In Search of Sisterhood: Delta Sigma Theta and the Challenge of the Black Sorority Movement

by Paula J. Giddings

This history of the largest block women's organization in the United States is not only the story of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority (DST), but also tells of the increasing involvement of black women in the political, social, and economic affairs of America. Founded at a time when liberal arts education was widely seen as either futile, dangerous, or impractical for blacks, especially women, DST is, in Giddings's words, a "compelling reflection of block women's aspirations for themselves and for society." Giddings notes that unlike other organizations with racial goals, Delta Sigma Theta was created to change and benefit individuals rather than society. As a sorority, it was formed to bring women together as sisters, but at the some time to address the divisive, often class-related issues confronting black women in our society. There is, in Giddings's eyes, a tension between these goals that makes Delta Sigma Theta a fascinating microcosm of the struggles of black women and their organizations. DST members have included Mary McLeod Bethune, Mary Church Terrell, Margaret Murray Washington, Shirley Chisholm, Barbara Jordan, and, on the cultural side, Leontyne Price, Lena Horne, Ruby Dee, Judith Jamison, and Roberta Flack. In Search of Sisterhood is full of compelling, fascinating anecdotes told by the Deltas themselves, and illustrated with rare early photographs of the Delta women.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Feminism

336 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1988

About the author

Paula Giddings (born 1947 in Yonkers, New York) is a writer and an African-American historian. She is the author of When and Where I Enter: The Impact of Black Women on Race and Sex in America and In Search of Sisterhood. She is a professor of African-American Studies at Smith College and has previously taught at Spelman College, where she was a United Negro Fund Distinguished Scholar and Douglass College at Rutgers University where she held the Laurie Chair in Women's Studies. Giddings has also taught at Princeton University, North Carolina Central University and Duke University. She is also a member of Delta Sigma Theta sorority.

Giddings grew up in an integrated neighborhood of Yonkers, New York, where she suffered from day-to-day discrimination. Later, she participated in Freedom rides where she first experienced political commitment. In 1975, she travelled to South Africa where she had the opportunity to meet leaders of the Anti-apartheid movement.

(from Wikipedia)

Reviews

[Monique · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority was founded on January 13, 1913 by twenty-two young women at Howard University. This books sheds light on the experience of Black women in higher education and how membership in the sorority continues to educate and inform for the lifetime of its members. The sorority has always been an important source of leadership training and opportunities for Black women, whose opportunities are few and far between. The sorority has also cultivated women in the arts. Delta Sigma Theta has been a leader in political and socioeconomic equality through community programs, educational handouts, and funding scholarships to encourage young ladies to complete college degrees.

“When I look at you, I see myself. If my eyes are unable to see you as my sister, it is because my own vision is blurred. And if that be so, then it is I who need you either because I do not understand who you are, my sister, or because I need you to help me understand who I am” Lillian P. Benbow, National President, Delta Sigma Theta, 1971-1975 (p. 23).

Delta Sigma Theta sorority has evolved over the years. In the beginning, the founders broke away from their previous organization, Alpha Kappa Alpha, to form a “more forceful influence in the lives of women students than any previous organization” (p. 53). The members of Delta Sigma Theta wanted to advance the women’s suffrage movement, encourage women to become teachers, administrators, business owners and change agents. As the years passed, the sorority would enhance their political involvements, promote the arts, and inspire education of the masses.

The sorority continued to work tirelessly in the community by supporting local chapters in their grassroots efforts to promote the black power movement, support NAACP efforts, encourage participation in the civil rights movement and provide leadership opportunities to their membership. Delta Sigma Theta continues to add to its membership through both undergraduate and graduate chapters across the world. After 103 years of service to the world, one of the sorority’s greatest accomplishments is the power of sisterhood to its current 300,000+ members.

[Ebs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book..not only because of the history of Delta Sigma Theta but also Black history in general. It is amazing how far DST has come and I am so glad to be a part of this illustrious organization.

[Jasmyne Fine · Rating 4 out of 5]

History well documented! OO-OOP my sorors

[Gw · Rating 5 out of 5]

OOOOO-OOOOP

[justice · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The ultimate success of Delta has been its ability to maintain tradition and continuity, while meeting the changing needs of the times and the membership."

Very insightful— though, at times tedious; in some chapters, the writing style can be similar to that of a textbook— exploration into the history of the largest Black women's sorority, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. The book stretches from 1912 (predating the sorority's founding) to 1988 and covers a lot of ground. Each decade presents new challenges, and reading how the organization approaches them adds a layer to understanding American history from a different perspective. The history of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. as an African American women's organization is also the history of African American women. The organization was not left untouched by the Women's Suffrage Movement, the Great Depression, the World Wars, the development and establishment of Black educational institutions, and the Civil Rights Movement. In fact, the organization was shaped by these very things.

Perhaps most striking is an observation made by Giddings at the beginning of the book. The sub-heading of this book includes the phrase the "Black Sorority Movement." The word movement is chosen carefully. The first Black Greek-letter organization was Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., established at Cornell, a predominantly white institution. It is no mystery why Black men would have needed community in such a white space, especially in 1906. Yet, the sorority movement began on a Black campus. This is the challenge of being a Black woman. Both your race and sex can isolate you. However, as demonstrated through this book, coming together with those like you can be empowering and, in turn, can empower others.

Great read!

[Mo the Lawyer✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me start with a quick disclaimer. Because I am a member of the illustrious Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., one may consider my review to be slightly biased. This is one of the most cherished African American history books in my entire book collection. I first read it during my Freshman year of college and have read it several times since then.

This book explores the rich history of the largest black women's sorority in the United States, but also more generally explores the contributions of black women in the political, social and economic affairs in this country. A must-read, in my view.

[La'Tonya Miles · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although I am not in Delta Sigma Theta National Sorority, I am genuinely intrigued by the history of this organization. As such, this text did satisfy my curiosity, especially the information about the organization's founding and then later on the discussion about Black Power and student activism. But truthfully, the text is quite tedious in places and reads like a textbook. But overall, a solid read.

[Naomi Vauters · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Beautiful history of the Sorority

[Alyssa Emenike · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a young Soror, this book was definitely worth the read! It gave such detailed insights into the rich history of our great organization. I found myself highlighting inspirational excerpts in each chapter. My only frustration with this book was that it read much like a textbook at times, particularly in the earlier pages.

[J.E. Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderfully historical tale following the inception and importance of African American sororities and fraternities. Written by MY Delta Sigma Theta Soror, Paula Giddings.

[Ay Dree · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a great read! It provided a strong, detailed chronicle of how DST came to be and is continuing to thrive.

The accounts, stories and events presented in this book help the reader understand the struggles, culture, values, and PURPOSE of DST.

This book exemplifies and encourages a sisterhood developed for the betterment of its community and the continued drive to uplift and support those in need.

To compliment the detailed origins of DST and their relentless climb to improve at every opportunity, the impactful historical events’ details were a bonus to read about and know that a Black Women’s Organization had a hand in the foundation of rights black people are able to exercise today.

[Rosie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The founding study of the history of sororities and the Black sorority movement

[Alexis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Super informative. Although, it's a little dense and could be easier to read. I feel like if it integrated more narrative with the names, dates, and orgs, the text could really benefit.

[Mills College Library]

378.19855 G4534 1988

[Patricia Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good information. Inspirational. Made it in.

[Written Melodies · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this several years ago when I was in college. I don't remember too much other than it was very informative.

[Monica Goodwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book, very informative. A must-read!!!

I like the detailed information provided with respect to the sorority. I'd recommend this book to any woman interested in joining this particular sorority.