10 History-Making AKAs You Don’t Know But Should

Today, Alpha Kappa Alphas around the world are skee-wee’ing to the heavens as they celebrate their Founders Day, upholding a 108-year legacy of service, sisterhood, and scholarship. Founded at Howard University on January 15, 1908, AKA has a continued its reputation of cultivating the brightest and most powerful, trailblazing women. Below are AKAs who have paved the way for us all as the first to ever do what they’ve done. Pay homage.

Honor these powerful history makers and celebrate powerful women who are making history today at the 2016 Black Enterprise Women of Power Summit. Gather with hundreds of mid- and high-level executives, professionals, and decision makers for four days of empowerment featuring executive leadership sessions, networking opportunities, workshops, and of course, entertainment. Register now.

Hosted by ADP, the 2016 BE Women of Power Summit will be at the Hilton Diplomat Resort & Spa, Hollywood, Florida, March 9^th

—12^th. For information on the 2016 Women of Power Summit including sessions, speakers, and performers click here.

Follow Black Enterprise on social media @BlackEnterprise for Women of Power news, highlights, and updates. Use hashtag #BEWPS to stay in the loop.

Lucy Diggs Slowe

First African American to win a national championship in any sport (tennis)

Olivia Cole (honorary)
First African American actress to win an Emmy award.

Dorothy Brunson

First African American woman to own a radio station, WEBB in Baltimore, and a television station, WGTW-TV.

Emma C. Chappell

First African American woman to form a commercial bank in the U.S.

Mae Jemison

First African American female astronaut in space.

Leontine T. Kelly

First African American woman to become a bishop.

Suzanne de Passe

Only African American to be nominated for an Academy Award for writing (Original Screenplay).

Dr. Wangari Muta Maathai

First African woman to receive Nobel Peace Prize.

Ellen Johnson Sirleaf

First female president of Liberia.

Patricia E. Bath

First African American woman to receive a patent for a medical procedure.

Azie Taylor Morton

First and only African American to serve as United States Treasurer.