Members of Alpha Kappa Alpha share pride on inauguration of Kamala Harris

By Matt Palmer and Bethany Pace on January 19, 2020

History will be made Wednesday as U.S. Senator Kamala Harris will be sworn in as the first woman of color to serve as Vice President of the United States. Harris, a California Democrat and the nation's first Black and Indian vice president, is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Founded on January 15, 1908 at Howard University—where Harris was initiated in 1986--Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (AKA) has both undergraduate and graduate chapters across the world, including here at Towson University.

It was the nation's first Black intercollegiate Greek-lettered sorority and founded in direct response to the segregated and male-dominated landscape of colleges and universities at that time.

For 113 years, the sisterhood has remained dedicated to using their individual and collective talents and strengths for the benefit of others through local, national and global programming. Each soror (the term members use to refer to one another), whether an undergraduate member or a graduate member like Harris, is called to embody the sorority’s credo to be of "By Culture and By Merit."
 
Last Friday, Vice President-elect Harris reunited with thousands of AKAs via a virtual event with music, remarks from sorority leaders, and Harris’ line sisters (women initiated with Harris) for the sorority’s annual Founders’ Day celebration.

“I thank Alpha Kappa Alpha for being at the forefront of social and political progress in America and I could not be happier to share in this special day with you,” Harris told her sorors. In a later segment of the celebration, Harris went on to say "when people who are not us see us, they see a sisterhood that is so enduring and so endearing."

TU's Lamda Beta Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated is an active organization on campus and a part of the National Panhellenic Council within Greek Life. Even through the distant learning environment of the past year, the members of the chapter have remained committed to hosting virtual events supporting the sorority’s target program areas of the arts, women’s healthcare, global impact, and building an economic legacy.

Students and staff at Towson University who are also members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. took some time to share essays reflecting on this historic moment.

Shaunna L. Payne Gold, Ed.D. 
Assistant Provost for Diversity & Inclusion

As a Black woman, I chose to pursue membership in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. as a junior [at James Madison University]. There was simply no other choice for me. I knew that as an undergraduate student on a predominantly White campus, I needed the support of Black women who were headed where I was going.

Joining AKA was never about pink and green, step shows or wearing paraphernalia for me. It was about being first and undaunted as a trailblazer in any endeavor. It was about excellence and ensuring that anything with my name on it was top notch. It was about identity and owning my power as a woman of African descent.

I’ve been a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority for 23 years. Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris has persisted and flourished even as she was targeted with racism, sexism, bigotry and misogyny. She is an incredible human being; however, being first, Black, female and excellent in the midst of these systemic challenges is not a new thing for my sorors.

Black women founded my Black Greek-lettered sorority in 1908, before White women gained the right to vote in 1920 and Black women gained fuller rights to vote in 1965. I am so incredibly proud of Vice President-Elect Harris yet never surprised by what my sorors can accomplish—especially in the face of inconceivable resistance. It’s simply what we do. It’s who we are.

Leah Miles

President, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Lambda Beta Chapter

The moment that it was announced that my soror and Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris would be the new vice president of the United States, I knew that history had changed forever.

Tears came to my eyes as I was witnessing for the first time that it was actually possible for a Black woman to occupy one of the highest and most-coveted positions in our country.

This is a moment in history that will speak volumes to the centuries of oppression and discrimination that Black women have faced, seeing them as less than and only good for being at home taking care of the house and kids. However, this moment is showing the world that we as Black women are very much more than that and very much capable of conquering any and everything.

I am not only excited and proud just as her soror but also as a young Black woman who will soon be pursuing my own career with the inspiration and hope to keep fighting and breaking the glass ceiling.

Furthermore, along with Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris’ long list of accomplishments and experiences, I am more than sure that our sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., has also played an intricate role in making her into the woman that she is today.

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. has provided me the opportunity to grow professionally and given me the tools for leadership and the space for an added support system with amazing women who want to see me succeed professionally and personally. I will always love my AKA, and I will forever be thankful for the lifelong experiences and encouragement to work hard and break down any barriers and obstacles that come my way.

Patricia Bradley, JD
Assistant Vice President of Equity and Compliance, Title IX Coordinator

The election of Vice President Kamala Harris is one of the most historic events of our nation’s history. Our shared membership in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., our graduations from Howard University and our professions in law are just a few of the things that make this moment memorable for me.

The Biden/Harris fight for the “soul of our nation” is a fight that this country cannot afford to lose. I believe in the commitment that Vice President-Elect Harris has made in “service to all mankind.” That has been our sorority’s mission since 1908. Members of our sorority have been in service to this country for well over a century.

The profound impact and visibility that VP-Elect Harris will have on future leaders of this country, regardless of race or gender, gives me hope that we can collectively stand against oppression and move this country forward.

This story is one of several related to President Kim Schatzel’s priorities for Towson University: 

TU Matters to Maryland and Diverse and Inclusive Campus.