Before Kamala Harris was elected Vice President of the United States, she was a student at Howard University in Washington DC. During her senior year in 1986, Kamala Alpha promised Kappa Alpha (AKA), one of the oldest historically black sororities in the country. On Jan. 15, Harris, who remains a dedicated alum, shared an Instagram post in honor of the Sisterhood’s 113th Annual Founding Day and took some time to remember her college years. “Howard is home for me,” Kamala captioned the post. “This is where I held my first race for the elected office. There I joined my beloved sisterhood Alpha Kappa Alpha – and I am very happy to celebrate our 113th founding day today!”
“You must remember: you are never alone.”
The AKA is a member of the Divine Nine, an organization made up of nine historically black sororities and brotherhoods that want to promote community, solidarity and progress. Kamala’s classmates include Maya Angelou, Toni Morrison, Rosa Parks, Alicia Keys, Ava DuVernay, Coretta Scott King, Ella Fitzgerald, and Phylicia Rashad. “The sororities and brotherhoods that make up the Divine Nine are based on the principle of learning and the principle of faith, which strengthens our responsibility to serve all humanity,” she said at the Virtual Nine rally on October 29, 2020 .
Not only was the elected vice president part of such an influential organization, but she was grateful for the opportunity to explore a variety of subjects – from politics to poetry – while studying while still having time to “hang out” with friends. “For me, that meant going to the National Mall to protest apartheid in South Africa, becoming president of a business club and joining the debate team,” she said, reminding us that it was her before she became a famous one She uses her time to fight for the rights of minorities and the needy.
Looking back on her college years and AKA membership, Kamala had a message of hope to share with those who wanted to follow in her footsteps. “Along the way, Howard taught me that although you will often find that you are the only one in the room who looks like you or who has had the experiences you have had, you must remember: you are never alone.” She wrote. “Your entire bison family will be with you in this room, cheering you on as you speak and speak. We are with you every step of the way.”
