Alpha Kappa Alpha: The 25 Most Famous Members
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The Ultimate Guide on the 25 Most Famous Members of Alpha Kappa Alpha (and Their Achievements)
Founded in 1908 at Howard University, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (AKA) holds the prestigious honor of being the first historically African American sorority. Throughout its rich history, AKA has stood as a beacon of scholarship, sisterhood, and service to all mankind. Over the decades, the sorority has produced countless trailblazers in politics, arts, education, activism, business, and more. These women have not only broken barriers but have also helped pave the way for generations to come.
In this ultimate guide, we spotlight 25 of the most famous and accomplished members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Let their stories inspire and uplift you, showcasing the incredible power of sisterhood and excellence.
1. Kamala Harris
Kamala D. Harris made history as the first female Vice President of the United States, and the highest-ranking female official in U.S. history. A proud member of AKA since her undergraduate days at Howard University, Harris has built a career fighting for civil rights, criminal justice reform, and healthcare equity. Her ascension to the second-highest office in the country is a historic milestone for both women and Black communities worldwide.
2. Coretta Scott King
Wife of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Coretta Scott King was a powerful civil rights leader in her own right. After her husband’s assassination, she continued his legacy through activism, founding the King Center and working tirelessly for racial equality, women's rights, and LGBTQ+ rights. Her connection to AKA underlines the sorority's long-standing dedication to social justice.
3. Rosa Parks
Known as the "Mother of the Civil Rights Movement," Rosa Parks ignited the Montgomery Bus Boycott when she refused to give up her seat to a white passenger in 1955. Her bravery inspired a national movement and led to critical victories in the fight for civil rights. Parks’ legacy lives on through her activism and sororal connection.
4. Toni Morrison
The first African American woman to win the Nobel Prize in Literature, Toni Morrison crafted literary masterpieces that examined the complexities of Black identity and experience in America. Her novels like Beloved and The Bluest Eye are essential readings. Morrison’s excellence in literature exemplifies the intellectual legacy of AKA.
5. Phylicia Rashad
Beloved as Claire Huxtable on The Cosby Show, Phylicia Rashad is an award-winning actress and Broadway legend. She’s also served as a dean at Howard University’s College of Fine Arts. Rashad’s grace, poise, and talent have inspired generations of Black actresses.
6. Loretta Devine
An Emmy Award-winning actress known for her versatile roles in television, film, and stage, Loretta Devine has captured hearts in productions such as Waiting to Exhale, Grey's Anatomy, and Boston Public. Her heartfelt portrayals and vibrant personality reflect the strength and spirit of Alpha Kappa Alpha women.
7. Gladys Knight
The “Empress of Soul,” Gladys Knight is an iconic singer and seven-time Grammy Award winner. Known for her work with The Pips, Knight has contributed unforgettable songs like Midnight Train to Georgia. Her impact on music spans genres and generations.
8. Jada Pinkett Smith
Actress, singer, talk show host, and entrepreneur, Jada Pinkett Smith has had a diverse and influential career. From acting in major films like The Matrix series to hosting the Red Table Talk, Pinkett Smith is a voice for transparency, healing, and empowerment.
9. Lynn Whitfield
Award-winning actress Lynn Whitfield has graced both the small and big screens with elegance and authority. Known for roles in The Josephine Baker Story, Eve’s Bayou, and Greenleaf, Whitfield continues to set a high standard for dramatic performance.
10. Wanda Sykes
Comedian, actress, and writer, Wanda Sykes is known for her sharp wit and unapologetic commentary. She has won multiple Emmy Awards and is celebrated for her activism, particularly in LGBTQ+ rights. Her fearless humor challenges stereotypes and provokes thought.
11. Suzanne de Passe
Media mogul Suzanne de Passe is a powerhouse in the entertainment industry. As a former Motown executive, she discovered The Jackson 5 and helped shape the careers of countless artists. Her eye for talent and strategic vision make her one of the most influential women in entertainment.
12. Mae Jemison
A physician, engineer, and NASA astronaut, Dr. Mae Jemison became the first Black woman to travel into space in 1992. Her groundbreaking career continues to inspire girls in STEM fields around the world. Jemison is the embodiment of what it means to aim for the stars—literally.
13. Marla Gibbs
With a career spanning more than 50 years, Marla Gibbs is best known for her role as Florence Johnston on The Jeffersons. Her comedic timing and trailblazing roles broke new ground for Black actresses in sitcoms. Gibbs is also a successful entrepreneur and singer.
14. Ruth E. Carter
Academy Award-winning costume designer Ruth E. Carter has shaped the visual language of Black history and Afrofuturism through her work in films like Black Panther and Malcolm X. Her eye for detail and cultural authenticity have earned her widespread acclaim.
15. Yolanda Adams
A gospel legend with a powerful voice and inspiring message, Yolanda Adams has won multiple Grammy Awards and remains a beloved figure in contemporary gospel music. Her uplifting music aligns with the values of hope and faith central to AKA.
16. Tamron Hall
Award-winning journalist and television host Tamron Hall has become a trusted voice in media. She’s hosted Dateline NBC, The Today Show, and her own daytime talk show, The Tamron Hall Show. Hall’s poise and professionalism reflect the sorority’s commitment to excellence.
17. Ella Fitzgerald
The “First Lady of Song,” Ella Fitzgerald revolutionized jazz with her impeccable voice, improvisational skill, and technical mastery. With 13 Grammy Awards and over 40 million records sold, Fitzgerald is a true music icon whose legacy still resonates.
18. Zora Neale Hurston
Author, anthropologist, and folklorist, Zora Neale Hurston was a leading figure of the Harlem Renaissance. Her novel Their Eyes Were Watching God remains a seminal work in American literature. Hurston’s fearless exploration of Black life makes her an enduring literary force.
19. Gwendolyn Brooks
The first African American to win a Pulitzer Prize, Gwendolyn Brooks was a poetic genius who chronicled the Black experience with grace and grit. Her work, such as We Real Cool, continues to influence poets and educators across the globe.
20. Anika Noni Rose
Tony Award-winning actress Anika Noni Rose starred in Dreamgirls, The Princess and the Frog, and The Good Wife. As the voice of Disney’s first Black princess, Rose has left an indelible mark on animation and young audiences.
21. Vanessa Bell Calloway
Known for her memorable role as Princess Imani in Coming to America, Vanessa Bell Calloway is a respected actress with numerous stage and screen credits. Her career demonstrates a sustained commitment to authentic and diverse Black storytelling.
22. Terri Sewell
Congresswoman Terri Sewell represents Alabama’s 7th congressional district and is a prominent voice for civil rights, healthcare, and education reform. A graduate of Princeton, Harvard Law, and Oxford, Sewell embodies the sorority’s legacy of academic and civic excellence.
23. Michelle Miller
Co-host of CBS Saturday Morning, Michelle Miller is a celebrated journalist who has received multiple awards for her in-depth reporting. Her work brings visibility to critical issues affecting marginalized communities.
24. Erica Campbell
As one-half of the gospel duo Mary Mary, Erica Campbell has won several Grammy Awards and become a respected solo artist and radio host. Her faith-centered music and positive influence continue to uplift audiences worldwide.
25. Judge Glenda Hatchett
Star of Judge Hatchett and The Verdict, Judge Glenda Hatchett is a legal icon. With a background as a former chief presiding judge of Fulton County and experience as Delta Air Lines' highest-ranking woman of color in management, she blends wisdom, leadership, and compassion.
Conclusion: Most Notable Sisters of Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA)
From the White House to the Broadway stage, from NASA’s control center to the front lines of civil rights, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. has been home to countless women of extraordinary impact. These 25 trailblazers represent only a fraction of the brilliance found within AKA, but their stories illuminate the sorority’s enduring commitment to service, scholarship, and sisterhood.
Their contributions remind us that no dream is too bold, no path too steep, and no barrier too high for a determined woman armed with purpose and a legacy of excellence.
Whether you're an aspiring leader, student, artist, or changemaker, let the accomplishments of these remarkable Alpha Kappa Alpha women fuel your journey forward. The crown is yours to wear—and to raise.
Lateef Warnick is the founder of Onassis Krown. He currently serves as a Senior Healthcare Consultant in the Jacksonville FL area and is a Certified Life Coach, Marriage Counselor, Keynote Speaker and Author of "Know Thyself," "The Golden Egg" and "Wear Your Krown." He is also a former Naval Officer, Licensed Financial Advisor, Insurance Agent, Realtor, Serial Entrepreneur and musical artist A.L.I.A.S.
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