First black Greek sorority celebrates 100 years

By Tashieka Hammond
Photo Editor

The women of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated celebrated a memorable event this past week: 100 years of service.

“Alpha Kappa Alpha is a leader who has endurance,” said Brea Hall, member of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority and senior exercise sports science major. “Our endurance first started with our 20 pearls 100 years ago.

“It has kept its promise to be a service to all mankind throughout the United States and has expanded internationally,” she continued.

The sorority was founded Jan. 15, 1908.

It is the first Greek letter organization for college educated African American women.

“I’m glad I was able to live to see this with my sorors,” said Jessica Joyner, member of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority and junior special education major.

Omicron Lambda, UNCP’s chapter of AKA was founded on April 24, 1988.

After a brief absence, the chapter has returned to campus and expects many changes.

“I’m proud to be part of the first black Greek letter sorority,” said Tomika Brooks, a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and junior elementary education major. “[I’m] looking forward to serving the campus and the community in the years to come.”

Members of the sorority celebrated privately but are looking forward to celebrating their accomplishments nationally in Washington, D.C. this July.

Events are going on throughout the year.

“I think if our founders were living today, they would be proud to see that our sorority is upholding what they started,” Joyner said.