How Alpha Kappa Alpha Shaped Kamala Harris; Plus, Bill T. Jones
The New Yorker Radio Hour
Deep Dive
Why is Kamala Harris's membership in Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) significant to her identity?
AKA is a lifetime commitment and a community service organization that has played a crucial role in shaping Kamala Harris's identity, providing her with a strong network and a sense of purpose rooted in uplifting the social status of African Americans.
Why was Alpha Kappa Alpha founded in 1908?
Alpha Kappa Alpha was founded during a time when Black college students were barred from joining white fraternal and sorority organizations, leading them to form their own to promote self-reliance and uplift the social status of African Americans.
Why is Kamala Harris's rise to the presidency seen as a fulfillment of AKA's mission?
AKA was created to uplift the social status of the Negro, and Kamala Harris's potential presidency is seen as the ultimate fulfillment of that mission, representing the ascent of a Black woman to the highest levels of leadership.
Why does AKA focus on comportment and excellence?
AKA focuses on comportment and excellence to instill a sense of professionalism and historical excellence in its members, acting as a sort of finishing school steeped in Black self-reliance and community involvement.
Why might certain segments of the Black voting population be more excited for Kamala Harris than for Barack Obama?
Kamala Harris's experience at Howard University and her membership in AKA are seen as a more specific and deeply rooted Black American experience, which resonates more with certain segments of the Black community compared to Obama's background.
Why are AKA members effective in mobilizing the Black vote?
AKA members are effective because they are deeply enmeshed in their communities, know how to get things done, and are committed to fulfilling the mission of ensuring that Black people in their neighborhoods vote, regardless of who they vote for.
Why might Kamala Harris's reluctance to embrace her identity as a Black woman be a mistake?
Kamala Harris's reluctance to emphasize her identity as a Black woman might be a mistake because it could reduce the excitement and support from the Black community, which was more evident during Barack Obama's campaigns.
Why did Bill T. Jones create the dance 'Still/Here'?
Bill T. Jones created 'Still/Here' to explore the themes of mortality and the resourcefulness and courage necessary to perform the act of living, drawing on his personal experiences and those of others facing life-threatening illnesses.
Why did the original performance of 'Still/Here' receive mixed reactions?
The original performance of 'Still/Here' received mixed reactions because some critics dismissed it as 'victim art' and questioned its artistic merit, while others praised it as a profound and sensitive work of art.
Why does Bill T. Jones believe art should be personal and connected to the artist's identity?
Bill T. Jones believes art should be personal and connected to the artist's identity because he finds art that is disconnected from the artist's life experience to be dishonest and unengaging, emphasizing that art should reflect and transcend personal experiences.
- AKA's mission is to uplift the social status of Black women.
- The sorority emphasizes comportment, excellence, and community involvement.
- AKA played a crucial role in shaping Harris's experience at Howard University.
- Harris's connection to AKA resonates with some Black voters more deeply than Barack Obama's.
- AKA mobilizes for voter registration and participation, particularly within the Black community.
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