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 in Washington, D.C., where the idea for formation was conceived by Ethel Hedgemon Lyle of St. Louis, Missouri.

After her incorporation as a perpetual body in 1913, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® 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.

On May 11, 1949, Epsilon Kappa Omega Chapter was given a charter.  The 129^th graduate chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. consisted of nine charter members: Pauline Coggs, Rena Curry, Aldon Freeman, Clarice Harris, Norma Humphrey, Cassandra Kelley, Mabel Raimey, Dorothea Carter, and Edwina Thomas.  The impressive candlelight ceremony was conducted by Regional Director, Lucile Wilkins, at the home of Clarice Harris.  The following officers were selected for 1949-1950:  Pauline Coggs, president; Cassandra Kelley, vice president; Clarice Harris, secretary; Aldon Freeman, correspondence secretary and Ivy Leaf reporter; and Edwina Thomas, treasurer. After the service there was a social hour. 

Formal opening of national headquarters for the 216 chapters of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority was held Sunday, October 9, 1949, in Chicago at 6308 Cottage Grove Avenue, with Beta and Theta Omega Chapters serving as hostesses to members of other fraternal organizations who expressed best wishes.

For more information, please visit https://aka1908.com/.