I initially rolled my eyes at the #renounce #denounce conversation because I’m not a medical health professional or a Literacy Interventionist. I am however a #registeredvoter in a red state & have seen hundreds of ways racists work to stop philanthropic efforts.  Anyhoo, The assertion that Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated was founded upon idolatry or principles inherently contrary to Christianity is an extraordinary exercise in historical illiteracy.

Imagine leveling such an accusation against an organization whose founding proposal underwent rigorous examination before receiving approval from an administration that included a Methodist minister and future bishop, a Congregational pastor, and one of the era’s foremost Black intellectuals.

The audacity of the accusation is exceeded only by the inadequacy of its historical foundation.  In other words, you can renounce /denounce whatever you please. Just don’t rewrite reality to justify it.”

As conversations surrounding Christianity and Greek-letter organizations continue, Verdant Historical Research & Archives examines a frequently overlooked aspect of Alpha Kappa Alpha’s early history: the religious and intellectual leadership involved in its establishment at Howard University. Explore the historical evidence behind the conversation.