It was during the school term of 1932, on the campus of North Carolina A&T College, a young woman by the name of Mernell Graves learned of a prestigious Black Woman's organization. This organization was none other than Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®. Mrs. Hall, an instructor on campus, exposed Mernell to the sorority. Mrs. Hall's influence is what motivated Mernell to become an Alpha Kappa Alpha woman.

The first step in her endeavor was to speak to the president of the college, Mr. Bluford, about establishing an undergraduate chapter on the campus. Mernell stayed up all night preparing herself for this meeting. She obtained a book from Mrs. Hall and learned all there was to know about Alpha Kappa Alpha.

Once obtaining permission from the institution, she wrote a letter to the head office to inquire about Alpha Kappa Alpha's guidelines for chartering an undergraduate chapter. She was told that a minimum of seven girls and a fee of $15-$25 was needed. She then began looking for young ladies of character, intellect, grace, and service. She recruited seven women who possessed these qualities. They were Ruth Hull, Carrie Hill Kelly, Constance Hill Marteena, Marion Tatum, Vivian Walker, Josephine Barrier Ware, and Hattie Wright. Mrs. Hall served as their advisor.