LKM History

LKM History

Lambda Kappa Mu Sorority, Inc., was founded on January 19, 1937, by Florence K. Norman and a group of twenty-five college-educated women, who were engaged in various professions and businesses. They met at the Upper Manhattan Branch of the YMCA in New York City to lay the groundwork to establish a National Sorority of African American business and professional women.

Lambda Kappa Mu Sorority, Inc., was incorporated in the State of New York, representing a cross-section of business interests and professional activities. Members are encouraged to assume leadership responsibility in local civic affairs and to cooperate with those organizations pledged to principles of human dignity, education, equal opportunity, fair employment practices, and housing.

Chapters of Lambda Kappa Mu Sorority, Inc., can be found in major U.S. cities in the East from Boston, Massachusetts, to Macon, Georgia. Western chapters are located in Los Angeles, Long Beach, and San Diego, California.

Florence K. Williamson-Norman, Founder

A SCHOLAR - Florence K. Williamson-Norman, born in Macon County, Kentucky, attended public schools in the area. She attained her higher education at Howard University, Jennifer Business Institute, and the University of Hawaii.

Mrs. Williamson-Norman taught at Fesseden School in Florida and also served as Dean of Students there. At the same time, she served as Secretary to Dr. Carter G. Woodson, President of the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History. 

Throughout her life, Mrs. Williamson-Norman applied herself to gain knowledge and practice in every component of business and administration. Early in her professional life, she showed a unique talent in the areas of business and administration. These fields were priorities throughout her life, whether employed in government positions or membership in women’s organizations.

A VISIONARY – During her early years, she saw the plight of Kentucky sharecroppers. This experience of seeing their struggles moved her to assume responsibility for two girls of sharecropper families. This commitment illustrated her efforts to improve life for all African American women. As part of these efforts, she established the Washington Business Institute (Washington, D.C.) for African American girls at a time when the United States provided little support for educating African Americans, least of all for girls. She also founded the Flushing (Queens) Citizen’s Association in the neighborhood where she lived at the time. This group helped families living in the neighborhood to work together to improve their lives.

Historic Dates

1st Annual Convention - June 22, 1940

1st Annual Conclave - June 14-22, 1945

1st Acorn issue - June 21, 1941

Death of Florence K. Norman - February 6, 1944