Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, the oldest Greek letter organization established by African American college women, was founded on the campus of Howard University in Washington, D.C. Led by Ethel Hedgemon Lyle, nine Howard University students came together to form Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. on January 15, 1908 in Miner Hall. The students were scholars, leaders, and standouts in their community and classes. To continue the growth of the organization, seven members of the class of 1910 were invited to join without initiation. The first step of establishing a national body in perpetuity was taken on January 29, 1913 when Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority was legally incorporated.