Alpha Kappa Alpha Service: 1910 - 1920
1900s—Promoted Negro culture, uplifted and encouraged social action through service, presentation of Negro artists and social justice advocates. These included Hull House founder Jane Addams, and U. S. Congressman Martin Madden (1908-1915).
Established the first organizational scholarship at Howard University (1914).
Disclaimer: This is just a partial list of programs and initiatives done by the women of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated.
Service Extensions - Scholarship & Cultural Awareness to Campus 1909 - 1910
- Presented the Jenkins Band Orphanage to Howard University.
Secured Scholarships for the Jenkins Orphans
This presentation helped to facilitate:
musical entertainment for the campus
raised funds for the orphanage
and secure future scholarships for the orphans.
From the Howard Journal:
"It is indeed a wonderful little company. Few people could be made to believe what these children can do. One simply has to hear it for himself before he can conceive of it. It is indeed a great work Rev. Jenkins is doing and worthy o f all the support and praise possible. After the entertainment, the students contributed a liberal offering and Dr. Thirkield announced that he would establish a scholarship at Howard lor some one boy from that home next year and see that it is kept up as long as he remains here."
President Thirkield, on the Evening of March 10th, in the auditorium of the public library, Have an address before the United Civic Societies of the Women of Washington, on' The Relation of the graduate of Howard University l ° Modern Civic Movements.’ ’ enforced the important relation of Howard to the modern movements for the uplifting of the civic, industrial, and social life of the People by examples of graduates '°m the several departments who are doing especially notable work.
Alpha chapter
Plans focus of this school term's plan, Focuses on work in literary & social work in public & social and athletics.
Mentioned by the administration as the Ideal society among college women at Howard University & should be looked to by every college girl.
Masquerade ball - proceeds went to community outreach
Alpha Kappa Alpha carnival, 100 attended 50/50 sex (May, 1912)
Political Mobilization & Cultural Awareness to Campus 1909-1910
Terrell drew inspiration from Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority to establish an alumnae organization aimed at addressing the needs of college women committed to enhancing the intellectual and social fabric of their communities.
This organization was first named The College Alumane Club and is now known as the National Association of University Women.
Expansion of Womens' Rights & Cultural Awareness to Campus 1911-
Championed Women's Rights
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc worked with them to learn policies to help secure women's rights.
Supported Mussey to speak to Howard women about rights. (later assists with suffrage march)
Mussey, partner of former Howard Law Grad E. Gillette in a women's law college (closed to blacks) she spoke on the woman’s usefulness in politics and her rights to the ballot at Howard University.
Supported Elsie Hill's request for the women of Howard to march in The 1913 Women's Suffrage Parade.
(Alpha Kappa Alpha woman, Nellie Quander)
Helped to create the The 1913 Women's Suffrage Parade.
(Alpha Kappa Alpha woman, Jane Addams)
(Alpha Kappa Alpha woman, Julia Lathrop)
Led the The 1913 Women's Suffrage Parade.
(Alpha Kappa Alpha woman, Jane Addams)
Got permission for the women of Howard and affiliated women to march in the The 1913 Women's Suffrage Parade. (Alpha Kappa Alpha woman, Nellie Quander)
One of several articles that mention Elsie Hill being in charge of the colored woman's section, and the collegiate section. This is where the women of color (with exception of Wells) marched in the Woman's suffrage parade of 1913.
Nellie Quander, president of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.'s 1913
letters to Alice Paul, verifying safe participation of Howard girls marching in the suffrage parade.
Organizers & Leaders
African American Women who were able to march due to the Howard University/
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated Connection:
Harriet Shadd (CAC):
cousin to Alpha Kappa Alphas, Nellie Quander
& Aunt of Margaret Just Butcher
Bertha McNeil
*25 girls in Howard Caps and gowns.
Homemakers
Mrs. Ida Wells Barnett
Mrs. McCoy
Mrs. Duffield
Mrs. MD Butler
Mrs. Carrie Clifford -
an old Mammy
A woman whose name could not be ascertained.
M Street/Howard/Oberlin Connection
Caddie Parke: cousin to Alpha Kappa Alpha's, Nellie Quander
May Howard Jackson
Mary Church Terrell - Howard teacher
Mrs. Daniel Murray -
Miss Charlotte Steward
Mrs. Harriet G. Marshall
Dr. Amanda V. Gray
Dr. Eva Ross
Several Alpha Kappa Alphas actually marched in the march in their respective sections as there were no sorority sections nor collective sororities marching. The groups marched according to their occupations and stations in life.
Alpha Kappa Alpha woman Jane Addams speaks to Howard University, she announced she was a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.
Also marched in the 1914, 1915, etc Women's Suffrage parades.
Expansion & Perpetuity
Incorporation is the legal process by which a business, nonprofit organization, or other entity becomes recognized as a legal entity separate from its owners or members. Here are some key benefits of incorporation for an organization:
Limited liability: One of the primary benefits of incorporation is that it limits the personal liability of the organization's owners, shareholders, or members. In the event of legal action or financial debts, the personal assets of individuals associated with the organization are generally protected, and their liability is limited to the amount invested in the organization.
Legal recognition: Incorporation provides the organization with legal recognition as a separate entity, distinct from its owners or members. This recognition allows the organization to enter into contracts, own property, sue or be sued, and engage in other legal transactions in its own name.
Perpetual existence: An incorporated organization typically has perpetual existence, meaning it can continue to operate even if its owners or members change or pass away. This provides stability and continuity to the organization's operations and allows it to pursue long-term goals and objectives.
Tax advantages: Depending on the jurisdiction and the type of organization, incorporation may offer certain tax advantages, such as access to tax-exempt status for nonprofits or eligibility for corporate tax rates for businesses. Incorporated organizations may also be able to deduct certain expenses or benefits not available to unincorporated entities.
Credibility and professionalism: Being incorporated can enhance the credibility and professionalism of an organization in the eyes of customers, clients, donors, investors, and other stakeholders. It signals that the organization is committed to legal compliance, transparency, and accountability.
Civil Rights
The women of Alpha Kappa Alpha continued to speak out against civil rights violations against people by race or color.
1st home of any Negro women in a collegiate sorority.
1914, Illinois
Celebration & Publication of Local Negro achievements.
1914, Illinois
Established the first organizational scholarship at Howard University.
Alpha Kappa Alpha helped to support members by providing scholarship funds for school and foreign studies
Public Conventions
Alpha Kappa Alpha held its first public political action conference with Illinois Congressman Martin B. Madden, a human rights activist as the speaker.
Protested against the segregation of National employees.
Maintained perpetuity by Incorporating.
This incorporation gave Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated license to broaden its service concept and multiply its offerings through subordinate chapters.
Established the first organizational scholarship at Howard University (1913). Given 1914
Awarded the first organizational scholarship at Howard University awarded to Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Member Eva B. Dykes who used some of the funds to become the 3rd African American woman to get her PHD in America. (1914)
Alpha Kappa Alpha woman Dr. Georgianna Simpson becomes the first African American woman to get her doctorate.
Alpha Kappa Alpha Holds Convention at Howard Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority held its First Annual Convention at the seat of the Alpha Chapter at Howard University, December 29 to 31, 1915.
Additional conventions had to pause due to the war.
First official National Boule 1918.
1st Convention 1915
Alpha Kappa Alpha Holds Convention at Howard Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority held its First Annual Convention at the seat of the Alpha Chapter at Howard University, December 29 to 31, 1915.
Community Activism
Community Activism & Cultural Awareness to Campus 1916
Worked with the Travelers’ Aid Society to help with the great migration.
In 1917 and 1918, Alpha Kappa Alphas volunteered to help new arrivals from the Deep South adjust to the nation’s capital.
Hosted Nathaniel Guy Social Justice eloquisionist, performs.
Alpha Kappa Alphas dressed dolls and made toys for the needy children at Freedman’s Hospital.
Women's Role & Environment
Alpha Woman, Julia Lathrop
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated
1917
presents.... Jeanette Rankin, the ONLY woman congressman favors Universal Suffrage.
Outreach & Multiple Expansions
Assisted
Soror Lucy Slowe in organizing the first Jr. High School in the district.
Soror Sarah N. Meriwether was an advisory member of HU YWCA gave presentation to Howard University & other institutions.
Chapters
Beta - Kappa established
Unity Amongst the Greeks
At the public meeting of this Bode, the first community affair ever held in Rankin Memorial Chapel on the campus, Dean Kelly Miller delivered the address of the evening.
In his presentation he urged all sororities and fraternities to "unite in one big effort for race betterment." Alpha Kappa Alpha heartily endorsed this plan and took the initial step toward carrying it out by inviting other sororities and fraternities to meet together to pool ideas and ideals for such an effort.
Community Activism
1914 - 1919
During the year every chapter of the Sorority gave some social or civic service to the community in which it is positioned.
Approximately $1500.00 (Today’s value is approximately, $25,740) by the various chapters as scholarship funds for the education of Negro girls in higher institutions.
Encouraged high scholastic attainment and creative effort by rewarding negro girls with prizes for activities such as such for essay and short story writing, and creative endeavors.
Alpha Kappa Alpha Woman, Addie Hunton with Black WWI Soldier in France.
THE DOMESTIC ART DEPARTMENT. ----->
In the sewing classes, we have striven to have the girls obtain a working knowledge of the principles of clothing themselves and those under their care. They have studied the production and management of various fibers and fabrics. Many chic smocks and blouses, plaited and plain skirts have been made. Smart, one-piece woolen dresses were made during the winter, while in the spring the one-piece dresses were made out of dainty materials. One problem was to use old materials, dresses practically worn out, and out of these, make attractive and serviceable dresses. Besides this work, much time has been devoted to war activities. The girls have knitted and sewed. Pillow slips, bed socks, towels, wristlets, and other things have been made for the Red Cross.
BEULAH E. BURKE, Teacher.
Military Aid <-----
Utilized domestic skills and students to repair and sew garments to help for war effort.
Volunteering during the war for Red Cross
Helped organize and participated in the Howard Red Cross.
Rendering Medical Aid, counseling, spiritual advisement, tutoring and assistance to black veterans.
Purnell worked with the Rho and other chapters to become a War mother chapter.
The American War Mothers was founded in 1917 and given a Congressional charter on February 24, 1925. It is a perpetual patriotic, 501(c) 4 non-profit, non-political, non-sectarian, non-partisan organization whose members are mothers of children who have served or are serving in the Armed Services during a time of conflict.[1]
Source: http://www1.va.gov/vso/index.cfm?template=viewreport&Org_ID=29
Directors of the Special Red Cross Chapters
Phyllis Wheatley Waters was just one of the Alpha Kappa Alpha women who were chosen as directors of the special Red Cross. Her years were 1917 and 1918. (IVY_LEIVY_LEAF_VOLUME_1_NO_1_1921.AF_VOLUME_1_NO_1_1921., 10
Waters has only been linked to the Kappa chapter as a mixed chapter but first saw the light of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority incorporated with the Epsilon chapter of the University of Michigan first established in 1916. Epsilon chapter was re-purposed to the Boston City wide chapter in 1924 and the U of M chapter was re-established under the name Beta Eta in 1933. (PP , 334 -335)
Updated: 02/18/23
As chapters of Alpha Kappa Alpha were replicated on other campuses, they began similar programs and activities.
In 1917 and 1918, sorors volunteered to help new arrivals from the Deep South adjust to the nation’s capital. Sorors dressed dolls and made toys for needy children at Freedman’s Hospital.
The self-sacrificing interest and the determination of the officers and individual members who caught the spirit of the Boulé in Chicago, repeated it in Cleveland and emphasized it in Indianapolis and echoed the watchword "Forward" throughout the country. As that watchword swept across the continent.