Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, the first Greek-letter organization for African-American women, was founded on January 15, 1908 by nine young female Howard University students. They were led by the vision of Ethel Hedgeman (Lyle); she had spent several months sharing her idea with her friends. During this time, she was dating her future husband, George Lyle, a charter member of the Beta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. 
After choosing a name for their sorority, the nine women wrote a constitution and a motto. Additionally, they chose salmon pink and apple green as the sorority’s colors and ivy as its symbol. Seven sophomore women were invited to become members. They did not partake in an initiation ceremony and all 16 women are considered founders. The first “Ivy Week” took place in May 1909 and ivy was planted at Howard University’s Miner Hall. On January 29, 1913, Alpha Kappa Alpha became incorporated.
Ethel Hedgeman Lyle was born and grew up in St. Louis, Missouri. She is known as the “Guiding Light” of the sorority. In 1926, the sorority bestowed upon her the title “Honorary Basileus,” and she remains the only member honored thusly.
The Gamma Omega Graduate Chapter in St. Louis was chartered on December 2, 1920 by six alumnae of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. It is the sorority’s third oldest graduate chapter. Today there are more than 500 members of Gamma Omega chapter and they meet once a month at Harris Stowe State University. Gamma Omega and its Ivy Alliance Foundation have plans to honor Ethel Hedgeman Lyle.
Ethel Hedgeman Lyle
Her family’s home at 2844 St. Louis Avenue in the JeffVanderLou neighborhood has been purchased. A museum highlighting the contributions of African American women is planned for the home.
Ground will be broken this year to construct the Ivy Alliance Center, a $2 million community center. The building will be a place where children can partake in after-school activities and adults can take continuing education classes. Moreover, it will serve as a meeting place for community events.
