Poli Alert Politics & Civics
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Jimmy Williams
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (AKA), one of the oldest and most prestigious historically Black sororities, has launched a political action committee (PAC) named the AKA 1908 PAC.
This move marks a significant and unusual venture for a sorority, particularly as it rallies around Vice President Kamala Harris, one of its most prominent alumni, who is now the Democratic Party’s de facto nominee for president.
The formation of the PAC allows AKA to directly engage in federal campaign activities, including fundraising. Members of the sorority, along with their families, can donate up to $5,000 to support federal campaigns and political parties through the PAC. Kiahna Davis, a regional director for AKA’s Central region, is listed as the PAC’s treasurer.
The establishment of the AKA 1908 PAC highlights the sorority’s commitment to mobilizing voters, particularly within the Black community, as the 2024 election approaches. The AKA is part of the “Divine Nine,” a collective of historically Black sororities and fraternities with a vast network of over 2 million alumni. This network represents a powerful political force, with both major parties vying for their support.
Vice President Kamala Harris has long held a close relationship with the AKA and the Divine Nine, referring to them as “family.” Her involvement with these organizations has been a consistent feature of her political career. Harris’s first public event after becoming the Democratic nominee was at a gathering of Zeta Phi Beta, another Divine Nine sorority, and she also addressed AKA’s national conference earlier this year.
The Divine Nine has been increasingly active in political mobilization efforts. Following President Biden’s decision to step down and endorse Harris, all nine organizations pledged to undertake an unprecedented voter registration, education, and mobilization campaign. While their collective statement did not endorse specific candidates or parties, their influence is expected to be significant in the upcoming election.
While AKA is the latest Divine Nine organization to form a PAC, it is not the first. Phi Beta Sigma, a Divine Nine fraternity, also operates a PAC. Additionally, fraternity and sorority leaders founded the Fraternity & Sorority Political Action Committee in 2005 to support candidates who advocate for Greek life.
As the 2024 election draws closer, the involvement of Alpha Kappa Alpha and the Divine Nine is likely to play a pivotal role in shaping voter turnout and influencing key races across the country.
