Birmingham Honors a Century of Historic Black Fraternities and Sororities

Birmingham, Alabama: Birmingham City Hall is currently hosting a new exhibit called “Three Legacies: One Century”. This exhibit pays tribute to 100 years of historic black fraternities and sororities including the sorority of Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris, a graduate of Howard University and a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

The Importance of these Historic Black Organizations

The sorority Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and other historically black Greek-letter organizations like it play a central role in the African American community. Founded in 1908 on the campus of Howard University in Washington, D.C., Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. is the oldest Greek-letter organization established by African American college-educated women.

It reflects a hundred years of wisdom, resilience, and dedication in empowering the black community through education and service.

The Exhibitions Held at City Hall

At City Hall, the photo exhibit pays homage to the historical journey of three key fraternities and sororities and their service to the city of Birmingham. These include the Tau Sigma Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.; the Alpha Phi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc.; and the Omicron Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Each was established in 1924 and continues to influence and shape their community a century later.

Celebrating the Centennial Legacy

Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin praised the enduring and meaningful contributions these organizations have made at the ceremony held to inaugurate the “Three Legacies: One Century” exhibit.

“They’ve inspired us. Sustaining an organization for 100 years is a major feat,” Mayor Woodfin said. “These college-educated African Americans maintained their mission to serve our community for decades in spite of many challenges and tribulations. They have been persistent through Jim Crow, through segregation and have inspired others by building up our community, offering scholarships, educating young people, and serving as role models.”

The public are invited and encouraged to attend and experience this important historical tribute from Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The exhibit is open through September on the second floor of City Hall.

Looking Forward

As these historic black fraternities and sororities reach their centennial milestone, they remind not only the black community but all of Birmingham and Alabama of the immensely significant contributions they have made to society over the past century. They will continue to inspire and serve, promoting a culture of resilience, achievement, and unity for generations to come.