Why a Sorority? June 11 2014

 So why have your first book be a release of meditations based upon the words of a group of sorority members?  That is the question that we got from friends and family when we decided to research and produce our first publication, Seasons of Sisterhood - Meditations Inspired by the Wit and Wisdom of the Women of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority.  Truly, the selection was interesting, but the importance of this work cannot be denied.

To ask the "why" is to fail to appreciate the history of the Black Greek movement in our country.  Established at a time when African Americans were in the early years of integrating college campuses, Black Greek organizations were a place where students could find refuge from discriminatory treatment, support for their educational efforts and celebration of their accomplishments from other like-minded men and women.  The Black Greek organization formed an infrastructure that could be tapped into by its members to allow them to advance professionally and personally.  Together, these organizations formed a network of college-educated men and women who could be called into action during the most critical points in our nation's history.  Black Greek organizations were at the forefront of social and political issues designed to advance and uplift the African American race.  The power that these organizations can wield is underappreciated by the country at large, and in some instances, underutilized.

We felt it was not only time to celebrate these organizations, their contributions and their members, but more importantly, it is time to "awaken" the sleeping giants that they are and allow them to galvanize their formidable resources to advance the rights of the poor and the disenfranchised, many of whom are African American and women.

Founded in 1908 on the campus of Howard University in Washington, D.C., Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority is the oldest Greek-lettered organization established by African American college-educated women.  Since its founding, the women of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority have pursued a mission of service designed to promote unity among women and enhance the social stature of African Americans.  The words of these women are powerful and inspiring – especially given the context of the social and political times in which they lived.  Moreover, the messages that these women sought to convey have as much meaning and impact for today’s reader as they did when they were first shared.  Celebrate the history and contributions of the women of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority through meditations inspired by their words.

Imagine the founders, some of whom were a mere one generation removed from slavery.  They spoke of the need to be educated on world events, the desire to vote and the wish for full rights of citizenship in this country.  Consider the following:

We college women ought not to feel satisfied with the fact that those who know most about such countries as Liberia, Haiti and Santo Domingo are white people rather than Negroes.  I feel that Negro college women ought to be just as interested in international affairs . . . for we cannot live to ourselves any more than other people can. 

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Founder, Lucy Diggs Slowe, 1933

Powerful stuff.  Especially when you consider that it was shared in 1933!  Our research found many pearls of wisdom from these women.  It created within us a strong sense of pride for these women and an awesome respect for their accomplishments.  Accomplishments which are shared among all of the Black Greek organizations!

We hope that you will purchase Seasons of Sisterhood and share it with your friends and family.  While the quotes are derived from Alpha Kappa Alpha women, the meditations have meaning for one and all!

Peace and Good Wishes!