Alice Murray

Alice-Louise Murray
Parent(s)	[1]

Alice Porter Murray was one of seven sophomore founders of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, the first sorority founded by African-American women, on January 15, 1908. The sorority was important for supporting women in college, career and community life in a heavily segregated society. Her legacy in creating the sorority has been an organization that has generated social capital for nearly 100 years.

Early life[]

Born in Washington, D.C., Alice Murray was the daughter of Phillip H Murray and his wife Mary Starks Levells. She grew up in the vital neighborhood of U Street and attended public schools. When she was admitted to Howard University, the top historically black college in the nation, it was a time when only 1/3 of 1% of African Americans and 5% of whites of eligible age attended any college.^[2]

Howard University and Alpha Kappa Alpha[]

Murray entered Howard Teachers College in 1906. During her collegiate years, she published several articles in Howard University Journal.^[1] In addition to participating in the founding of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Murray hosted an Alpha Kappa Alpha banquet for new members at Howard University in November 1909. Murray, who lived in the affluent and culturally vibrant U Street District of Washington, D.C., is said to have excelled at playing hostess at social gatherings. She was also a gifted writer, noted for her poetry, prose and cultural commentary.^[3] In 1910, Murray graduated with teacher's certificate^[4] and a B.A. degree in liberal arts and pedagogy.^[5] After graduation, she got a teacher's position with Sumner High School. She flourished at Sumner High School and was the school's newspaper adviser.^[6] Murray lost contact with the sorority and little is known about her life.^[1]

References[]

External links[]

• Sophomore Founders of Alpha Kappa Alpha

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