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First Meeting
First meeting of the Sorority takes place. It is given a name – Alpha Kappa Alpha – and a motto, “By
Culture and By Merit.” The colors, apple green and salmon pink, are chosen -
Period: to
The Beginning
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Sophmores
Seven sophomores are invited to join the Sorority. Alpha Kappa Alpha now has 16 members, who will
come to be known as the Founders. -
Steady Growth
Alpha Kappa Alpha (Alpha Chapter) exists solely on the Howard University campus and experiences
steady growth. -
National Negro Council of Colored Women
The National Urban League is formed in New York City, born of a merger of the National League for the
Protection of Colored Women, National League on Urban Conditions Among Negroes and the Niagara
Movement -
1st Ritual
In Miner Hall, Alpha Kappa Alpha’s first ritualistic initiation is held. The new members are Ella Albert
Brown, Mary Clifford, Lena Jenkins, Mable Gibson, Ruth Gilbert and Nellie Pratt Russell. -
NAACP
Following concern over American race relations, which was heightened by the 1908 Illinois race riots,
Black and white progressives and intellectuals convene in New York City to discuss the issue, resulting
in formation of the NAACP. -
GrandFather Clauses
The U.S. Supreme Court hands down a decision that declares "grandfather clauses," used by Southern
states to disenfranchise Blacks, to be unconstitutional. -
Civil Rights
The D.W. Griffith film, Birth of a Nation, sparks opposition from civil rights groups for its racist portrayal
of Blacks in the Reconstructionist South. The outcry includes a commitment by Black businessmen to
finance the emerging African American film industry. -
1st Boule
Alpha Kappa Alpha’s total membership approaches 200. Average member age is 25.
1st Boule/national convention is held in Washington, DC at Howard University; hosted by Alpha
Chapter, delegates, visitors and hostesses total fewer than 50; not largely attended by members
outside of DC; banquet is held in Alpha Chapter House on Howard’s campus. -
2nd Boule
2nd Boule; Chicago, IL; War Camp Community Center – Alpha Kappa Alpha effectively begins to
function as a national organization and members become more deeply appreciative of their challenges
and their opportunities. The total capital of the Sorority is $50. -
4th Boule
4th Boule; Indianapolis, IN; YWCA Recreation Center – An action program to be implemented on a
national scale is adopted, as is Founders Week—a set-aside period each January to commemorate the
Sorority’s founding with a program of African American history, literature, music or art, that promotes
and increases race consciousness. The first issue of the Ivy Leaf, the official journal of Alpha Kappa
Alpha, is introduced. In addition to serving as medium of exchange for news and information about
me -
OMEGA
Rho Chapter, UC Berkeley, is the first undergraduate chapter chartered on the West Coast.
National programming is advanced by the call for chapters to perform annually at least “one act of
Christian, social or civic service” for their community.
5th Boule; Kansas City, MO; Lincoln High School – The budget system is adopted; sound operational
procedures which characterize the administrative machinery of the organization are formalized.
Graduate chapter names will now end with the letter “Omega.” -
Doing Big Things
The first graduate chapter on the West Coast, Alpha Gamma Omega Chapter, is chartered in Los
Angeles.
10th Boule; Cleveland, OH; St. James AME Church – Thirty-six (36) chapters are represented. The
National Program Committee report is adopted, establishing chapter observance of Founders’ Day in
January. The Sorority endorses the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History and pledges a
drive for 100% individual membership. -
Alpha Kappa Alpha Centennial
We made 100yrs of sisterhood and service!!
