Delta Sigma Theta’s Centennial: Melissa Harris-Perry Speaks

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MSNBC host and academic Dr. Melissa Harris-Perry pens a post about the centennial celebration of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority in honor of the organization turning 100 years-old over the weekend. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority joined the men of Alpha Phi Alpha, Kappa Alpha Psi, Omega Psi Phi and the ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha, historically black Greek-Letter organizations committed to leadership, scholarship, sisterhood/brotherhood and ultimately serving the community for more than a century. Dr. Harris-Perry informs readers of the political involvement of members of black Greek-Letter organizations like Delta Sigma Theta members Patricia Roberts Harris, Shirley Jordan, Barbara Jordan, Sen. Carol Moseley Braun and former Secretary of Labor Alexis Herman. In her wise way, Harris-Perry reminds readers that although her organization is not perfect (and neither are the others), being a member is not about perfection — it is about commitment. Read an excerpt from Dr. Harris-Perry’s post below:

“One hundred years ago today–on Jan. 13, 1913, twenty-two young women at Howard University established Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.

The Deltas were founded at a time when women did not have the right to vote. When African Americans were second-class citizens. And when black women were concentrated in the exploitative drudgery of domestic work. As college students, these young women understood that their education meant they had relative privilege.

And founding Delta Sigma Theta was a response to that opportunity–a chance to nurture social bonds between one another and serve their broader community.”

Read Dr. Harris-Perry’s post in full at MSNBC.

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