On Sunday, Nov. 5, the Mu Lambda chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. (AKA) held their new member presentation featuring 11 women. This was the most recent NPHC (National Pan-Hellenic Council) presentation since the university resumed these in-person celebrations in Fall 2022.
Before COVID-19, the university held these events in person but like many others, this had to be put to a halt. The last AKA probate took place in Spring 2018 but there was a line introduced virtually in Spring of 2021.
Nariah Pinckney, one of the newly initiated members, has had a longstanding interest in the sorority and shares that she is grateful for the experience,
“My main reason for joining is my mother. She was a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. She was a great example of the values and morals that an Alpha Kappa Alpha woman possesses. I chose to continue the legacy she started. I also joined for the bonds of sisterhood. I can say that this organization has created bonds that will last forever. I am thankful for this sisterhood.”
Currently, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated has the most active members of USC Aiken’s NPHC. When Pinckney was asked why she felt that is, she shared,
“The active presence in the community and on campus has gained interest in females on campus… I think an active presence on campus influences how many people are interested…”
New member presentations, commonly referred to as “probates” are a common tradition in African American Greek life. During these probates it’s routine that new members pay homage to the organization and their chapter, culturally greet NPHC fraternities and sororities and discuss chapter histories as well as organization-specific histories.
On Thursday, Nov. 2, Hakeem Weston crossed into the Sigma Tau chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. This was the first in-person probate from the organization since Spring 2017.
Virtual new member presentations became the new normal up until Fall 2022 when Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. introduced their line of four women to the public. This set the revival trend for other NPHC organizations.
NPHC currently has 21 active members and there are hopes to increase in size as well as university presence.
