Being a part of one of the LARGEST Black Greek Letter Organizations, I am asked this question quite often. How does it feel to be a member of an organization based on sisterhood? What does it mean? Is it all what people say it's "cracked up to be?"
When I became a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. I instantly gained several "sisters" from my chapter. I bonded with these ladies for many days, and many nights which allowed me to get to know them on a "personal" level. We learned each other habits, our wants, likes, dislikes, and bonded over the love of becoming members of this excellent organization. We laughed together, cried together, argued together, complained together, prayed together, ate together, went to school together, studied together, and learned together. We never judged each other, and we were there to help each other when needed. I would NEVER trade my experience or my journey to this beautiful sisterhood for anything in the world. Our bond is like no other, and we will stick to each other until the end. Even after we graduated and started our adult lives, I know that whenever I need ANY of them, they are there for me. What I especially love about the sisterhood we have, is whenever there is a wedding, baby shower, or even an anniversary, when we get together it's like we never left each other's side. The last time I was with my beloved chapter members was when one of our neo's got married in Chicago last May. Two of my ships got hotel rooms together, and when we all got together, we turned into those giddy 19/20-year-old girls that we once were in college. Reminiscing about college life, our bonds, our process, and the overall Delta experience was fantastic. Being an adult now with most of us are married with children, and meaningful careers which make it hard for us to connect with each other often. However when we get together, it's like we haven't skipped a beat. That is the real bond of sisterhood/brotherhood. I know if I ever found myself in a bind, I have several sorority sisters I can call, and they would be there for me in a heartbeat. THAT is a true sisterhood.
I love seeing my hubby get together with his fraternity members from his home chapter. They laugh and joke about their experience of Alpha life as well. One great thing about being married to someone who is also a member of a Black Greek Letter Organization is "they get it." They understand the bond that is shared amongst the members. They realize that although as husband and wife we share everything, but the road to XYZ land is one thing that is an extraordinary thing that is NEVER shared outside of members of the chapter.
Does sisterhood/brotherhood exist only at the undergraduate level? NO! This experience is also shared at the graduate level as well. My best friend just became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. a few years ago, and the love and bond that she shares with her line sisters/shippies reminds me so much of how it was when I pledged over a decade ago. They have PJ parties, road trips, celebrate each other's birthdays, etc. If anything I would say that I am a little envious because when I pledged in undergrad, I was made by members who were from Chicago, St. Louis, Wisconsin, and other states. When it was time for graduation, they all either went back home to start their careers, moved out of state for graduate schools, went into the military or moved out of the country. With my BFF, she joined an Alumnae Chapter in the suburbs of Chicago they are much older (obviously), and they are still together in the Chicago-Land area. Seeing her pictures on Facebook made me realize how blessed she was to have her ships/home chapter within reach.
Although I grew up in a large family, and I had two blood sisters already, I enjoyed expanding my family by joining Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.
Whatever organization you are interested in joining, have comfort in knowing that IF you are accepted, you will now have a large circle of new sisters and brothers you can count on. And that my dear friend is a BEAUTIFUL thang!
Stay Blessed!
V
