Source: North Carolina Central University / Getty
Founded on the campus of Howard University on January 15, 1908, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. is the oldest historically Black intercollegiate sorority in the U.S. With their motto, “By Culture and By Merit,” the women of AKA have seen great strides in academia, service, and their sisterhood.
Alpha Kappa Alpha women have been known to make history in many ways. From sports to politics, AKA has been at the forefront of excellence – and music is no different.
History makers, Grammy winners, platinum-selling artists – yep, Alpha Kappa Alpha has them within their ranks. And we are sharing just a few of them!
RELATED: Happy Founders Day! Check Out These AKA’s Proudly Repping Their Pink And Green
In honor of Alpha Kappa Alpha’s Founders’ Day, take a look at some of our favorite “Pretty Girls” in music below!
1. Etta Moten Barnett
Actress and vocalist, first African-American woman invited to sing at the White House
2. Gladys Knight
Grammy-winning vocalist, former lead of Gladys Knight and The Pips, known as “The Empress of Soul”
3. Patti LaBelle
Grammy-winning vocalist and actress, known as “The Godmother of Soul”
4. Cassandra Wilson
Grammy-winning jazz vocalist & producer
5. Erica Campbell
Grammy and Stellar Award-winning gospel artist, one-half of Mary Mary, host of syndicated radio show Get Up! Mornings with Erica Campbell
6. Ella Fitzgerald
Jazz singer, songwriter & composer, referred to as “Queen of Jazz”
7. Alicia Keys
Grammy-winning R&B singer, songwriter and pianist
8. Yolanda Adams
Multi-platinum-selling gospel artist and actress, star of BET’s Kingdom Business
9. Jessye Norman
World-renowned Opera singer and recitalist
10. Brandy
Grammy-winning R&B singer and actress, star of Moesha, Queens, and more
11. Shamari DeVoe
Member of R&B trio Blaque, former cast member of The Real Housewives of Atlanta
12. Cynthia Erivo
Emmy, Grammy, and Tony-winning actress and singer, star of Wicked and Broadway’s The Color Purple
13. Jada Pinkett Smith
Actress, host of Red Table Talk, and lead singer of metal band Wicked Wisdom
14. Sherry Winston
Grammy-nominated jazz flutist