AKA Lambda Upsilon Chapter Charter Line at MIT, 1977. The Alpha Kappa Alpha program today still reflects the communal consciousness steeped in the AKA tradition and embodied in AKA’s credo, “To be supreme in service to all mankind.” Cultural awareness and social advocacy marked Alpha Kappa Alpha’s infancy, but within one year (1914) of acquiring corporate status, AKA had also made its mark on education, establishing a scholarship award. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority: A Legacy of Supreme Service is a video journey through the lives of ten dynamic, pioneering leaders of the sorority. 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 social and economic conditions in their city, state, nation and the world. Guided by twenty-nine international presidents from Nellie M. Quander (1913-1919) to Glenda Baskin Glover (2018-2022), with reinforcement from a professional headquarters staff since 1949; AKA’s corps of volunteers has instituted groundbreaking social action initiatives and social service programs that have transformed communities for the better— continually emitting progress in cities, states, the nation, and the world. 1920s—Worked to dispel notions that Negroes were unfit for certain professions, and guided. Third row, left to right: [? 1970’s— Was only sorority to be named an inaugural member of Operation Big Vote (1979); completed pledge of one-half million to the United Negro College Fund (1976); and purchased Dr. Martin Luther King’s boyhood home for the MLK Center for Social Change (1972). During the 110-year history of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated ®, we have partnered with our local communities, regional, and national organizations to solve problems as well as provide programs of service at home and abroad. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated (AKA). That shared experience was the foundation for the currency we used, and continue to use, for all of our interactions. From the core group of nine at Howard, AKA has grown into a force of more than 290,000 collegiate members and alumnae, constituting 1,007 chapters in 42 states, the District of Columbia, the US Virgin Islands, the Bahamas, Germany, Liberia, South Korea, Japan, Canada, South Africa and the Middle East. mid-late 1970s. And the sisterhood ensured the same would be there for you when you need it, and always will be. Chicago: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. 1960s—Sponsored inaugural Domestic Travel Tour, a one-week cultural excursion for 30 high school students (1969); launched a “Heritage Series” on African-American achievers (1965); and emerged as the first women’s group to win a grant to operate a federal job corps center (1965), preparing youth 16-21 to function in a highly competitive economy. AKA Lambda Upsilon Line in front of Kresge Theater, 1986, AKA sorority sisters in front of their new chapter banner, ca. Educator Margaret Flagg Holmes, one of the 16 original founders, helped write Alpha Kappa Alpha’s first constitution and bylaws: "It is through her recorded recollections about the personalities of the other original founders that the character sketches of those pioneering young women now exist for future generations of members" (AKA). Kappa Alpha Psi ®, a college Fraternity, was born in an environment saturated in racism.The state of Indiana became the 19 th state of the Union in 1816 and it founded Indiana University in Bloomington four years later. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority is dedicated to âExemplifying Excellence Through Sustainable Service.â Kappa Zeta Omega will work diligently in meeting our five program targets throughout the ⦠I will forever remember the day Ms. Ushery asked if I was Greek. 77 Massachusetts Avenue Coming to a premier academic institution, where every other person had the same or similar credentials and accomplishments, was discomfiting at best. Now that 2021 is here, we donât know what this New Year will bring but we know we are resilient and Alpha Kappa Alpha is strong. In spring 1907, Ethel Hedgeman led efforts to create a sisterhood at Howard University. From the core group of nine at Howard, AKA has grown into a force of more than 290,000 collegiate members and alumnae, constituting 997 chapters in 42 states, the District of Columbia, the US Virgin Islands, the Bahamas, Germany, Liberia, South Korea, Japan, Canada, South Africa and the Middle East. Handwritten meeting invitation from the Ivy League Pledge Club of the AKA Lambda Upsilon Chapter to a member of the Lambda Upsilon Men's Affiliate, ca. To celebrate their success in the field, we at Watch The Yard have created a list of some but not all of the notable members of the sorority who have found fame and success as ⦠When I recall my experiences at MIT it is synonymous with Lambda Upsilon, perhaps because it was part of my college life for the entire four years. This member, chosen by other members of her chapter, exemplifies what it means to be of service to all mankind and sisterly to all chapter members. The fact that so few of my classmates looked like me increased my feelings of isolation. 1930s—Became first organization to take out NAACP life membership (1939); Created nation’s first Congressional lobby that impacted legislation on issues ranging from decent living conditions and jobs to lynching (1938); and established the nation’s first mobile health clinic, providing relief to 15,000 Negroes plagued by famine and disease in the Mississippi Delta (1935). Chicago: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Because they believed that Negro college women represented “the highest—more education, more enlightenment, and more of almost everything that the great mass of Negroes never had" — Hedgeman and her cohorts worked to honor what she called “an everlasting debt to raise them (Negroes) up and to make them better.” For more than a century, the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sisterhood has fulfilled that obligation by becoming an indomitable force for good in their communities, state, nation, and the world. 1950s—Promoted investing in Black businesses by depositing initial $38,000 for AKA Investment Fund with the first and only Negro firm on Wall Street (1958). Parker, Marjorie H. (1999). The MIT Black History Project’s mission is to research, identify, and produce scholarly curatorial content on the MIT Black experience. In 1908, her vision crystallized as Alpha Kappa Alpha, the first Negro Greek-letter sorority. Five years later (1913), lead incorporator, Nellie Quander, ensured Alpha Kappa Alpha’s perpetuity through incorporation in the District of Columbia. It was the first Greek-lettered sorority established and incorporated by African American college women. Alpha Kappa Alpha Through the Years 1908-1988 Through the years, however, Alpha Kappa Alphaâs function has become more complex. Inc. Omega Phi Omegaâs website. As the Institute’s reputation and enrollment increased, however, more students from outside Massachusetts matriculated, thus heightening the demand for housing…The role played by…sororities and other independent living groups would prove critical in the 20th century…[MIT Assistant Dean of Student Affairs Mary Hope] believed that black women on campus would benefit from the strong support network provided by this national service and learning sorority. 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. To find an organization of women that, almost by definition, not only instantly understood my circumstance but empathized with me and in most instances shared the same experience. To implement her idea, Hedgeman began recruiting interested classmates during the summer of 1907. The mission of the MIT Black History Project is to research, identify, and produce scholarly curatorial content on the Black experience at MIT since the Institute opened its doors in 1865. 1980s—Adopted more than 27 African villages, earning Africare’s 1986 Distinguished Service Award; encouraged awareness of and participation in the nation’s affairs, registering more than 350, 000 new voters; and established the Alpha Kappa Alpha Educational Advancement Foundation (1981), a multi-million dollar entity that annually awards more than $100,000 in scholarships, grants, and fellowships. Second row, left to right: Michelle Harton, Chiquita White, Shaun Biggers, Tracey Keats, Jene Spears, Tara Adams, Karyn Kerr, and D'Juanna White. Aatroxâs special interaction with kayle means that kayle is almost guaranteed to112 Years Of Aka Alpha Kappa Alpha 1908 2020 shirt be either an ascended, or a previous for ascension. Please see pictures prior to ordering. Founded at Howard University in 1908, Alpha Kappa Alpha is the oldest Greek-lettered organization established by African-American college-educated women and the first sorority of any type at MIT. It has participated in community service in the Greater Boston and Cambridge community and has implemented programs on each of the national platforms. ], Eva Gilliam (MIT), and Tamara Nash (Wellesley). AKA Lambda Upsilon Charter banner, created in 1977. Five years later (1913), lead incorporator, Nellie Quander, ensured Alpha Kappa Alphaâs perpetuity through incorporation in the District of Columbia. ISBN 978-0-933244-00-9. Onyx charter line, before becoming the AKA Lambda Upsilon chapter, MIT's first sorority on campus, 1977. The Lambda Upsilon Chapter of AKA was chartered on October 8, 1977 and was the first sorority on MIT's campus of any type. PRIVACY POLICY | MEDIA/PRESS | CONTACT | 1908SM. Shipped with USPS Media Mail. Second AKA Lambda Upsilon line, 1978. Massachusetts Institute of Technology The chapter was chartered at the University on January 13, 1973. In 1908, her vision crystallized as Alpha Kappa Alpha, the first Negro Greek-letter sorority. My most treasured memory is the day we finally 'went over'. When MIT was founded in 1861, most students lived locally and commuted from home. Countless Connecting Threads: MIT’s History Revealed through Its Most Evocative Objects by Deborah G. Douglas and Ariel Weinberg (MIT Press, 2013). Online Donations Help Sorority to Exceed Its Goal â CHICAGO, Sept. 24, 2020 /PRNewswire/ â Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated ® is proud to announce that for the third consecutive year, the sorority has successfully raised $1 million in 24 hours for the benefit of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Heritage Series: Number Two - Judges, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, 1993 African American sorority. 1900s—Promoted Negro culture and encouraged social action through presentation of Negro artists and social justice advocates, including elocutionist Nathaniel Guy, Hull House founder Jane Addams, and U. S. Congressman Martin Madden (1908-1915). Alpha Kappa Alpha through the years, 1908-1988 by Marjorie H. Parker, 1990, Mobium Press edition, in English Chartering the chapter was a personally rewarding experience – the opportunity to bond and establish long-term friendships with like-minded African-American women (committed to STEM, public service, and having fun) is something I’ll always treasure about my MIT experience. Buy a cheap copy of Alpha Kappa Alpha Through the Years... book by Marjorie H. Parker. Alpha Kappa Alpha Through the Years: 1908-1988 by Parker, Marjorie H. and a great selection of related books, art and collectibles available now at AbeBooks.com. Hedgeman was also inspired by her mentors at Howard. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Alpha Kappa Alpha Through the Years 1908-1988 by Marjorie Parker and Marjorie H. Parker (1989, Hardcover) at the best online prices at eBay! Because they believed that Negro college women represented “the highest—more education, more enlightenment, and more of almost everything that the great mass of Negroes never had" — Hedgeman and her cohorts worked to honor what she called “an everlasting debt to raise them (Negroes) up and to make them better.” For more than a century, the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sisterhood has fulfilled that obligation by becoming an indomitable force for good in their communities, state, nation, and the world. 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