The first collegiate Greek-lettered sorority created by  African Americans is named Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated (AKA). 

A.K.A is an international service organization founded on the campus of Howard University in Washington, D.C. in the Fall of 1907  with an official founding date of January 15, 1908.

 The name, motto & purpose of AKA translates to ...

 “By Culture and By Merit". 

Living up to its name the sorority's first service initiatives became the pink print for all other collegiate service sororities and fraternities. One of the group's first initiatives was Ivy Day. 

The first planting was in May of 1908.

 The sorority planted ivy and a tree on the campus.

 The next planting was on May 25, 1909.  

This is the day that the Ivy Day at Howard University  would become  a representation of 

• a private meaning for the sorority

• a class tribute

• a symbol of the friendship the classmates held for each other

• symbol of the student's attachment to their alma mater.