In an online announcement this past Thursday, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. revealed that actresses Tracee Ellis Ross, Cynthia Erivo, famed author Alice Walker, television producer Debra Martin Chase and former Xerox CEO Ursula M. Burns were officially named as honorary members. The 113-year-old sorority also honored news anchor Robin Roberts, WNBA star Lisa Leslie and Ruth E. Carter, a costume designer known for her work on 2018’s Black Panther.
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“We are thrilled to welcome 8 phenomenal women into Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority as honorary members,” they announced on Twitter Thursday morning, adding in a follow-up tweet, “They join an international sisterhood of more than 300,000 members across the globe who are committed to service to all mankind.”
We are thrilled to welcome 8 phenomenal women into Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority as honorary members: #UrsulaMBurns #RuthECarter @DebraMChase #CynthiaErivo, @LisaLeslie @RobinRoberts @TraceeEllisRoss and #AliceWalker.#aka1908 #exemplifyingexcellence pic.twitter.com/06y2fqJxUz
— Alpha Kappa Alpha (@akasorority1908) July 15, 2021
They join an international sisterhood of more than 300,000 members across the globe who are committed to service to all mankind.#aka1908 #exemplifyingexcellence
— Alpha Kappa Alpha (@akasorority1908) July 15, 2021
Sharing her gratitude on Twitter, Roberts of Good Morning America wrote, “Remember hearing the pride in momma’s voice when she talked about being a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority at Howard University. I’m honored to join these amazing women,”
Remember hearing the pride in momma’s voice when she talked about being a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority at Howard University. I’m honored to join these amazing women: #UrsulaMBurns@iamRuthECarter@DebraMChase #CynthiaErivo@LisaLeslie@TraceeEllisRoss#AliceWalker pic.twitter.com/3djdQG8iP6
— Robin Roberts (@RobinRoberts) July 15, 2021
Tracee Ellis Ross also tweeted about the opportunity, writing, “Thank you @akasorority1908!”
Thank you @akasorority1908! https://t.co/VzuGxDyuas
— Tracee Ellis Ross (@TraceeEllisRoss) July 15, 2021
And while many of the honorees received their flowers online, Harriet star Erivo actually received some backlash over the announcement.
Seemingly referencing the actress’ past controversial tweets, one user commented on Erivo being named an honorary member, “Cynthia Erivo had made it clear in the past that she has disdain for Black Americans, so why she continues to take up room in Black American spaces is beyond me.”
Cynthia Erivo had made it clear in the past that she has disdain for Black Americans so why she continues to take up room in Black American spaces is beyond me https://t.co/41El74uXKf
— Quite literally… (@WYETTHASSP0KEN) July 15, 2021
Another person tweeted, “AKA extending membership to Cynthia Erivo makes no sense. In addition to her hostility toward Black Americans, she has contributed nothing in comparison to the other women on that list. Those women are heavy hitters. Weird stuff.”
AKA extending membership to Cynthia Erivo makes no sense. In addition to her hostility toward Black Americans she has contributed nothing in comparison to the other women on that list. Those women are heavy hitters. Weird stuff.
— Lil’ Doll (Rapper) (@fancytomboy) July 15, 2021
Its very interesting that Cynthia Erivo would accept membership into an organization founded by and whose most of it’s members are….*black Americans*…is it oochie wally or one mic??? https://t.co/Dgirs3QqIm
— The Casual Sex Captain (@jiggyjayy2) July 15, 2021
Yikes!
Do you agree with the organization’s 2021 honorary members list? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
