At the 2024 Democratic National Convention, attendees showed their support for Vice President Kamala Harris by wearing the colors of her sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA). Established in 1908 at Howard University, AKA is the oldest historically Black sorority in the country. The colors pink and green are significant to the sorority, symbolizing loyalty and sisterhood. Many members of AKA chose to wear these colors to honor Harris, who is also a member of the organization.
In addition to wearing pink and green, AKA members also adorned themselves with pearls, another symbol of the sorority. Each member receives an ivy leaf pin rimmed with pearls upon induction, and wearing a strand of pearls is a way to pay tribute to the Twenty Pearls who founded AKA. Harris has often been seen wearing pearls during her time as Vice President, including on Inauguration Day in 2021. Representative Frederica Wilson, who is also a member of AKA, displayed her solidarity with Harris by wearing a white blazer with a pink rose, a magenta hat, and a string of oversized pearls, as well as a pink-and-green purse.
Wilson expressed that they were wearing pink and green at the convention to show solidarity with Harris, their sister, and all the founders of AKA, who they believe are joyfully watching from heaven. The pink tea rose, AKA’s official flower, was prominently featured in Wilson’s outfit, along with the sorority’s colors and symbols. The use of pink and green, along with pearls and other AKA imagery, was a way for attendees to celebrate Harris’s achievements and honor her connection to the sorority.
The presence of AKA colors and symbols at the Democratic National Convention highlighted the importance of representation and sisterhood within the political sphere. By wearing pink and green and pearls, attendees not only showed their support for Harris but also celebrated the achievements of Black women in leadership roles. The use of these symbols was a visible display of solidarity and recognition of the impact that organizations like AKA have had on shaping the political landscape.
The tribute to Harris through the colors and symbols of Alpha Kappa Alpha underscored the significance of historically Black sororities and fraternities in empowering and supporting Black women in leadership positions. By showcasing their affiliation and pride in AKA, attendees of the convention paid homage to the legacy of the sorority and its role in fostering sisterhood and community among Black women. The use of pink, green, and pearls as a form of tribute highlighted the intersection of politics, culture, and tradition within the context of the Democratic National Convention.
Overall, the display of pink, green, and pearls at the 2024 Democratic National Convention served as a powerful statement of unity, sisterhood, and support for Vice President Kamala Harris. Through their choice of colors and symbols, attendees honored the legacy of Alpha Kappa Alpha and celebrated the achievements of Black women in leadership roles. The use of these visual elements underscored the significance of representation and solidarity within the political sphere, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and empowering marginalized communities in politics.
