Alice Murray

Alice Porter Murray was one of seven sophomore founders of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, the first sorority founded by African-American women, on January 15, 1908. The sorority was important for supporting women in college, career and community life in a heavily segregated society. Her legacy in creating the sorority has been an organization that has generated social capital for nearly 100 years.

Alice-Louise Murray
Parent(s)[1]

Early life

Born in Washington, D.C., Alice Murray was the daughter of P. Murray. She grew up in the vital neighborhood of U Street and attended public schools. When she was admitted to Howard University, the top historically black college in the nation, it was a time when only 1/3 of 1% of African Americans and 5% of whites of eligible age attended any college.[2]

Howard University and Alpha Kappa Alpha

Murray entered Howard Teachers College in 1906. During her collegiate years, she published several articles in Howard University Journal.[1] In addition to participating in the founding of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Murray hosted an Alpha Kappa Alpha banquet for new members at Howard University in November 1909.

In 1910, Murray graduated with a B.A. degree in liberal arts and pedagogy.[3] After graduation, Murray lost contact with the sorority and little is known about her life.[1]

References
  1. McNealey, Earnestine G. (2006). Pearls of Service: The Legacy of America's First Black Sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha. Chicago: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. p. 54.
  2. James D. Brown, Black Education in the South, 1860-1935. Chapel Hill: University of North Carolina, 1988, p.245
  3. "In 1908 Is When It All Began". Nu Chapter - Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Archived from the original on 19 October 2007. Retrieved 14 October 2007.
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