Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Celebrated its 85th Anniversary & Founders’ Day

By Sarah Williams and Verita Woods –

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. was founded by college-age women January 15, 1908, at Howard University in Washington, DC.

The Gamma Gamma Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha celebrated 85 years of sisterhood and service on Sunday, March 16, 2025. The members and their guests began the day attending service at Tried Stone Missionary Baptist Church, where Elder Alfred Blount delivered a thoughtful and articulate sermon on the 23rd Psalm.

Following the service, the attendees enjoyed a luncheon in the fellowship hall of the church. During which keynote speaker and member Dr. Beverly Robinson gave a moving address highlighting influential women in the Bible and in American history. She spotlighted Lydia of Thyatira, a successful businesswoman and seller of purple cloth, and Dorcas (also known as Tabitha), a professional seamstress and devote disciple of Jesus. She also paid tribute to Coretta Scott King—an AKA sister and “First Lady of Civil Rights”—recognizing her unwavering service to her husband, her family, and the nation.

In recognition of Founders’ Day, Dr. Robinson reflected on nine original Sorors—Ethel Hedgemon Lyle, Lucy Diggs Slowe, Beulah Burke, Lillie Burke, Margaret Flagg Homes, Lavinia Norman, Anna Easter Brown, Marjorie Hill, and Marie Woolfolk Taylor—emphasizing their legacy of service, community engagement, and empowerment.

Carmen Robinson, M.D., fellow soror and daughter of the keynote speaker, delivered a stunning vocal performance of “If I Can Help Somebody,” accompanied by Mr. Robert Harper. The audience was visibly moved by the rendition.

The chapter then honored three community leaders—Norma Baynes, Johnnie Grant, and Brenda Mills—with plaques in recognition of their exemplary service and commitment to the community.

Robert Harper, an accomplished pianist and the son of Pearl member Cora Harper, followed with a medley of inspiring gospel songs in honor of his mother, “Only Trust Him,” “I Will Trust in the Lord,” and “I Don’t Feel No Ways Tired.”

Afterward, the chapter presented honors to its longtime members. The Sorority has three levels of membership distinction:

• Pearl member (65+ years of service): Cora Harper.
• Golden members (50+ years): Ellen Bowditch, Jacqueline King, and Verita Woods.
• Silver members (25+ years): Terry M. Bellamy, Sylvia Clement, Sophie Dixon, Katrice Goodrum, Mary Harmon, Barbara James, Pamela Jones, Berta McCallum, Kenesha Smith, Sarah Williams, and Vernell Woldu.

Each honoree received a certificate in appreciation of their dedication and contributions.

The celebration also recognized the “Divine Nine,” the nine historically African American Greek-lettered organizations that make up the National Pan-Hellenic Council: Alpha Kappa Alpha, Alpha Phi Alpha, Delta Siga Theta, Iota Phi Theta, Kappa Alpha Psi, Omega Psi Phi, Phi Beta Sigma, Sigma Gamma Rho, and Zeta Phi Beta. Each organization was invited to sing its national hymn in tribute.

The day concluded with closing remarks by Verita Woods, Chair of the Founders’ Day & 85th Celebration, bringing to an end a joyful and memorable celebration of 85 years of service, sisterhood, and excellence.