Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® History

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority was founded on January 15, 1908, on the campus of Howard University in Washington, DC. Our founders were among the fewer than 1,000 Negroes enrolled in higher education institutions in 1908, and the 25 women who received bachelor of arts degrees from Howard University between 1908 and 1911. Nine juniors and seniors constituted the founding members.

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® was founded on a mission of five basic tenets that have remained unchanged since the sorority’s inception. Our mission is

• to cultivate and encourage high scholastic and ethical standards,
• to promote unity and friendship among college women,
• to study and help alleviate problems concerning girls and women in order to improve their social stature,
• to maintain a progressive interest in college life,
• and to be of “Service to All Mankind.”

Upsilon Delta Omega Chapter

In 1991, five women, Betty Wilson, Marcia Ashhurst-Whiting, Faye Tucker, Edith Bennet and Jean Milam had a vision of extending the reach of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® They wanted to establish a foundation for inactive members to once again join the ranks of sisterhood. They pondered the question over and over, “How could they appeal to the woman of the 90’s, the woman of the 21st century, the secure, the dynamic, the women of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.?”

They realized that each of them possessed the same values of self-worth, sisterhood, cohesiveness, and service to the community. Their mission was to reclaim members who were committed to and shared their vision. Before long, their numbers began to increase with members who expressed an interest and a commitment to returning to the sisterhood. Their reach extended to twenty-four Alpha Kappa Alpha women and thus began the South Valley Interest Group.

The South Valley Interest Group elected officers in order to give them a collective sense of direction. Erma Barron, 27th North Atlantic Regional Director, provided guidance, direction, expertise and sisterly support to the group throughout their journey toward becoming a chapter. Over the next three years, the group of women continued to bond together, organize social events and participate in community service projects, all of which were in line with the International Program goals of the sorority. On Saturday June 17, 1994 Erma Barron, met with the women to begin preparation for the chartering ceremony and activities. On Sunday, June 18, 1994 at The Mansion, Voorhees, New Jersey, Nellie W. Gaylord, 24th North Atlantic Regional Director and Representative of the International Membership Committee and Erma Barron formally presented to the public, for the first time, Upsilon Delta Omega Chapter, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated®.