Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated is the oldest Greek-letter organization established in America by Black college women. The record of its origin, growth and development, activities, evolving goals and accomplishments is more than an interesting chronicle of a colorful bit of college-based Americana. It is, rather, a significant and inspiring reflection of the development of a minority group in a changing culture.

In 1908, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated became America's first Greek-letter organization established by and for Black women. Her roots date back to Howard University, Washington, DC, where the idea for formation was conceived by Ethel Hedgeman Lyle of St. Louis, Missouri - known as "the moving spirit" of the sorority. She viewed the sorority as an instrument for enriching the social and intellectual aspects of college life by providing mental stimulation through interaction with friends and associates. Through the years, however, Alpha Kappa Alpha's functioning has become more complex. After her incorporation as a perpetual body in 1913, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. gradually branched out and became the channel through which selected college-trained women improved the social and economic conditions in their city, state, nation and the world.

Today, that tradition has continued--internationally, nationally and locally. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. cultivates and encourages high scholastic and ethical standards; promotes unity and friendship among college women; alleviates problems concerning girls and women; maintains a progressive interest in college life; and serves all mankind through a nucleus of more than 170,000 women in over 860 chapters.

BETA PSI HISTORY

The Beta Psi Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., was founded March 27, 1940, on the campus of Southern University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Under the guidance of Mrs. Henrietta Barranco, Beta Psi was chartered on the campus of Southern University. Five young ladies helped to charter the chapter in 1940. These five young ladies were Lysbia Day, Willie Mae Houston, Garnett Conant Cole, Girternie Evans Lloyd, and Ethel Goines.

The Beta Psi Chapter is extremely active both within the academic arena and in the community. Beta Psi has won the title of Outstanding Undergraduate Chapter several times, received several community service awards, and won numerous local and national Greek shows including the SWAC and Bayou Classic. In keeping with the history of Beta Psi, we are continuously trying to keep our chapter #1 in the region and on the national level. Beta Psi is definitely a name to be reckoned with.