Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Integrated, the primary traditionally Black sorority, has been a beacon of excellence and repair since its founding on January 15, 1908, at Howard College. With over a century of influence, AKA boasts a exceptional roster of members who’ve excelled in numerous fields. Listed below are 17 notable ladies who embody the sorority’s values of sisterhood and repair.
1. Kamala Harris The forty ninth Vice President of the US, Kamala Harris, made historical past as the primary lady, the primary Black lady, and the primary South Asian lady to carry the workplace. In 2024, she shook up the world when she ran for president of the US, the primary Black lady on the prime of the Democratic celebration ticket to take action. She joined Alpha Kappa Alpha by the Alpha Chapter at Howard College, the place she developed her ardour for public service. Harris’ management continues to encourage ladies worldwide.
2. Toni Morrison A Nobel and Pulitzer Prize-winning creator, Toni Morrison’s work redefined literature by centering the experiences of Black ladies. She joined Alpha Kappa Alpha as an honorary member and used her voice to raise African American tradition and historical past by novels like Beloved and The Bluest Eye.
3. Sheila Jackson Lee Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee has represented Texas’ 18th Congressional District since 1995. She joined Alpha Kappa Alpha by the Alpha Chapter at Yale College and has been a steadfast advocate for civil rights, healthcare reform, and catastrophe restoration efforts.
4. Coretta Scott King Coretta Scott King, an honorary member of AKA, was a trailblazing activist and the spouse of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. She performed a pivotal position within the Civil Rights Motion and continued to advocate for peace and equality lengthy after her husband’s passing.
5. Maya Angelou The late Maya Angelou, an honorary member of AKA, was a celebrated poet, memoirist, and civil rights activist. Her works, together with I Know Why the Caged Fowl Sings, proceed to encourage readers with their themes of resilience and self-expression.
6. Gladys Knight Often called the “Empress of Soul,” Gladys Knight grew to become an honorary member of AKA. Her legendary music profession, marked by hits like “Midnight Prepare to Georgia,” has introduced pleasure to audiences for many years.
7. Phylicia Rashad Beloved actress Phylicia Rashad, recognized for her position as Clair Huxtable on The Cosby Present, is an honorary member of Alpha Kappa Alpha. She has used her platform to advocate for arts schooling and encourage generations of performers.
8. Alicia Keys Alicia Keys, a Grammy-winning artist and philanthropist, grew to become an honorary member of AKA. Her dedication to social justice and empowerment by initiatives like Hold a Little one Alive displays the sorority’s mission of service.
9. Dr. Mae Jemison The primary Black lady to journey to house, Dr. Mae Jemison, joined AKA by the Gamma Chapter at Stanford College. She has impressed numerous younger ladies to pursue careers in STEM fields.
10. Ava DuVernay An honorary member of AKA, filmmaker Ava DuVernay is thought for her groundbreaking work in movies like Selma and thirteenth. She continues to make use of her storytelling to highlight problems with race, justice, and equality.
11. Wanda Sykes Comic, actress, and author Wanda Sykes joined AKA by the Gamma Theta Chapter in 1986. Identified for her sharp wit and fearless humor, Sykes has damaged limitations within the leisure trade.
12. Cynthia Erivo As an honorary member of AKA, Cynthia Erivo has dazzled audiences together with her highly effective performances on stage and display screen. Identified for her starring position in Depraved and her award-winning flip in The Shade Purple, she continues to encourage by her artistry and dedication to excellence.
13. Marian Anderson A world-renowned contralto, Marian Anderson broke racial limitations in classical music. An honorary member of AKA, she made historical past as the primary Black singer to carry out on the Metropolitan Opera.
14. Lynn Whitfield Award-winning actress Lynn Whitfield joined AKA as an honorary member. Identified for her compelling performances in movies like The Josephine Baker Story, Whitfield embodies grace and excellence within the arts.
15. Yolanda Adams Gospel singer Yolanda Adams, an honorary member of AKA, is widely known for her highly effective voice and uplifting music. Her contributions to gospel music have impressed tens of millions all over the world.
16. Tamron Corridor Tamron Corridor, an Emmy-winning journalist and speak present host, grew to become an honorary member of AKA final 12 months. Identified for her groundbreaking work in broadcast journalism, Corridor has used her platform to amplify underrepresented voices and champion vital causes.
17. Linsey Davis Linsey Davis, an award-winning ABC Information anchor and journalist, pledged Alpha Kappa Alpha by the Theta Kappa Chapter on the College of Virginia. Identified for her compelling reporting, glorious presidential debate moderating, and best-selling youngsters’s books, Davis exemplifies management and storytelling excellence.
From politics and regulation to arts and sciences, these 17 exceptional ladies mirror the legacy of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Integrated as being exemplifying excellence by tradition and by advantage.
