Vice President Kamala Harris became the Democratic candidate for president earlier this year. This move elicited immediate support from many alums of historically Black colleges and universities and Black Greek letter organizations.
If elected, Harris would be the first African American, South Asian and woman to ever become a U.S. president — in addition to all of this, Harris would also become the first member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (AKA) to become president.
Harris has been a member of AKA since attending Howard University in late ’80s. AKA is one of the Divine Nine — a group of nine Black Greek letter organizations founded by college-educated African Americans between 1906 and 1963.
“My personal opinion is that having a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha potentially become president is exciting and represents a breakthrough for the sorority,” said Sarah Bryant, an AKA attending Buffalo State University. “It not only highlights the accomplishments of its members but also reinforces the idea that women of color can reach the highest offices in the country.”
Bryant is a senior health and wellness major from Buffalo, New York, and a member of the AKA’s Upsilon Lambda Chapter at Buffalo State. According to Bryant, said Harris’ membership may encourage others to join AKA.
“If Kamala Harris were to become president, it would significantly elevate Alpha Kappa Alpha’s legacy, showcasing the sorority’s influence and commitment to leadership,” said Bryant. “Her presidency could inspire a new generation of members and highlight the organization’s values on a national stage.”
AKA, which was founded Jan. 15, 1908, aims to inspire and promote high educational and moral standards, encourage friendship among college women, help girls and women across the world, and serve humanity.
Julia Walters is another member of the Upsilon Lambda Chapter of AKA and graduated Buffalo State in 2022. She said a Harris presidency had the potential to encourage more Black women and girls to seek out the sorority.
“It will encourage us to continue strengthening and striving to accomplish our highest goals — and that nothing is impossible [with] the help of our fellow peers as sisters,” said Walters, a New York City native. “… that this sorority and sisterhood’s values and standards leave an important, positive impact.”
However, voter approval ratings between Harris and Trump remain deadlocked.
“Personally, I feel that it will help grow attention for more fellow Black girls to be a part of the sisterhood this sorority represents,” said Walters. “With Kamala in office, she will uphold and represent the sorority to our high standards … I would feel great to see not only my soror in office but also an African American woman of standard, with a prestigious education who serves mankind.”
The Spokesman requested an interview with a member from the AKA’s Alpha Delta chapter at Morgan State University, but they did not respond.
