- Categories:
- Special Interest
- Tags:
- CulturalFriendshipWomen
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every January 15
- Holiday emoji:
- 💖
Alpha Kappa Alpha Day celebrates the enduring legacy of the nation’s first Black Greek-letter sorority every January 15. This day honors over a century of sisterhood, scholarship, and service to all mankind. Learn about its trailblazing founders, its profound impact on civil rights and education, and how to champion its mission of empowering women and communities.
Want to sponsor Alpha Kappa Alpha Day? Learn how
Expected Alpha Kappa Alpha Day Deals
On Alpha Kappa Alpha Day, the focus shifts from commercial deals to community support and scholarship. Many local chapters organize fundraising drives for their philanthropic initiatives, often partnering with local businesses for donation matches or awareness campaigns. Look for opportunities to contribute to the sorority’s educational programs, like the ASCEND Youth Enrichment Program, or its health initiatives. Retailers supporting Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) or Black-owned businesses may offer special promotions or donate a portion of sales. We will update this page with confirmed live events and community drives as January 15 approaches.
Platform Guide for Alpha Kappa Alpha Day
Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #AKADay. Share professional achievements of AKA sisters or highlight community service projects.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #AlphaKappaAlpha. Post photos from chapter events, share historical facts, or celebrate local members.
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #AKA1908. Share visually appealing content celebrating sisterhood, service projects, or the sorority’s iconic pink and green.
Alpha Kappa Alpha Day Hero
Ethel Hedgeman Lyle
History of Alpha Kappa Alpha Day
Every year since the early 20th century, January 15 has been celebrated as Alpha Kappa Alpha Day. The history of the day’s celebration follows the history of the creation of the sorority. For over a century, this day has been consecutively celebrated.
Created on January 15, 1908, at Howard University, A.K.A. was a product of a black woman’s dream of a support network where fellow female black college students would find the necessary support they needed to live and study successfully in a complex, unfair, and racist college system. Ethel Hedgeman’s search for liberation for her fellow black college colleagues at Howard University produced the first black female Greek-letter sorority. While other female sororities existed before then, and many others sprang up after, A.K.A. has a rich history that is quite unmatched by others. On the one hand, it was the first sorority that black female college students around the U.S. related to. On the other hand, it holds a record-breaking history. It presently has an approximate membership of over 300,000 across the U.S. and other countries.
Some of the many notable alumni of A.K.A. include the famous black poet — Maya Angelou, who in 1969, published “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings;” Coretta Scott-King, the wife of the 20th-century activist Martin Luther King Jr.; Katherine G. Johnson, Phylicia Rashad, Rosa Parks, and many others. In 2021, A.K.A. became the only female Greek-letter sorority to produce a Vice President. Kamala Harris holds the position of the only woman to occupy the second-highest seat possible in the White House. These and many other achievements from the sisters of A.K.A. make the sorority widely acknowledged, not only in the U.S. but also in South Africa, Canada, Japan, Germany, South Korea, the United Arab Emirates, Liberia, Nigeria, and others.
Alpha Kappa Alpha Day timeline
Hedgeman creates the sorority to support black college women at Howard University.
The sorority dispels notions that people of color are unfit for certain professions and guides them in avoiding career mistakes.
A.K.A. Incorporated becomes the first organization to take out the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People's life membership.
It challenges the absence of people of color in pictures used by the government to portray Americans.
It emerges as the first women's group to win a grant to run a federal job corps center.
The organization earns Africare's Distinguished Service Award for adopting over 27 African villages.
How Businesses Can Celebrate Alpha Kappa Alpha Day
Local businesses can honor Alpha Kappa Alpha Day by supporting local chapters through sponsorships for their community service projects or scholarship funds. Restaurants could offer special discounts to AKA members or host events that celebrate Black women’s achievements. Retailers might feature products from Black-owned businesses or donate a portion of sales to organizations aligned with AKA’s philanthropic goals, such as educational or health initiatives.
Alpha Kappa Alpha Day FAQs
When is Alpha Kappa Alpha Day?
In 2027, Alpha Kappa Alpha Day will be observed on Friday, January 15, continuing its annual tradition of celebrating sisterhood and service.
How many members does Alpha Kappa Alpha have?
With a vibrant network spanning nearly 1,000 chapters worldwide, Alpha Kappa Alpha’s membership continues to grow, impacting communities through its extensive reach and dedicated service.
What is the mission of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.?
Since its founding, AKA’s mission has centered on leadership development, civic engagement, and social justice. The sorority implements programs that address critical issues such as health, economic empowerment, and global impact, reflecting its commitment to community upliftment.
What are some notable Alpha Kappa Alpha members?
Beyond its well-known figures, thousands of AKA women have made significant contributions in various fields, from politics and education to arts and sciences, embodying the sorority’s enduring legacy of impactful leadership and community dedication.
Alpha Kappa Alpha Day Activities
Join a black females sorority
If there's a sorority for black women in your college, join one today. It's harmless and entirely beneficial.
Read up on alumni of A.K.A.
Remember all those great black women who have been members of A.K.A? Today's a good day to read extensively about them and see how they shaped their lives from college.
Create a branch in your college
Why not contact A.K.A. H.Q. and try to form a branch in your college? Black female colleagues there will forever be grateful.
5 Facts About U.S. Fraternities And Sororities That Will Interest You
The largest sorority
Chi Omega remains the largest sorority by the number of initiates, while Alpha Kappa Alpha remains the most historical.
Members head most corporations
Over 85% of America's largest corporations are headed by fraternity men.
Presidents and V.Ps belong to one
Almost every U.S. president and vice president from the mid-19th century have been members of a fraternity.
Student leaders are members
Nearly all student leaders on about a thousand campuses belong to a fraternity/sorority.
Members have higher G.P.A.s
Fraternity and sorority members generally have a higher G.P.A. in college than non-members.
Why We Love Alpha Kappa Alpha Day
It encourages unity
Members of A.K.A. and all other sororities consider themselves sisters, making them united in all situations. We love this!
It provides support
The sorority provides academic and career support to its members. This ensures that each of them becomes successful in their various endeavors.
It makes us sociable
No one can deny that socializing opens great paths for those who engage in it. Alpha Kappa Alpha creates a forum for all its members to socialize, creating beneficial and lasting networks.
Alpha Kappa Alpha Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2027 | January 15 | Friday |
| 2028 | January 15 | Saturday |
| 2029 | January 15 | Monday |
| 2030 | January 15 | Tuesday |
| 2031 | January 15 | Wednesday |
Social Media Tips for Alpha Kappa Alpha Day
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