Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority,Inc.
The "Oh So Pretty" Omicron Chapter
Chartered at
The University of Cincinnati
1921
Purpose
The purpose of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated is to cultivate and encourage high scholastic and ethical standards, to promote unity and friendship amoung college women, to study and help alleviate problems concerning girls and women in order to improve their social stature, to maintain a progressive interest in college life and to be of service to all mankind.
The History of Alpha Kappa Alpha
The idea was conceived by Ethel Hedgeman Lyle who viewed the sorority "as an instrument for enriching the social and intellectual aspects of college life by providing mental stimulation through interaction with friends and associates." The small group of women who helped Lyle organize the Sorority was conscious of a privileged position as college-trained women of color, just one generation removed from slavery. They were resolute that their college experiences should be as meaningful and productive as possible. Alpha Kappa Alpha was founded to apply that determination.
After incorporation in 1913, Alpha Kappa Alpha then branched out and became the channel through which selected college women improved the social and economic conditions in their city, state, nation and the world.
As the Sorority grew, it kept in balance two important themes: the importance of the individual and the strength of an organization of women of ability and courage. As the world became more complex, there was a need for associations which cut across racial, geographical, political, physical and social barriers.
Alpha Kappa Alpha’s influence extends beyond campus quads and student interest. It has a legacy of service that deepens, rather than ends, with college graduation.
The goals of its program activities center on significant issues in families, communities, government halls and world assembly chambers. Its efforts constitute a priceless part of the global experience in the 21st century.
Alpha Kappa Alpha cultivates and encourages high scholastic and ethical standards; promotes unity and friendship among college women; alleviates problems concerning girls and women; maintains a progressive interest in college life; and serves all mankind through a nucleus of more than 200,000 women.
The Illustrious Founders
Original Group:
Ethel Hedgemen Lyle Anna Easter Brown
Beulah Elizabeth Burke Lille Burke
Marjorie Hill Margaret Flagg Holmes
Lavinia Norman Lucy Diggs Slowe
Marie Wolfolk Taylor
The Sophmores:
Norma Elizabeth Boyd Ethel Jones Mowbray
Alice Patricia Murray Sarah Merriweather Nutter
Joanna Mary Berry Shields Carrie Snowden
Harriet Josephine Terry
The Incorporators:
Norma Elizabeth Boyd Julia Evangeline Brooks
Ethel Jones Mowbray Nellie M. Quander
Nellie Pratt Russell Minnie B. Smith
Omicron History
A group of young women who realized that the greatest thing in the world is "Service" banded together for the purpose of bringing about a greater interest in college training for Negro women. On April 9th, 1921 Mrs. Pauline Kigh Reed, Central and Western organizer of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, established this group as Omicron Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha at the University of Cincinnati.
The initial objective of the chapter was to give a scholarship to a girl that was graduating from the city schools, with the highest standing who wished to pursue a course at the University of Cincinnati. Today, Omicron diligently follows the national program targets while incorporating them into local programs.