On Wednesday, January 15, 1908, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, the first Greek lettered Black sorority, was founded at Howard University. Led by Ethel Hedgemon (Lyle), nine juniors and seniors constituted the initial core group of founding members. Seven sophomores were extended an invitation for membership without initiation, thus comprising Alpha Kappa Alpha’s original 16 founders. These women were the scholastic leaders of their classes. These women were: