Lifting as They Climb: Race, Sorority, and African American Uplift in the 20th Century

Abstract

Among these organizations, Alpha Kappa Alpha was the first, founded in 1908 on the campus of Howard University. 7 Five years later, a group of Alpha Kappa Alpha members would breakaway to found Delta Sigma Theta, also at Howard University. 8 Scholars have recently begun analyzing the racial uplift activities of these two organizations. 9 However, for Zeta Phi Beta and Sigma Gamma Rho, stories remain untold and unanalyzed.

Feminist self-labeling and feminist identity development: exploring the experiences of college sorority women

“…In terms of positive benefits of sorority membership, Pascarella et al (1996) found research pointing to a positive net effect on members' interpersonal skills and commitment to civic engagement. Parks and Neumann (2016) reexamined how Black sororities are living up to their history of public service in the twenty-first century and found that they still maintain that commitment today. Among the ideals still found to be practiced by members today is the racial uplift of Black Americans, with members of sororities participating in protests, rallies and other social justice actions.…”

“…Among the ideals still found to be practiced by members today is the racial uplift of Black Americans, with members of sororities participating in protests, rallies and other social justice actions. Younger members lead the way in this activism, pushing their alumni and the organizations as a whole to take a stance on the issues of today (Parks & Neumann, 2016).…”