Ethel Hedgeman Lyle sought to gather a group of high-achieving college women to create an organization to empower one another and uplift others. Her vision came to fruition when Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority was founded on January 15, 1908, on the campus of Howard University by twenty innovative women, including herself, one generation removed from slavery. Five years later, Nellie May Quander led the way to the incorporation of the sorority, making it Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. From this group of young women, AKA has grown to span the globe with 290,000 collegiate and alumnae members.
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated seeks to uplift African-Americans, specifically girls and women, and serve ALL mankind. Through various programming, social action, and dedication to life-long learning, this illustrious organization has stayed committed to Ethel Hedgeman Lyle’s vision for an organization dedicated to service.
A group of intelligent women sought to establish a chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated on Davidson’s campus for several years and the Sigma Psi Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated was chartered on November 23, 2008, by a group of thirteen young women. The ‘Simply Phenomenal’ Sigma Psi Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated was the first chapter of a sorority on the National Pan-Hellenic Council to be established at Davidson College.
The Sigma Psi Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated welcomed four new members, the Ivies of UnequivAKAl F.O.R.C.E, on Sunday, April 9th, 2017.
Bailey Norman
Hometown?
Atlanta, GA
Major?
Undecided, but probably Biology
Favorite Food?
My mom or my grandmom’s spaghetti
Favorite TV show?
It’s a tie between Game of Thrones and American Horror Story
Favorite moment of the probate?
The greeting for the Ques was definitely my favorite moment of the probate since my grandpa is a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated, so it really meant a lot to me that he was there and that I could greet him.
Why AKA?
My mother, my grandmother, and my great-grandmother are all members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, so I’ve been surrounded by AKA my entire life. I’ve seen the great things women have done while representing this illustrious organization and I wanted to join a sisterhood dedicated to serving ALL mankind.
Best thing since joining AKA?
The best thing that’s happened since joining AKA is gaining new sisters, especially my co-initiates. I love them a lot and I don’t know what I’d do without them.
Celebrity Crush?
Aminé
Ideal date?
I like simple things so going to see a movie or going to the bookstore and then getting ice cream or something like that afterward sounds pretty nice to me.
Favorite guilty pleasure movie/TV show?
Any of the Bring It On movies except the second one.
Favorite thing about co-initiates?
I love how they can make me laugh no matter how bad of a mood I’m in.
Serena Sewell
Hometown?
Wadsworth, Illinois
Major?
Sociology. International studies minor. Pre-law
Favorite food?
Pad Thai
Favorite TV show?
Game of thrones
Favorite moment of the probate?
Greeting my father during the Alpha greeting
Why AKA?
I became a member of the FIRST black sorority because this illustrious organization has made and continues to make history through each of its endeavors, from being the first black woman in space to being the first black woman to be a treasurer of the USA. My mother, as an Alpha woman, instilled in me what it means to be an Alpha woman who embodies grace and excellence. With her guidance, I knew this was the only path I could take.
Best thing since joining AKA?
Having the unconditional love and support of my sisters. Anything I need they are more than willing to give and every time I see any of them I’m greeted with a smile. I love seeing all the hard work we put into making a positive change on campus and throughout all communities.
Celebrity crush?
Khal Drogo from Game of Thrones
Ideal date?
Going out to dinner at the Grand Lux Cafe and then riding on the Ferris Wheel in Chicago
Favorite guilty pleasure movie?
Merlin (it’s a great tv show!)
Favorite thing about co-initiates?
They know what I need even when I don’t. They know what’s best for me even when I can’t tell. They know me better than I know myself. When I doubt myself or I lose faith they don’t. That’s true sisterhood. That’s true love.
Kibriyaá Morgan
Hometown?
Brooklyn, NY.
Major?
Intended Economics
Favorite food?
Pesto pasta
Favorite TV show?
I usually only watch basketball games when I watch TV, but if I had to choose…I’d say American Crime
Favorite moment of the probate?
I really loved doing the greeting to Sigma Psi. We worked really hard on it and I got to pop out in the beginning and kind of show off my Brooklyn swag #hannnn
Why AKA?
Honestly, one of the main factors in my choosing Davidson was the fact that we had a chapter established. My mother is an Alpha woman and I’ve always wanted to join her illustrious sisterhood. After meeting the ladies of Sigma Psi, I knew it was something I’d strive to be apart of. And who wouldn’t want to be the first andddd finest?
Best thing since joining AKA?
Gaining 19 new friends and sisters
Celebrity crush?
Morris Chesnut
Ideal date?
Going to a basketball game with Cal, my mans.
Favorite guilty pleasure movie/TV show?
The Bee Movie
Favorite thing about co-initiates?
Their positivity for sure. They stay gassing me and making me laugh. They’ll always have my back.
Anything else you want the readers to know?
I’m poppin’.
Isabel Ballester
Hometown?
Philadelphia, PA
Major?
Gender & Sexuality Studies, Hispanic Studies Minor
Favorite food?
Anything any Tía makes
Favorite TV show?
Just one?! It depends. I’ve watched The Office at least 4 times through. I’m also obsessed with anything Shonda Rhimes. And Jane the Virgin.
Favorite moment of the probate?
Knowing how hard we worked to get there and to finally be on stage, having gotten my letters, and feeling so proud of my co-initiates.
Why AKA?
There were other options? Just kidding. I’m not that petty. I love how committed the organization is to uplifting women, especially black women. The fact that my founders were one generation removed from slavery and worked tirelessly to create such an illustrious sorority is simply remarkable to me. I love that I get to live that legacy every day.
Best thing since joining AKA?
I love the Greek unity on campus. Being able to be connected to other POC on campus because of our NPHC commonality is really uplifting.
Celebrity crush?
Idris Elba or Kerry Washington
Ideal date?
Probably to a place that I have never been before that really shows that the person taking me out knows me. I also love it when a date has multiple events or places. Something unpredictable, but fun.
Favorite guilty pleasure movie/TV show?
Anything Shondaland (Grey’s, How To…, Scandal), also embarrassingly have watched Gilmore Girls since I was probably 7
Favorite thing about co-initiates?
I love how passionately they love and how committed they are to one another. I learned so much about myself from them and what they offer to one another. I will always be grateful for that
Anything else you want the readers to know?
I rep Philly HARD, almost as much as I rep being Dominican. So when people call me “iz-ah-belle” I get high-key offended. It’s “ees-ah-belle” – like you’re saying it in Spanish!
If you are interested in writing an article for Her Campus Davidson, contact us atdavidson@hercampus.com or come to our weekly meeting Tuesday at 8 p.m. in the Morcott Room.
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