Joanna Mary Berry Shields

Joanna Mary Berry Shields (July 7, 1884 - February 2, 1965) was one of the seven members of the sophomore class of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, the first sorority founded by African-American women. She created a legacy that has continued to generate social capital for nearly 110 years. Joanna Shields served as an educator for more than 20 years, both in the South, where need was especially critical, and in New York City, where African-American migration had created a new community. In addition, she was a leader in civic activities, where her years of accomplishments caused her to be chosen for the New York Mayor's Committee on Human Rights and the Consumers Protective Committee. In her life, Shields demonstrated how African-American sororities supported women "to create spheres of influence, authority and power within institutions that traditionally have allowed African Americans and women little formal authority and real power." Joanna was born in Catharpin, Virginia to Charles and Carrie Lucas Berry. Growing up, Berry attended private schools in Prince William County. At Manassas Industrial School in Manassas, Virginia, she graduated with high honors. She attended Howard University's preparatory school in 1901, where she gained a high school education. In those years, only 1/3 of 1% of African Americans and 5% of whites attended any college, and Howard University was considered the top historically black college. At Howard University, Joanna earned a Bachelor of Arts degree cum laude in social science and mathematics. Berry was one of nine women who founded Alpha Kappa Alpha on January 15, 1908. She was the custodian of the chapter's records in 1909. After graduation, Joanna Shields was minimally involved for years in Alpha Kappa Alpha activities. When Berry relocated to Winston-Salem, North Carolina in 1922, she revived her connection to Alpha Kappa Alpha, by joining Phi Omega, a local graduate chapter. She also volunteered in youth activity through Alpha Kappa Alpha.