Alma Powell 

Alma L. Powell White was an educator, community leader, and trailblazing scholar who left a lasting mark on Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to William and Mary Powell, she graduated from Philadelphia High School for Girls before enrolling at the University of Pennsylvania.

While at Penn, she became one of the five charter members of Psi Chapter in 1925, establishing the sorority’s presence on the campus. Her scholastic excellence quickly distinguished her — in June 1927, she was elected to Phi Beta Kappa, becoming the only active African American member of the University of Pennsylvania’s chapter at that time (Ivy Leaf, Nov. 1927). She graduated with honors in 1928, earning degrees in Latin, French, Greek, and Social Studies.

Following graduation, White taught in Smithfield, North Carolina (1928–1931) and at Dudley High School in Greensboro (1931–1943). In 1934, she again helped expand Alpha Kappa Alpha’s reach by serving as a charter member of Beta Iota Omega Chapter in Greensboro, NC. She maintained lifelong ties to the sorority, achieving Golden Member status in recognition of 50+ years of active membership.

Deeply committed to service, she devoted decades to the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer in Greensboro, and volunteered with the Girl Scouts, YMCA, the public library, and other civic organizations.

Mrs. White passed away on December 18, 1999, at the age of 93 and was interred at Piedmont Memorial Park in Greensboro. She remains a model of Alpha Kappa Alpha’s principles of scholarship, service, and sisterhood.

Researched, Compiled, Written & Published by DnV.