Tribute to our Founders

“By Culture, By Merit”
Text Box: The Nine Howard University Students who were led by Ethel Hedgeman Lyle began a sisterhood in 1908. Nellie Quander and her gallant group contributed the added dimension of a national organization and perpetual membership. Those who have come after them, the never ending stream of eternally young, hopeful enthusiastic women, must be remembered. The Original Group: Marjorie Hill, Lucy D. Slowe, Lillie Burke, Ethel Hedgeman Lyle, Anna E. Brown, Marie Woolfolk Taylor, Beulah E. Burke, Margaret Flagg Holmes, and Lavinia Norman The Sophomores of 1908: Norma Boyd, Ethel J. Mowbray, Alice P. Murray, Sarah M. Nutter, Joanna B. Shields, Carrie E. Snowden, and Harriett J. Terry The Incorporators: Norma Boyd, Julia E. Brooks, Ethel Jones Mowbray, Nellie M. Quander, Nellie Pratt Russell, and Minnie B. Smith

Thank you founders for all you’ve done,

For sisterhood, service, and scholarship we have won

Your vision has paved the way

For what we know and love as AKA

It took hard work to get on solid ground

But in 1908 we were found

To the 20 pearls we appreciate you

Keeping the dream alive is what we will do!

                                  -Kayla Nicole Carter