Today (January 15) is the 106 anniversary of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. The first sorority for African-American women, it has enjoyed a storied legacy with a number of renowned women being members.
Founded by 20 women, referred to as “pearls,”on the campus of Howard University in 1908, the pink and green wearing sisters have always carried themselves with sophistication while being dedicated to service while its programs “center on significant issues in families, communities, government halls and world assembly chambers.”
AKA’s notable membership also spans worldwide and includes actresses, activists, civic leaders and all around needle movers throughout the world. Check out 14 stars you may not know were Alpha Kappa Alpha members in the following pages.
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Photo: WENN.com
Phylicia Rashad
The renowned actress, aka Claire Huxtable, is a member of AKA’s Alpha chapter at Howard.
Photo: L. Gallo/ WENN.com
Donda West
Kanye West’s dear mother was a member of the Alpha Eta chapter at Virginia Union University. Rest In Power.
Roxie Roker
Actress Roxie Roker of The Jefferson’s fame, and Lenny Kravitz’s mother, joined the AKA ranks at Howard.
Wanda Sykes
The comedienne is a member of Hampton University’s Gamma Theta chapter.
Photo: Tumblr
Althea Gibson
The tennis star was the first African-American to win the Grand Slam (the Australian Open, the French Open, Wimbledon and the US Open).
Toni Morrison
The esteem author, and Nobel Peace Prize winner, is a member of Alpha chapter at Howard.
Sonia Sanchez
The award winning poet is a member of NYC’s Lambda chapter.
Marjorie Vincent
The lovely Marjorie Vincent, an Illinois native, became Miss America in 1991.
Cassandra Wilson
The critically acclaimed Jazz vocalist and composer was initiated at Jackson State University’s Beta Delta Omega chapter.
Bernice King
The daughter of Dr. Martin Luther King’s (who was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha) is a member of Spelman’s Mu Pi chapter.
Eleanor Roosevelt
An honorary member, the First Lady of the United States during FDR’s run was a dedicated humanitarian.
Azie Taylor Morton
Morton was the Treasurer of the United States during Jimmy Carter’s presidency. Salute her.
Loretta Devine
Besides being in a ridiculous number of films, Devine is a member of Houston University’s Epsilon Lambda chapter.
Photo: WENN.com
Star Jones
Former The View co-host Star Jones is a member of American University’s Lambda Zeta chapter.
