What is ethel hedgeman lyle?

Ethel Hedgeman Lyle (1887-1950) was an influential African American educator and civil rights activist. She was a co-founder of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, the first sorority created by African American women.

Lyle was born in St. Louis, Missouri, and graduated from Howard University in Washington, D.C. with a degree in education. She went on to work as a teacher and later became the chairman of the Department of English and Modern Languages at Tennessee Agricultural & Industrial State University (now Tennessee State University).

In 1908, Lyle and a group of like-minded women founded Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority at Howard University. The sorority was formed with the intention of providing a support network for African American women in higher education, promoting academic excellence, and addressing social issues affecting African American communities.

Lyle was actively involved in the civil rights movement and worked to promote racial equality and social justice throughout her life. She was a dedicated advocate for education and mentorship, serving as a role model for generations of African American women.

Ethel Hedgeman Lyle’s legacy lives on through Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, which has grown to become the oldest Greek-letter organization established by African American college-educated women. Today, the sorority has over 300,000 members and continues to work towards uplifting and empowering communities through service and activism.