In Search of Sisterhood

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

Competition would manifest itself in other ways. It was said that special kudos awaited the member of one sorority who managed to attract the boyfriend of a student belonging to another. However, th

“Realizing that there was no true sorority in Howard University, and desiring to form one which would measure favorably with any secret organization, anywhere, the active members of an existing club by unanimous consent reorganized into a chartered organization to be known as the Alpha Chapter of the Delta Sigma Theta sorority of Howard University.”

when the charter application went through the university secretary’s office, it was held up for a day, so that the AKA application would clear first—thus giving them the distinction of being the first sorority to be chartered (by about twenty minutes).