Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® welcomed four exemplary honorary members into the Sisterhood who are FIRSTS in their professions:
- Laura Coates, CNN’s chief legal analyst and anchor became the first African American woman to hold this position;
- Karine Jean-Pierre, the first Black person and longest serving female to serve as White House Press Secretary;
- Beverly Johnson, American Supermodel, New York Times best-selling author, actress, and businesswoman who was the first Black female featured on the cover of Vogue magazine; and
- Gabby Thomas, the first Ivy League graduate to win an Olympic track and field medal.
During the 2025 Leadership Seminar in Anaheim, CA, Soror Danette Anthony Reed (Supreme Basileus) presided over the ceremony and initiated these four outstanding women. “I truly believe these exemplary leaders have achieved great distinction, acclaim, and success in their professional and personal lives.”
Honorary membership is the sorority’s highest honor and is awarded to distinguished women whose works and contributions parallel AKA’s ideals of achievement and service. Now, we are very proud to embrace them as sorors of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.
All share one defining characteristic found in the very DNA of Alpha Kappa Alpha—the spirit of selflessness. Our newest members, Sorors: Laura Coates, Karine Jean-Pierre, Beverly Johnson, and Gabby Thomas add to the brilliance of our perpetual strand of women who are committed to sisterhood and service.
Please congratulate and welcome our newest members to the Sisterhood.
Sisterly,
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Supreme Basileus