The Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) sorority — the nation’s oldest African American, Greek-lettered sorority — celebrated vice president and fellow sorority sister Kamala Harris’ historic inauguration on Wednesday, declaring January 20 “Kamala Harris Day.”
Founded in 1908 at Howard University, the sorority took to Twitter to urge fellow members to acknowledge the monumental event by wearing “shades of pink and their favorite strand of pearls.”
Harris, who has sported pearls on several occasions throughout the election campaign, is now being cheered on by AKA, which refers to its founders as the “Twenty Pearls.” It also calls its worldwide members “pearls.”
Wednesday’s ‘Wonder Women’
Upon being seated as vice president, Harris’ inauguration accomplishes a number of firsts. She is the first female to become vice president, the first person of color to assume the role, the first graduate of an HBCU, as well as being the first member of the AKA sorority to fill the seat.
To celebrate this momentous event, on Wednesday AKA sorors posted pictures of themselves donning a string of pearls while wearing the organization’s colors, pink and green.
Shawne White Land tweeted, “Proud to be a part of this extraordinary legacy of amazing women. Congratulations, Madam Vice President.”
“Honoring my new Vice President with my Kamala pearls. Had to do it,” another user wrote.
Honoring my new Vice President with my Kamala pearls. Had to do it. 💁🏾♀️ #Inauguration2021 pic.twitter.com/cnqT4QIALD
— Samra Brouk (@samraforsenate) January 20, 2021
Some even asked, “Can those of us who are not Greek also wear pearls to honor her … or is that rude?”
Another group comprising over 100 AKA members held a Zoom watch party to honor the vice president at her inauguration ceremony.
“To see a Black female and member of our organization in the White House in the second elected position is absolutely encouraging, inspiring,” president of the AKA Bronx Graduate chapter, Donna Joseph, told ABC7 News.
Celebration at Howard
Harris graduated from Howard University in 1986 with a degree in political science and economics.
The Howard University community, which also boasts several other eminent alumni, including late congressman Elijah Cummings and Nobel and Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Toni Morrison, celebrated Harris’ inauguration by ringing the university bells dozens of times before the president’s inaugural address.
Howard President, Dr. Wayne A. I. Frederick, also expressed his elation concerning Harris’ win, writing: “Always be assured that, as you walk the halls of the White House and toil to make our union better, you have our endless love and unwavering support!”
