{"id":9514,"date":"2022-06-08T14:48:00","date_gmt":"2022-06-08T18:48:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.elfster.com\/?p=9514"},"modified":"2023-02-21T13:14:06","modified_gmt":"2023-02-21T18:14:06","slug":"alpha-kappa-alpha-exchanges-sorority-sister-gifts-in-honor-of-sororitys-history","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.elfster.com\/blog\/2022\/06\/08\/alpha-kappa-alpha-exchanges-sorority-sister-gifts-in-honor-of-sororitys-history\/","title":{"rendered":"Alpha Kappa Alpha Exchanges Sorority Sister Gifts in Honor of Sorority\u2019s History"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Founders who created a lasting legacy. | Image courtesy aka1908.com<\/a>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Over a century ago, nine college co-eds<\/a> attending Howard University\u2014a historically black college in the heart of our nation\u2019s capitol\u2014had a common dream to make the world a better place. At the dawn of the 20th century, society as they knew it was mostly male-dominated and segregated. But despite the struggles they faced in their own lives, this inspiring group of collegians was well aware of the opportunities that being \u201ccollege-educated women of color\u201d brought them\u2014just one generation removed from slavery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Being sensitive to the struggles of African Americans facing racial discrimination and injustice in their own communities, these young women, led by Ethel Hedgeman, took it upon themselves to lend their talents to making a difference. Their vision came to life in January 1908, when Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority (AKA) was born, becoming the first <\/span>Black Greek letter organization established by African American college women.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today, the members of AKA pride themselves on being women who have made it a measure of self-fulfillment by volunteering and providing service in their community. According to the sorority\u2019s website: <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cIn a world in which materialism is pervasive, and technology and competition have decreased the need for collaboration and cooperation, it is critical to have an association that cuts across racial, international, physical, and social barriers to help individuals and communities develop and maintain constructive relationships with others. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority is that vital organization.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n

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The bonds of sisterhood last a lifetime. | Image courtesy Etsy seller KeepItFancy<\/a>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

And in this modern era, the original mission of AKA has remained unchanged for the past 110 years: <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cTo 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 \u201cService to All Mankind\u201d.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the time when AKA was established, its founding sisters were among fewer than 1,000 African Americans attending higher education institutions and only 25 women who received Bachelor of Arts degrees from Howard University between 1908 and 1911.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today, this great AKA tradition and legacy created by just 9 has grown to <\/span>nearly 300,000 members across the globe in 1,012 chapters in 42 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Bahamas, Germany, Liberia, South Korea, Japan, Canada, South Africa, and the Middle East. And in honor of the AKA\u2019s deep and important history, one chapter has started a gift exchange in which members can swap sorority sister gifts to celebrate their precious bonds of sisterhood. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Mission of Rho Xi Omega: A Legacy of Sisterhood and Service<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt all began with a desire to do more for Baltimore\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/i><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

I recently had the privilege of learning more about one AKA chapter in particular, the Rho Xi Omega Chapter in Baltimore, Maryland. Chartered in December 1988, the 80 dedicated and dynamic founders of this graduate chapter found a need to expand the reach of AKA in Baltimore, a city in which the African American population faces many social and economic challenges. The group has now blossomed to about 320 like-minded sisters.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n

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Members of the Rho Xi Omega Chapter gather for their annual gift exchange. | Image courtesy Judith Fitzgerald.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

The Rho Xi Omega chapter is fulfilling the vision set forth by the founding sisters they never had the privilege to meet by focusing on five social issues plaguing the Baltimore Metropolitan community:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n