The Red and Black

Issue date: 12/5/07 Section: News

Media Credit: JAKE DANIELS Members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. practice a dance on Tuesday. The Eta Xi Chapter of the oldest historically-black sorority is returning to the University after a five-year haitus. Members will celebrate their 100-year anniversary in January. [Click to enlarge]

Editor's note: Three Red & Black staff members are members of the Eta Xi Chapter.

After a five-year absence, the sisters of the Eta Xi Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. are back at the University.

The sisters said they are bringing "new blood" to the historically-black organization.

It is unclear why the sorority became inactive at the University.

"I want to discontinue the rumors and speculation that has gone on in
our absence," said chapter President Alexandra Robinson. "We will prove to everyone that we deserve to come back to campus."

Robinson was unanimously elected by members Monday.

Graduate adviser Bertha Rambeau said she does not know the details of the 2002 incident.

Eta Xi's suspension was lifted in 2004, Robinson said, but it took three years for the chapter to be re-established.

During its absence, sorority members graduated, leaving the chapter devoid of membership, said Angela Nowell, a graduate advisor for the chapter.

Rambeau emphasized the chapter's effort to move forward.

"It's just time for them to come back to campus and be part of Greek life again," Rambeau said.

Alpha Kappa Alpha established itself as the first black sorority in America in 1908

and since has branched out, carrying its mantra of "by culture, by merit" to South Korea, Germany, Japan and the Caribbean.

With more than 200,000 members internationally, Alpha Kappa Alpha boasts prominent members such as singer Alicia Keys, Maya Angelou, Ella Fitzgerald and Mae Jemison, the first black woman astronaut.

The sorority will celebrate its centennial anniversary in January. Eta Xi members and alumnae also are planning to celebrate the chapter's 35th anniversary in January.

Moving forward, the Eta Xi Chapter select 98 members this semester. The overwhelming response from students to join was expected, Robinson said.

"In anticipation of our return, many have been working hard to maintain what it takes be an AKA," she said. "We have to make up for lost time."

Traditionally, eight to 15 new members are accepted each year, Robinson said.

"We feel like we have the best," Nowell said. Nowell said she and Rambeau will be a constant presence.

"It's going to be their responsibility to keep it going," she said. "As long as they're following the national program, they're going to motivate themselves."

Robinson said, "The best way to rebuild is to take what we have as individuals and contribute that to the sorority."

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