Historically Black Sororities at High Point University

The Sororities You Never Hear About at High Point University

You hear about the Panhellenic Council sororities such as Alpha Chi Omega and Alpha Gamma Delta; but what about our National Panhellenic sororities: Zeta Phi Beta, Delta Sigma Theta, and Alpha Kappa Alpha?

                         Courtesy of Deja Ross

By: Mark Arrowsmith Jr.

        
        NPHC was founded in 1930, around the same time when NPC was founded in 1902.       
Both of these councils consist of historical organizations.So is there an unequal amount of                   advertisement of sororities at High Point University?


                                                                                                            

Little Advertisement?

        Various members from NPHC sororities said there is a need for more advertisement of their organizations on HPU's campus.

        Sydney Richards, member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, stated, "We do not have a lot of diversity on our campus so therefore our existence of our sorority relies on the small minority students that we have."

        Teri Cugliari, Advisor of NPHC, stated, "It's more about visibility, and the Panhellinic Sororities are just bigger so they are able to advertise their information easier." 

        Because NPHC sorority members feel their is little advertisement of their organizations, they believe that people fail to understand the history, benefits, experiences, and opportunities of them.

As of Fall 2016:

Source: High Point University Greek Life Website

Benefits of being a “Pretty Girl”

             Speaking of History, Alpha Kappa Alpha was founded on the campus of Howard University in 1908; and in 2002 on the campus of HPU. Their philanthropy is Educational Advancement Programs, Ivy Acres, Partnerships in Math and Science, and Youth Authors Programs.

 Sydney Richards, Senior & Member of AKA says, “AKA helped me learn more about my sorors in and out of the sorority and also how to serve the community and the world”.

She believes that becoming an AKA has broadened her knowledge and encouraged her to meet and recognize needs within her community as well as the global public.

 “I have learned globally that no matter what social, cultural, or geographical context it is, I can make a difference while also gaining lifelong friendships through the process,” she says.

                    Courtesy of Deja Ross

Benefits of being a “Diva”

              Delta Sigma Theta was founded on the campus of Howard University on January 13, 1913. It was founded on HPU’s campus April 30, 2006. Their philanthropy is the “Five Point Thrust”, which consist of Economic Development, Educational Development, International Awareness and Involvement, Physical and Mental Health, and Political Awareness and Involvement.

Haley Guye, Senior & Member of DST says, “It gives me the opportunity to be a part of an organization that has positively impacted the lives of so many people for 104 years.” She says that she has gained sisters who have changed her perspective about the world.

 DST has also given her the opportunity to show the world the impact that dedicated collegiate women have on the world. “Being able to unite with women who are not only fun to be around, but are also dedicated to public service makes the sorority experience even better," she says. 

Benefits of being a “Pearl”

           Zeta Phi Beta was founded on the campus of Howard University in 1920. It was founded on HPU’s campus in 2008. Their philanthropy is The National Educational Foundation of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Z-HOPE (Zetas Helping Other People Excel), and March of Dimes.

Aria Reals, Senior & Member of ZPB says, “my experience has been a blessing. I am in connected through sisterhood with several young ladies, some graduated, some from other campuses that have the same ideals as me and dedication towards service and finer womanhood.”

By being in ZPB, she even got to attend a regional conference and she loved it. 

                                Courtesy of Deja Ross

Courtesy of HPU Greek Life Website & Blacklikemoi.com

External Links

1) 'Black Greek- Letter Organizations in the Twenty- First Century' 

2) The Impact of Membership in Black Greek-Letter Black Students' Involvement  in Collegiate Activities and their Development of Leadership Skills

Audio Slideshow Information

Some photos that were shown throughout the slideshow were taken from Deja Ross.