There are five members in its joint chapter with Eta Tau at Iowa State University. The sorority was founded in January at Howard University by Ethel Hedgeman Lyle. The organization originally served African-Americans, but in time it grew and became inclusive of everyone. Alpha Kappa Alpha supports health issues such as the American Red Cross, education, the black family and political issues. Its issues are the family, economics, education, health, the arts, and leadership and development.
Members also volunteer their time at many organizations in the community.
Though the sorority has few members, all five members work on various committees planning programs and fund raising. Alpha Kappa Alpha also belongs to the National Panhellenic Council. One goal of Alpha Kappa Alpha is to accomplish everything with quality and class. Members will be helping the National Panhellenic Council in its planning of Black History Month activities. Kappa Alpha Psi is an African-American fraternity at Drake.