Sorority Returns to Its Roots - Photo Gallery

Happy Birthday Alpha Chapter

In January 2008, Alpha Kappa Alpha commemorated the 100-year anniversary of the founding of its first chapter—Alpha Chapter at Howard University. The highlight of the milestone celebration was a silent pilgrimage that allowed members to reflect, recall and remember by walking in the paths of those who, five generations before, committed to be "supreme in service to all mankind."

Activities also included:

  • $1 million donation to Howard University as a portion of the scholarship fund named for AKA founder Nellie Quander;
  • Dedication of markers at sites of historical significance to the organization;
  • Library dedication at Middle School for Mathematics & Science, which stands on the grounds of Miner Hall—site of the genesis of AKA;
  • Worship service, with the sermon delivered by Dr. Calvin O. Butts, III, Pastor of The Abyssinian Baptist Church in New York; and
  • "A KAptured Century" celebration, hosted by the undergraduate members of Alpha Chapter.

Among those who attended the celebration were: the Honorable Peggy Quince, Florida Supreme Court Justice who, in July 2008, becomes chief justice; 102-year-old Mrs. Hazel Hainsworth Young, who joined the Sorority in spring 1922; Judge Rohulamin Quander, nephew of founder Nellie Quander; and Dr. Geraldine Mowbray Arnett, daughter of founder Ethel Jones Mowbray.

(Click on either the image thumbnail or the link adjacent to each thumbnail to see photographs of the Alpha Chapter Centennial Celebration, held January 12-15, 2008 in Washington, DC.)

evtpic-roots-1Alpha Chapter Centennial - Opening Reception
January 12, 2008 – "Honoring the Past"

 


evtpic-roots-2Alpha Chapter Centennial - Worship Service
January 13, 2008 – Howard University, Cramton Auditorium
"Sweet Spirit"



evtpic-roots-3Alpha Chapter Centennial - Celebration Gala
January 13, 2008 – 100 years of "Service to All Mankind"

 


evtpic-roots-4Alpha Chapter Centennial - "A KAptured Century"
January 14, 2008 – Howard University, Blackburn Center
A KAptured Century, hosted by Alpha Chapter undergraduates



evtpic-roots-5Alpha Chapter Centennial - Library Dedication
January 14, 2008 – Middle School for Mathematics & Science
"A Day of Service"



evtpic-roots-6Alpha Chapter Centennial - Silent Pilgrimage
January 15, 2008 – Howard University campus
Blessing Service; Dedication of Historical Markers



evtpic-roots-7Alpha Chapter Centennial - Closing
January 15, 2008 – Howard University
Blackburn Center & Moorland-Spingarn Research Center (AKA Archives)