For members of historically black fraternities and sororities, Black History Month is no different than any other month of the year.
“You should always be aware of black history, not just in February,” said Stephanie Toussaint, a sister of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
AKA is an international service organization where regional schools also make up larger chapters.
Toussaint said she believes most people associate black history with Martin Luther King Jr., but black history is more than that.
Camille Cheeks-Lomax, a sister of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., said there are many AU alumni who influenced the black community and should be invited back as guests.
“AU should be bringing more influential speakers to campus to celebrate the history of not only black culture but of American University and D.C.,” she said.
Althea Avice de Guzman, an AKA sister, said people should learn more about black history.
“The fact that it exists and we can celebrate it gives me hope that we’ve moved forward in acknowledging the contributions of minorities, but it also gives me the realization that there’s so much to do,” said de Guzman.
Damita Salmon, a sister in Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., said Black History Month is about more than overcoming slavery.
“We are more than that horrible experience, we have become more and accomplished more,” she said in an e-mail. “We need to better educate ourselves, our peers, our neighbors and our children so that the truth about our legacy as a people is not lost to us forever. It’s so important to know your history, because it can reshape your destiny.”
Raven Jones, a sister of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., said though the historically black Greek letter organizations are connected through culture and have a presence on campus, sometimes they aren’t noticed outside of step performances.
“Some people don’t even know we’re in a sorority until they see us wear our letters,” she said. “But to the black community we’re known as the largest African American Greek organization.”
Student Activities recognizes six active historically black sororities and fraternities, governed by the National Pan-Hellenic Council.
“For me, AKA was the best decision because they are structured for community and service, especially sisterhood,” said Chelsea Ritchie, an AKA sister and treasurer.
Brothers and sisters have said these organizations revolve around their community service.
Jeremiah Headen, a brother in Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., said he believes his experiences with his fraternity are different than other Greek life organizations because of this commitment.
He said the brothers would go out at night, but wake up at 9 a.m. to volunteer together.
Members of these groups are active for years after college.
Some of the “diamond sorors,” or older members, of AKA are 80 years old and still involved in community service and attend their chapter meetings.
“You’re a member for life,” Cheeks-Lomax said. “This is a life-long commitment to the community and your brothers or sisters.”
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