“Alpha Kappa Alpha’s Twenty Pearls”

  • Original: Anna Easter Brown. Beulah Burke. Lillie Burke. Marjorie Hill. Margaret Flagg Holmes. …
  • Sophomores: Norma Boyd. Ethel Jones Mowbray. Alice Murray. Sarah Meriweather Nutter. …
  • Incorporators: Norma Boyd (Sophomore) Julia Brooks. Ethel Jones Mowbray (Sophomore) Nellie Quander.

What does 20 pearls mean for AKA?

Alex Wong//Getty Images. AKA was the first African-American Greek-letter sorority, and its founders are referred to as the “Twenty Pearls.” Pearls have long been the emblem of the sorority, and every new member is given a badge with 20 pearls.

Who makes up the 20 pearls of AKA?

MINER HALL- HOWARD UNIVERSITY, 1908



Murray, Carrie Snowden, and Harriet Josephine Terry along with the incorporators Julia Evangeline Brooks, Nellie Quander, Nellie Pratt Russell, and Minnie B. Smith. These women became what are known as the 20 Pearls of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.

How many AKA founders are there?

The Nine Founders were: Anna Easter Brown, Beulah Burke, Lillie Burke, Marjorie Hill, Margaret Flagg Holmes, Ethel Hedgemon (Lyle), Lavinia Norman, Lucy Diggs Slowe and Marie Woolfolk (Taylor).

What does the Ivy Leaf represent aka?

This is the official symbol/plant of AKA. A three-leafed plant, the Ivy represents strength, endurance, and vitality for members. Safeguarding the brand is something that members of AKA are taught upon their entrance into the organization.

How many pearls do deltas wear?

How many pearls do deltas wear? The Delta Sigma Theta symbols are in the center of the brooch surrounded by 22 pearls and 9 jewels.

How many years is a pearl Soror?

We are proud of the diversity of our current chapter membership and are home to several Pearl Members (65+ years of service), Golden Members (50+ years of service) and many Silver Members (25+ years of service).

What does the frog mean to AKA?

growing in leaps and reaching new bounds

Within the organization of Alpha Kappa Alpha it’s not traditional that members collect animals of any kind. The organization is represented by the ivy leaf and pearls only. Now some members do collect “frogs” which symbolize that the organization was growing in leaps and reaching new bounds.

Why did Delta leave AKA?

The twenty-two Delta Sigma Theta (DST) founders were not pleased at the lack of progress of Alpha Kappa Alpha to move beyond organizing the affairs of campus society at Howard and wanted to reorganize the sorority to address topics like public service and women’s advancement.

Which president was expelled from AKA?

Twenty Pearls: The Story of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority (AKA …

What does a pearl mean in a sorority?

What is a Pearl? A Pearl is defined as a precious thing; the finest example of something. Pearls are often displayed to show their value and handled in a way that reflects their precious nature. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and its more than 290,000 members worldwide are pearls and THESE PEARLS DON’T HAZE!

What does AA grade pearls mean?

AA – The surface will have good luster and and 75% of the pearl will be free from blemishes and spots. AAA – The surface will have high luster and 95% of the pearl will be free from spots or blemishes. This and AA pearl will have good nacre. (Nacre is the pearl layers formed in the oyster ).

What does giving someone pearls mean?

Traditionally, pearls have represented concepts like love, purity, and wisdom. If someone gives you a pearl, they probably care about you very much and want to express their love in a unique and timeless way.

What is the flower for AKA?

Tea Rose

Tea Rose – official flower of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Why do AKA use a frog?

Within the organization of Alpha Kappa Alpha it’s not traditional that members collect animals of any kind. The organization is represented by the ivy leaf and pearls only. Now some members do collect “frogs” which symbolize that the organization was growing in leaps and reaching new bounds.

What does the mirror mean in AKA?

The Mirror



We look into a mirror not to look upon our vanity, but because when we look to a mirror in our reflection we seek to see all the virtues that represent a lady of AKA. The Pearl Necklace represent our foundation, our founders and incorporates because without them, we would not exist.