On Wednesday, January 8, 2025, Vice President Kamala Harris welcomed fellow members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated to the Navy Steps of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building on the White House campus. The gathering, which included current and former members of the Biden-Harris Administration who are part of the sorority, marked the Vice President’s fourth year hosting an early Founders Day celebration alongside her sisters.
The Vice President, a proud Spring 1986 initiate of the Alpha Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., emerged from the West Wing to applause and greetings from her assembled sorors. After exchanging warm words and posing for photographs, Harris delivered brief remarks that encapsulated the mission and legacy of the sorority.
“I’m so proud of the work that the members of our sorority and our sorors have done in connection with this Administration that has had an impact on the entire country and the world,” Harris said. “And we will continue to do this work, head up, shoulders back, with grace, and with purpose, and with faith, and with the knowledge that we are all in this together, doing extraordinary work.”
The Vice President’s acknowledgment of Alpha Kappa Alpha’s contributions reflects her ongoing dedication to uplifting the work of Black Greek-lettered organizations, known collectively as the Divine Nine. A statement from the White House sent to Watch The Yard emphasized this commitment, noting that Harris “has consistently focused on energizing, engaging, lifting up, and partnering with the National Pan-Hellenic Council organizations (Divine Nine), their members, and leadership throughout the country.”
Harris’s engagement with these organizations extends well beyond Founders Day. Since taking office, she has traveled to 36 states, regularly meeting with local leaders, including Divine Nine members, to discuss critical issues facing their communities. During her time in office, she delivered keynote speeches at several Divine 9 national gatherings, dedicating herself to amplifying the voices of historically Black fraternities and sororities.
- On Wednesday, July 10, 2024 Vice President Harris delivered a keynote speech at Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.’s 70th Boulé in Orlando, FL.
- On Wednesday, July 10, 2024 Vice President Harris continued her Summer of Engagements by returning to Dallas, TX for a keynote speech at Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.’s 71st Boulé.
- On Thursday, July 21, 2022, Vice President Kamala Harris delivered a keynote remarks at Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.’s Conclave in Charlotte, NC.
- On Wednesday, July 20, 2023, Vice President Kamala Harris delivered keynote remarks at the Social Action Luncheon during the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. National Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana.
- On Wednesday, July 24, 2024, Vice President Kamala Harris returned to Indianapolis, IN for a keynote speech at Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.’s Grand Boulé. While in attendance, the Vice President greeted Zeta Phi Beta Soror, Ms. Opal Lee. At 98 years old, is credited as the matriarch in the movement to make Juneteenth a federal holiday.
- On Wednesday, July 31, 2024, Vice President Harris continued her Summer of Engagements by returning to Houston, TX to deliver remarks at Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.’s 60th International Biennial Boule.
The Vice President’s ongoing engagement with her fellow Divine Nine members and her celebration of Historically Black Colleges and Universities reflect the same commitment to leadership and community that she embodies as a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. The Founders Day photoshoot at the White House stands as another testament to her dedication to uplifting the legacies of Black Greek-lettered organizations, ensuring their impact is recognized and celebrated while inspiring future generations to continue the work of progress and unity.