sharodsgirl, Nov 11, 2007
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Alpha Chi Chapter at North Carolina Central University--Fall 2007
****
Edited by Azizi Powell
Latest revision -November 25, 2025
This pancocojams post presents examples of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. chant "This Is A Serious Matter".
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. is the oldest historically Black Greek letter sorority and is a member of The National Pan-Hellenic Council (informally known as "The Divine Nine").
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. is the oldest historically Black Greek letter sorority and is a member of The National Pan-Hellenic Council (informally known as "The Divine Nine").
The content of this post is presented for cultural, folkloric, and aesthetic purposes
.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to the Langston University, Langston Oklahoma who are the authors of this Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. chant in 1986. Thanks to all past and present member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Thanks to all those who are featured in these videos and all those who are quoted in this post. Thanks also to the publishers of these videos on YouTube.
-snip-
-snip-
This is an updated. reformatted version of a pancocojams post that was originally published in 2012. I republished this updated version of this post on November 25, 2025 to facilitate its viewing by more people.
I consider fraternity & sorority chants to be cultural artifacts which deserve to be collected, preserved, and studied. I also believe that fraternity & sorority songs and chants should only be recited and/or performed by those persons who are affiliated with the specific organization that is associated with that particular chant.
****
GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THIS CHANT
"This Is A Serious Matter" appears to be the most widely known traditional Alpha Kappa Alpha, Inc. (AKA) chant. This chant and its accompanying step routine have become signature parts of the culture of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. A signature movement in that routine is to step from left to right while both hands are held palm up close to the steppers' waist.
The lyrics to "This is a Serious Matter" may differ among various Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority chapters or within the same chapter at different points in time. "This is a Serious Matter" is usually composed of two line rhyming verses that state the history of the sorority, praise the sorority and its members, and/or diss (insult) other sororities. This chant always includes the line "this is a serious matter".
Many versions of this chant start with the step team saying "1 9 0 8". This is the date that Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. was founded. Most versions of "This Is A Serious Matter" include a reference to the fact that Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc was the first Black sorority. Each version of this chant includes the refrain "This Is a SERIOUS matter". However, a step team may only repeated the words "This is a serious matter; this is a serious, serious, serious matter". My sense is that what "is a serious matter" is the sorority itself- its history, its ideals, its present activities, and its members' commitment to that organization.
Thanks to Anonymous, May 30, 2014 for publishing these comments in the comment section for the 2012 post on this subject whose link is given above:
"Serious Matter was authored and first performed at Langston University, Langston Oklahoma in 1986 by the Ivy line lovingly named '15 Girls in Search of 20 Pearls"
-The Author-"
**
"The chant was performed at the Langston University Homecoming Event..."
-Anonymous, May 30, 2014
-snip-
Click https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2012/08/alpha-kappa-alpha-sorority-inc-this-is.html for additional comments.
-snip-
This is an updated. reformatted version of a pancocojams post that was originally published in 2012. I republished this updated version of this post on November 25, 2025 to facilitate its viewing by more people.
I consider fraternity & sorority chants to be cultural artifacts which deserve to be collected, preserved, and studied. I also believe that fraternity & sorority songs and chants should only be recited and/or performed by those persons who are affiliated with the specific organization that is associated with that particular chant.
****
GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THIS CHANT
"This Is A Serious Matter" appears to be the most widely known traditional Alpha Kappa Alpha, Inc. (AKA) chant. This chant and its accompanying step routine have become signature parts of the culture of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. A signature movement in that routine is to step from left to right while both hands are held palm up close to the steppers' waist.
The lyrics to "This is a Serious Matter" may differ among various Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority chapters or within the same chapter at different points in time. "This is a Serious Matter" is usually composed of two line rhyming verses that state the history of the sorority, praise the sorority and its members, and/or diss (insult) other sororities. This chant always includes the line "this is a serious matter".
Many versions of this chant start with the step team saying "1 9 0 8". This is the date that Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. was founded. Most versions of "This Is A Serious Matter" include a reference to the fact that Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc was the first Black sorority. Each version of this chant includes the refrain "This Is a SERIOUS matter". However, a step team may only repeated the words "This is a serious matter; this is a serious, serious, serious matter". My sense is that what "is a serious matter" is the sorority itself- its history, its ideals, its present activities, and its members' commitment to that organization.
Thanks to Anonymous, May 30, 2014 for publishing these comments in the comment section for the 2012 post on this subject whose link is given above:
"Serious Matter was authored and first performed at Langston University, Langston Oklahoma in 1986 by the Ivy line lovingly named '15 Girls in Search of 20 Pearls"
-The Author-"
**
"The chant was performed at the Langston University Homecoming Event..."
-Anonymous, May 30, 2014
-snip-
Click https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2012/08/alpha-kappa-alpha-sorority-inc-this-is.html for additional comments.
If anyone remembers the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. chant from the 1980s and the 1990s, please share that information with me and other blog readers in the comment section below.
-snip-
For the record, I "went over" (became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.) in 1967-Gamma Zeta chapter, New Jersey. Members of the state's graduate chapter pledged my line. We only stepped a couple of times, and I only remember a few chants that I learned at that time.
****
SOME SHOWCASE VIDEO EXAMPLES OF THE ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA SORORITY.INC. CHANT "IT'S A SERIOUS MATTER"
-snip-
For the record, I "went over" (became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.) in 1967-Gamma Zeta chapter, New Jersey. Members of the state's graduate chapter pledged my line. We only stepped a couple of times, and I only remember a few chants that I learned at that time.
****
SOME SHOWCASE VIDEO EXAMPLES OF THE ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA SORORITY.INC. CHANT "IT'S A SERIOUS MATTER"
These examples are presented in chronological order with the oldest example in this post.
The versions of "It's A Serious Matter" that are chanted in most of these YouTube videos aren't transcribed in this pancocojams post.
SHOWCASE VIDEO #1-
[This video is found at the top of this pancocojams post.
****
SHOWCASE VIDEO #2 -AKA Step...A Serious Matter
The versions of "It's A Serious Matter" that are chanted in most of these YouTube videos aren't transcribed in this pancocojams post.
SHOWCASE VIDEO #1-
[This video is found at the top of this pancocojams post.
****
SHOWCASE VIDEO #2 -AKA Step...A Serious Matter
Uploaded by BHSMouse on Jan 31, 2009
****
SHOWCASE VIDEO #3 - Serious Matter
SHOWCASE VIDEO #3 - Serious Matter
Brandon C, Published on Sep 26, 2009
The Omicron Sigma Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
****
SHOWCASE VIDEO #4 -Greekster.tv - Serious Matter AKA
SHOWCASE VIDEO #4 -Greekster.tv - Serious Matter AKA
greekstertv, Uploaded on Dec 27, 2009
Interviewing the sisters of AKA at the Rutgers 10th Annual LTA Step, Stroll and Salute Exhibition
Interviewing the sisters of AKA at the Rutgers 10th Annual LTA Step, Stroll and Salute Exhibition
****
SHOWCASE VIDEO #5 - 2010 Sprite Step-Off Finals: Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) Performance
SHOWCASE VIDEO #5 - 2010 Sprite Step-Off Finals: Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) Performance
PulseOneMedia, Published on Mar 27, 2010
http://www.pulseonemedia.com - Video of the Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) step team during the 2010 Sprite Step-Off which was executive produced by Ludacris. The Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) step team used a Law & Order scenario as the theme for their performance during the 2010 Sprite Step-Off. This was there story!
-snip-
The portion of this video that showcases the chant "This Is A Serious Matter" chant is found at 2:12-2:51
-snip-
This step team was first awarded 2nd place in that competition but, after considerable uproar, was awarded 1st place along with the previously awarded 1st place winners, a White sorority Zeta Tau Alpha from the University of Arkansas. Click http://couldntkeepit.wordpress.com/2010/03/02/a-serious-matter/ for commentary about this Sprite Step Off™ competition & decision.
****
SHOWCASE VIDEEO #6 - Tau Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha "Serious Matter"
lovelaye1, Apr 24, 2011
This video was uploaded from an Android phone.
SHOWCASE VIDEEO #7- Alpha Kappa Alpha: Probate '11 @ Auburn Uni-Part III
iconlb, Uploaded on Dec 5, 2011
ΚΧ Fall 2K11_Part III
Alpha Kappa Alpha: Kappa Chi's new members presentation.
"A Serious Matter"
The PHinale.
ΚΧ Fall 2K11_Part III
Alpha Kappa Alpha: Kappa Chi's new members presentation.
"A Serious Matter"
The PHinale.
****
SHOWCASE VIDEO #8 - Serious Matter
SHOWCASE VIDEO #8 - Serious Matter
Dtb123, Dec 4, 2018 EAST TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY
ETSU Omicron Rho’s Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Fall 2018
****SOME WORD EXAMPLES OF THE ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA SORORITY, INC. CHANT "THIS IS A SERIOUS MATTER"
This examples are given in no particular order and are numbered for referencing purposes only.
.
Example #1- THIS IS A SERIOUS MATTER
This is a Serious Matter
Yes
This is a Serious Matter
Yes Yes
Alpha Kappa Alpha
A-K-A
Sororities take note
We paved your way
So if your not AKA
You went the wrong WAY!
-AKA soror, (Pittsburgh, PA), from private electronic email to Azizi Powell, 8/13/04; posted on 12/2005
****
Example #2: THIS IS A SERIOUS MATTER
I woke up this morning, jumped out of bed,
looked in the mirror and i SHOOK my pretty head
Okay they say i'm conceited, that is no lie....
I'LL BE A CONCEITED AKA UNTIL THE DAY THAT I DIE!
Pretty in pink, gorgeous in green
Since 1908, We've rained supreme!
This is a serious matter! YES!
This is a serious matter! YES, YES!
Alpha Kappa Alpha! (Alpha Kappa Alpha!)
SWEET AKA! (SWEET AKA!)
The first black sorority (echo)
WE PAVED THE WAY! (echo)
THIS IS A SERIOUS MATTER!
-Guest, Fraternity & Sorority Chants and Songs; http://www.mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=103135&messages=76 ; 3/10/2010
****
Example #3: THIS IS A SERIOUS MATTER
1 9 0 8
We are the first Black Greek sorority
We wear our twenty pearls
[?]
When you see us with our heads held high
And say [?] our noses are always in the sky
'Cause this is What?
Ah serious matter.
Group does step routines without chanting
Ah serious matter.
-BHSMouse; AKA GMU
Probate; Fall 08; Omicron Iota step; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wyvnuGq5vLs&feature=related ; January 31, 2009
(transcription by Azizi Powell, 5/19/2010)
Editor: The question mark in brackets means that I'm not certain about what the step team chanted. If you know this chant or can better decipher what is being said, please correct or add to this transcription by posting the words to this chant in the comment section below. Thanks!
****
Example #4: THIS IS A SERIOUS MATTER
We are the first black greek sorority.
Not DST, Not ZPhiB.
Sigma Gamma Rho. I don't think so.
Is it red and white? Is it red and gold?
Delta Sigma Theta you don't even know
Because on one bright and sunny day
all of your founders pledged AKA.
So greet me Delta and step back in line
because you don't know who you are
and you can't make up your mind." ...
This is a serious matter! YES!
This is a serious matter!
-The "Sensational" Sigma Epsilon Chapter' Spring 2003; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmvCmuFfycM&feature=related
-snip-
[This transcription was posted as a comment by video viewer Psionix9 in 2008. That video no longer exists.]
****
Thanks for visiting pancocojams.
Viewer comments are welcome.
This examples are given in no particular order and are numbered for referencing purposes only.
.
Example #1- THIS IS A SERIOUS MATTER
This is a Serious Matter
Yes
This is a Serious Matter
Yes Yes
Alpha Kappa Alpha
A-K-A
Sororities take note
We paved your way
So if your not AKA
You went the wrong WAY!
-AKA soror, (Pittsburgh, PA), from private electronic email to Azizi Powell, 8/13/04; posted on 12/2005
****
Example #2: THIS IS A SERIOUS MATTER
I woke up this morning, jumped out of bed,
looked in the mirror and i SHOOK my pretty head
Okay they say i'm conceited, that is no lie....
I'LL BE A CONCEITED AKA UNTIL THE DAY THAT I DIE!
Pretty in pink, gorgeous in green
Since 1908, We've rained supreme!
This is a serious matter! YES!
This is a serious matter! YES, YES!
Alpha Kappa Alpha! (Alpha Kappa Alpha!)
SWEET AKA! (SWEET AKA!)
The first black sorority (echo)
WE PAVED THE WAY! (echo)
THIS IS A SERIOUS MATTER!
-Guest, Fraternity & Sorority Chants and Songs; http://www.mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=103135&messages=76 ; 3/10/2010
****
Example #3: THIS IS A SERIOUS MATTER
1 9 0 8
We are the first Black Greek sorority
We wear our twenty pearls
[?]
When you see us with our heads held high
And say [?] our noses are always in the sky
'Cause this is What?
Ah serious matter.
Group does step routines without chanting
Ah serious matter.
-BHSMouse; AKA GMU
Probate; Fall 08; Omicron Iota step; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wyvnuGq5vLs&feature=related ; January 31, 2009
(transcription by Azizi Powell, 5/19/2010)
Editor: The question mark in brackets means that I'm not certain about what the step team chanted. If you know this chant or can better decipher what is being said, please correct or add to this transcription by posting the words to this chant in the comment section below. Thanks!
****
Example #4: THIS IS A SERIOUS MATTER
We are the first black greek sorority.
Not DST, Not ZPhiB.
Sigma Gamma Rho. I don't think so.
Is it red and white? Is it red and gold?
Delta Sigma Theta you don't even know
Because on one bright and sunny day
all of your founders pledged AKA.
So greet me Delta and step back in line
because you don't know who you are
and you can't make up your mind." ...
This is a serious matter! YES!
This is a serious matter!
-The "Sensational" Sigma Epsilon Chapter' Spring 2003; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmvCmuFfycM&feature=related
-snip-
[This transcription was posted as a comment by video viewer Psionix9 in 2008. That video no longer exists.]
****
Thanks for visiting pancocojams.
Viewer comments are welcome.
Serious Matter was authored and first performed at Langston University, Langston Oklahoma in 1986 by the Ivy line lovingly named '15 Girls in Search of 20 Pearls"
ReplyDelete-The Author-
Anonymous, thanks for sharing that information. (I'm assuming that you wrote both of the two anonymous comments that were published on May 30, 2014.
DeleteIf your signage-The Author -means that you were part of the Ivy line that created this chant I'd love to know how that chant differs from other examples that are found in this post or elsewhere.
Thanks again!
The chant was performed at the Langston University Homecoming Event...
ReplyDeleteskee wee
ReplyDelete:o)
DeleteI'm writing this to document the fact that Senator Kamala Harris, a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and a Democratic candidate for the President of the United States, said "This is a serious matter" in response to a question that she was asked at the 4th Democratic primary debate (October 15, 2019).
ReplyDeleteShe may have used this AKA saying before in her campaign and at other times, but I remembered to document her saying it at that event.
i love it
ReplyDeleteUnknown, thanks for your comment.
Delete