Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. (AKA), a historically African American sorority, was chartered on April 19, marking the arrival of the first Divine Nine sorority on campus and a new step towards expanding representation at NMSU.
AKA was first founded in 1908 at Howard University, with a focus on “Service to All Mankind.” As of today, the intercollegiate has grown to include over 355,000 members across the country – but not without the hard work of founding member Ethel Lyle and eight others.
“It was very hard [for them] to get it incorporated, because back then people who look like us didn’t get a second glance,” AKA member Mia Daniel said. “Maybe not even a first glance, so it was a process.”
Since then, AKA has gained many accomplishments and made its mark in American history. The group was the first Black sorority to take a lifetime NAACP membership, launched the Mississippi Health Project, operated the first federal job corps for women, and now, made its place at NMSU.
With its rich history, AKA members were excited to see the sorority become an official chapter on campus.
“It’s something I’ve wanted since I was small,” AKA member Cameron Hodges said. “I would be on YouTube watching [AKA] videos, all of that…So when I found out we have an opportunity to bring it to campus, I was like, ‘Oh yeah, we’re gonna make this happen.’”
The AKA’s history as a sorority within the Divine Nine brings both their legacy and a new outlet for representation to campus.
The Divine Nine are nine historically African-American fraternities and sororities that are a part of the National Pan-Hellenic Council, bringing a space for those who may feel underrepresented.
“There’s not a lot of people who look like us out here,” Daniel said. “So for me personally, I know a big thing was being a part of a community that did look like me, because you come here – sometimes you might walk in and be the only black person in the room.”
The official chartering of the AKA’s introduces a new space for cultural representation and community building on campus, especially for minority students.
Being a brand-new chapter at NMSU, the members are ready to let the community know they’re here.
“I know I’ve seen some comments on YikYak about people not seeing us on campus a lot, but we’re definitely here,” AKA member Ayanna Gilbert said. “We’re definitely watching what’s going on. We’re definitely keeping track of everyone who wants to introduce themselves and all that, but we’re all going to do it on our time, so be ready.”
In addition to its African-American history, Charissa Corbin, NMSU’s Director of Greek Life, said AKA allows membership regardless of race.
“We do not look at ethnicity when you’re wanting to join,” Corbin said. “It is open to all students, we want to give all students a different voice.”
The AKA’s have already volunteered at the local soup kitchen and have plans to bring events to campus in May for Mental Health Awareness Month.
As for the upcoming semester, the NMSU AKA’s will be accepting new members to join the currently 14-member group.
“I’m excited to build our chapter more,” Hodges said. “I’m excited for people to see what we’re going to bring to campus, something different, because right now we have all the excitement, all the hype, everybody’s waiting to see what our next move will be.”
With AKA continuing its legacy at NMSU, members bring new opportunity for students on campus. More information on the sorority can be found on their Instagram.
Read the Spanish translation of this article here.
