“To Become a Finer Woman”: The Curriculum of Intellectualism, Respectability, and Service Among Historically Black Sororities

• In Event: Destabilizing Narratives of Higher Education

Abstract

The four historically black sororities, Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA), Delta Sigma Theta (ΔΣΘ), Zeta Phi Beta (ΖΦΒ), and Sigma Gamma Rho, emerged in American society during both the a renaissance of Black art and the women’s suffrage movement. This environment--politically charged, swelling with education, and growing forms of Black art —had an impact on the foundation and direction of the sororities. Respectability, critical service leadership, and high intellectual regard have continually surfaced throughout each organization’s history, and form a unique since of Black womanhood. This history presents an incredible opportunity to explore the meaning and role Black womanhood plays in academic and social resilience, both among the members of AKA, ΔΣΘ, and ΖΦB, and women they impact through service.

Author

• Nadrea Njoku, Indiana University - Indianapolis