“Sisterhood, service, and scholarship.” Those three words rolled off Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. member Nana Dickson’s tongue as she described the historically black sorority chapter here on campus. There are few black Greeks at UO, but there is a vibrant community, including he Sigma Delta chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha. Sophomores McCall Hall, Ryan Hill and senior Nana Dickson are the only three members at the University. They work in conjunction with their five sisters at Oregon State University in a joint chapter.
After being dismantled at the University in 1970, Alpha Kappa Alpha was restored in 2000 with hopes to continue the legacy begun in 1908 at Howard University in Washington DC. AKA is a part of the Divine Nine, which is composed of the original five African-American fraternities and four sororities governed by the National Pan-Hellenic Council. AKA has a rich history and has counted women such as Rosa Parks and Maya Angelou as members.
Part of being in a black sorority, especially in a place which has scant representation from the black community, is staying true to the legacy.
“It is in your heart,” Dickson said.
When the girls first began attending the University they noticed that the AKA members were many of the same girls working to make changes in other places on campus. “They are leaders in the black community at UO involved in the black woman of achievement, the BSU, and the NABJ and we wanted to follow their footsteps,” Hill said.
“I think you just kind of know when you see it. You’re supposed to just feel it in your heart. When I first came, I was drawn to them and what they represent,” Dickson said.
“Within this organization, we pay tribute to our founders that weren’t allowed to be in white sororities. It is our job to uphold their history and remind ourselves how hard they had to work to create it,” Hall explained. Hall had a special interest in AKA because her mother and aunts were members. “My mom is an AKA, and she inspired me as I was growing up to be a strong black woman and I wanted to continue the positive contributions for the community.”
The women continue to serve their founders by running events like the fashion show in March that was dedicated to raising awareness for “Water for Life” and reminding people that there is much we take for granted. Through this event and other events, like the coat and clothing drive in December, the women hope to increase awareness on campus about the black Greek system.
More importantly, they serve people in need. “We appreciate diversity in our audience at the show and received a great response on how we educated. People appreciated the culture and the positive atmosphere,” Hill explains.
The next big event for AKA will be in May. They call it their “Skee-Week” inspired by their call to each other – the “Skee-wee!” All black Greeks have a sign and a call that represents their sorority. Skee-week is particularly important because AKA will work to educate people around campus on the five national targets of the AKA. They do seminars and various events teaching the targets; importance of education, awareness of the black family, health, art, and economics.
A less diverse university poses some challenges for black groups, but the AKA embraces its heritage. “Breaking down stereotypes – like people always wanting us to step, when the truth is we are more about serving than stepping, is one thing we have to overcome,” said Hall.
“AKA is about service to mankind and helping people – service is paramount in Alpha Kappa Alpha – it’s about leaning on your sister and giving back,” said Dickson. As they expand their presence on campus, they invite anyone to their cookout, held this Friday at 5 p.m. at University Commons.
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Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority is historically an African-American organization, but you do not have to be black to join – what is important is that the legacy of sisterhood and service of AKA is upheld. Many chapters have members from various backgrounds. In fact, Eleanor Roosevelt served as an honorary AKA member.
The official colors of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. are salmon pink and apple green.
Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority is the oldest Greek-letter organization established by African American women. Originally, 16 women, lead by Ethel Hedgeman Lyle, organized the sorority and were conscious of their privileged position, just one generation removed from slavery.