Large AKA wooden paddle belonging to Etta Moten Barnett

Source catalog description

This description refers to material held by Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. Visual details below describe the original material.

This is a large wood sorority paddle. Down one side are large Greek letters Alpha Kappa Alpha “A / K/ A” in black paint. Under the letters is a symbol similar to an upside-down Greek letter psi, also in black paint. Along the handle in black paint is text that reads “SOROR BARNETT.” On the other side of the paddle along the handle in black paint is text that reads “PROBATION – 1940.” Above on the body of the paddle in black paint is the word “SORORS” followed by a list of thirteen women’s names. Below them is the word “WORMS” followed by a list of seven women’s names.

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