Kamala Harris, American vice president and 2024 presidential candidate, finds valuable support in the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority. Having joined this influential organization while studying at Howard University, Harris now enjoys the support of its thousands of members across the United States.
According to Danette Anthony Reed, international president of the sorority, “when you become a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, it’s for life.” This organization, although non-partisan, plays an active role in the political sphere thanks to its vast network. Thus, Alpha Kappa Alpha, alongside other Divine Nine groups, raised considerable funds for Harris’ campaign.
The connection between Kamala Harris and Alpha Kappa Alpha is as much personal as it is strategic. In July, she honored her sorority by speaking in front of 20,000 members in Dallas, calling for the mobilization of black women voters. Symbolically, she often wears a salmon suit and a pearl necklace, recalling the colors of her association. However, AFP emphasizes that assessing the real influence of these networks on the elections remains complex.
Political science researcher Daniel Hopkins points out that a limited number of American voters are members of such associations. On the other hand, Amanda Wilkerson, professor at UCF University, perceives these organizations as “hidden tools” underestimated by surveys.
Founded in 1908, Alpha Kappa Alpha brings together women who share common values and goals. She made history with initiatives like the Mississippi Health Project during the Great Depression. Today, she continues to offer scholarships, grants and train future Black women leaders.
In addition to Kamala Harris, Alpha Kappa Alpha counts notable figures such as Constance Baker Motley, Sheila Jackson Lee, and Toni Morrison among its members. The sorority’s legacy and continued impact speak to the importance of such organizations in the American socio-political landscape.
