Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® was founded on January 15, 1908 at Howard University in Washington, D.C., and became the first African American Greek-lettered sorority. The sorority’s founder, Ethel Hedgemon Lyle, was inspired by two of her professors to establish a society that encouraged scholarship, friendship and service. She and a group of eight distinguished ladies worked together to ensure the sorority’s implementation. The sophomore class of 1910, were inducted into the sorority without initiation. Along with the incorporators, these women became what are known as the 20 Pearls of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®.