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Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®️

HISTORY





 

 



Charletta Wilson Jacks                                                              
International President and CEO
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®️




THE VISION

 

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®, an international service organization, was founded on the campus of Howard University in Washington, D.C. in 1908.

It is the oldest Greek-letter organization established by African American college-educated women.

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated® is comprised of more than 390,000 initiated members in more than 1122 graduate and undergraduate chapters located in multiple nations and territories including the United States, the Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada, Germany, Japan, Liberia, Nigeria, Puerto Rico, South Korea, South Africa, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and West Africa.

  

The vision of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated® is to be a lifelong organization that cultivates and encourages high scholastic and ethical standards, promotes unity and friendship among women, and addresses issues impacting communities worldwide. It strives to empower members to serve with purpose while advancing social justice, education, and economic progress. Through its programs and leadership, the sorority aims to create lasting change and uplift future generations.

THE MISSION

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® was founded on a mission of five basic tenets that have remained unchanged since the sorority’s inception.

Our mission is

  • to cultivate and encourage high scholastic and ethical standards,
  • to promote unity and friendship among college women,
  • to study and help alleviate problems concerning girls and women in order to improve their social stature,
  • to maintain a progressive interest in college life,
  • and to be of “Service to All Mankind.”

The organization is dedicated to fostering leadership, personal development, and lifelong commitment to community service. Through these efforts, AKA empowers women to make a meaningful impact in society.

CORE VALUES

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® is built on three foundational pillars that guide every member’s journey:

Sisterhood & Friendship — AKA cultivates unity, lifelong bonds, and meaningful friendships among college women and members, creating a network of support that endures beyond chapter and campus.

Scholarship — Members are called to pursue academic excellence and intellectual growth, upholding high scholastic standards as a reflection of the sorority’s commitment to empowered, educated women.

Service to All Mankind — At the heart of AKA is a deep dedication to community service, social action, and the uplifting of humanity — locally, nationally, and globally.

Alongside these pillars, AKA embraces values of Caring, Dependability, and Challenge — encouraging members to grow personally, collaborate with integrity, and hold themselves accountable in all endeavors.

Together, these principles form a legacy of leadership and empowerment. By living out sisterhood, scholarship, and service, AKA members drive positive social change and inspire future generations to do the same.


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Pearls

 

SOUTH ATLANTIC REGION
HISTORY

 



       Thuane B. Field

      South Atlantic Regional Director
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®️



The South Atlantic Region was officially established during the 1953 Boule in St. Louis, Missouri, following the adoption of a constitutional amendment that realigned several regions within the sorority. Prior to the reorganization, the states of Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina were part of the larger South Eastern Region. The realignment created the South Atlantic Region as it is known today and marked the beginning of a powerful new chapter in Alpha Kappa Alpha history.

A. Cathryn Johnson of Atlanta, Georgia, who had originally been elected South Eastern Regional Director, became the first leader of the newly formed South Atlantic Region. Her leadership, vision, and dedication helped establish the strong foundation upon which the region continues to thrive today. Alongside other pioneering regional directors, she guided the growth of the region while strengthening its commitment to scholarship, sisterhood, and service to all mankind.


From its earliest years, the South Atlantic Region quickly emerged as a region known for strong leadership, impactful programming, and organizational excellence. The region has consistently cultivated influential leaders who have served Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® at the highest levels while also making extraordinary contributions within their professions and communities.

The South Atlantic Region proudly celebrates its distinction as the home region of four International Presidents of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®:

  • Dr. Mary Shy Scott
  • Dr. Norma Solomon White
  • Attorney Carolyn House Stewart
  • Ms. Charletta Wilson Jacks

These visionary women helped shape the sorority’s national and global legacy through transformative leadership, bold initiatives, and an unwavering commitment to sisterhood and service. Their leadership continues to inspire generations of members throughout the South Atlantic Region and across the sorority.

The region encompasses chapters throughout Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina,  states rich in African American history, culture, civic leadership, and educational excellence. The South Atlantic Region includes a dynamic mix of graduate and undergraduate chapters that continue to lead impactful initiatives addressing education, health equity, economic empowerment, voter engagement, environmental sustainability, youth development, and community advancement.

The South Atlantic Region has also become widely recognized for its culture of excellence, innovation, and hospitality. Regional conferences, leadership initiatives, and service programs consistently reflect the region’s commitment to high standards, meaningful engagement, and transformational experiences for members and communities alike.

Equally important is the region’s enduring emphasis on sisterhood and mentorship. Members of the South Atlantic Region represent generations of accomplished women who continue to invest in developing future leaders while preserving the traditions and values that have defined Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® for more than a century.

Today, the South Atlantic Region under the leadership of Thuane B. Fielding, continues to stand as a powerful example of leadership in action — honoring its historic roots while boldly embracing the future. Through compassionate service, visionary leadership, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, the South Atlantic Region remains dedicated to strengthening communities, empowering women, and advancing Alpha Kappa Alpha’s global mission of service to all mankind.


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