1908 – Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Is Founded
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., founded on January 15, 1908, at Howard University, is the oldest Greek-letter organization for African American women. Built on sisterhood, scholarship, and service, it was created to uplift individuals and unite women of courage amid racial injustice.
Today, AKA has more than 200,000 members across 950 chapters worldwide. Its accomplished members—including Maya Angelou, Rosa Parks, Michelle Obama, and Kamala Harris—advance education, economic empowerment, and health equity through impactful national service programs.
1936 – Murray v. Pearson Is Decided
In Murray v. Pearson (1936), the Maryland Court of Appeals considered whether the University of Maryland Law School could deny admission to Donald Murray, a qualified Black applicant, solely because of his race. The university argued segregation was permissible and that out-of-state scholarships provided equal treatment.
The court ruled on January 15, 1936, the law school was a state agency subject to the Fourteenth Amendment. Because Maryland offered no separate law school for Black students, scholarships were inadequate. The court ordered Murray’s admission, holding that equal protection requires equal access to existing public facilities.
1961 – The Supremes Signed to Motown Records
The Supremes, originally formed as The Primettes, emerged as Motown’s most successful female group. Featuring Florence Ballard, Diana Ross, and Mary Wilson, they were signed to Motown on January 15, 1961. After early struggles, the group broke through in 1963 under the production of Holland-Dozier-Holland.
From 1964 to 1967, The Supremes dominated the charts with hits like “Where Did Our Love Go,” “Baby Love,” and “Stop in the Name of Love,” becoming international icons. Renamed Diana Ross and the Supremes in 1967, the group continued until disbanding in 1977.