Imagine learning about greek life while still learning how to read. At that age, upon hearing the "letters" Delta, Sigma and Kappa, would children think, it's all Greek to them?
With the release of the book "My Mommy is a Delta," children can learn about sororities and fraternities at a very early age.
It is the first children's book about the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, which has an AU chapter. It is also the first of a series of children's books about black sororities and fraternities.
Audra P. Jackson, a graduate of Florida A&M University's School of Business and a Delta Sigma Theta member for 15 years, wrote this book after a sorority sister asked her if she planned to tell her two daughters about her sorority.
Jackson researched and could not find any children's books about African American sororities and fraternities. She decided to write the books because she felt children needed to know that organizations like Delta Sigma Theta have contributed a lot to the communities through various public service programs, she said.
"Our children need to know how important these organizations are," Jackson said. "They offer so much historical value."
AU senior Kathy Russell, a member of AU's Delta Sigma Theta chapter, said this book is a good way to teach children about the organization's mission and activities. She also believes that children who read this book will learn about their parents' involvement in greek groups.
"This is a good way for children to learn more about what their parents do outside work," Russell said.
Russell said that reading about a sorority when she was younger would have taught her more about the importance of public service.
"I think if I was 5-years-old this book would be very helpful," she said.
Delta Sigma Theta, which has more than 200,000 members, serves the public through programs that address educational development, health, economic development and international and political awareness.
This book focuses on these values and the friendships of Delta Sigma Theta women.
For example, one excerpt from the book reads: "On Holidays such as Thanksgiving, the Delta women give out turkeys to the less fortunate, to help them and their families."
Russell believes this is a good way to teach kids about giving aid.
"It's a way to start educating children about what they can do to help out in their communities," she said. "It helps kids to learn about the importance of community service."
Danny Kelley, AU's coordinator of greek life, said that the sororities and fraternities that will be presented in this series of books "focus on embracing community service as their No. 1 priority," making the books good for children.
"I don't think it's ever too early to start instilling this important civic responsibility into today's youth," Kelley said.
Upcoming titles in the series include "My Mommy Is A Sigma Gamma Rho" and "My Daddy Is A Kappa"
