja Wilson
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Original Chapter: Theta Gamma
38. Marla Gibbs
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Original Chapter: Honorary
39. Nichelle Nichols
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Original Chapter: Honorary
40. Jo Marie Payton
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Original Chapter: Honorary
41. Jada Pinkett Smith
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Original Chapter: Honorary
42. Tika Sumpter
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Original Chapter: Honorary
43. Regina Taylor
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Original Chapter: Kappa Mu
44. Alice Walker
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Original Chapter: Honorary
45. Ava DuVernay
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Original Chapter: Honorary
46. Ella Fitzgerald
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Original Chapter: Honorary
47. Jessye Norman
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Original Chapter: Honorary
48. Coretta Scott King
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Original Chapter: Honorary
49. Dr. Bernice King
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Dr. Bernice King Original Chapter: Kappa Omega
50. Rosa Parks
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Original Chapter: Honorary
51. C. Delores Tucker
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Original Chapter: Honorary
52. Suzanne De Passe
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Original Chapter: Honorary
53. Mae Jemison
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Original Chapter: Honorary