Before becoming a mother, businesswoman, and TV personality, Gizelle Bryant was an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha — the first and oldest Greek-letter organization established by Black women.
On Saturday, October 25, The Real Housewives of Potomac mom offered more insight into her sorority days when she returned to her alma mater, Hampton University, for homecoming weekend. Gizelle shared the experience in a grip of Instagram Stories in which she proudly displayed her sorority letters alongside some of her line sisters and the new generation of AKAs.
“Celebrating 35 YEARS of [AKA Sorority],” she wrote in the carousel. “Come thru [Gamma Theta chapter], love my line sisters.”
Gizelle Bryant looks back at her Greek Life days at Hampton University
As indicated in her caption, Gizelle joined the sorority in the spring of 1990. The Houston native offered a look at her pledge process back in January, when she posted throwback photos in celebration of AKA’s Founders Day.
The snaps showed the young Gizelle looking equal parts elegant and cool, as she rocked a preppy ensemble in the sorority’s official colors: an apple green beret and a salmon pink jacket layered over a classic white button-up. She accessorized with a pair of Wayfarer sunglasses, a pearl necklace, and pearl stud earrings.
“Skee Wee My Sorors!” Gizelle captioned the carousel.
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Notable AKA members include former vice president Kamala Harris, actress Phylicia Rashad, Pulitzer Prize winner Toni Morrison, comedian Wanda Sykes, and attorney/TV personality Star Jones.
Gizelle Bryant reflects on her HU experience: “Grateful”
The Potomac Houswife graduated from HU in 1992 with a bachelor’s degree in marketing. She opened up about her college experience in a 2022 interview on The Breakfast Club, explaining it was her father, the late Curtis Graves, who guided her toward an HBCU (historically Black colleges and universities).
“My dad went to a Black college (Texas Southern University), and he was nudging me in that direction. I didn’t know it, but he was,” she said. “My dad was very influential in the Civil Rights movement. He’s all about empowering the Black community and doing what’s best for us. But when I got to [HU], that’s when I figured out that I was where I was supposed to be.”
She continued: “I realized, OK, this is special, right? This is family. This is a community that cares for each other… It was an experience I was grateful for.”
Gizelle Bryant’s daughters attend HBCUs, just like their mom
Although her three daughters are enrolled at separate colleges, they each followed in their mother’s HBCU footsteps.
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Gizelle’s firstborn, Grace Bryant, is a public relations major at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University in Tallahassee, Florida, while Gizelle’s twins, Adore and Angel Bryant, are sophomores at HU and Spelman College, respectively. The former is majoring in international studies and is on a pre-law track, and the latter is majoring in health science.
The RHOP daughters spoke about their college journeys in a September 2024 interview with The Daily Dish, explaining why they wanted the “HBCU experience.”
“I did my research on historical black colleges, and once I had my tour, I knew it was the place for me,” Grace said about Florida A&M. “I was drawn to the culture here within the university as well as the warm weather… I love being supported by positive people that allow me to grow and have fun at the same time.”
Since becoming an empty-nester last year, Gizelle has been enjoying her time in the dating scene. Get the latest on the Potomac mom’s love life.
