In Search of Sisterhood

In Search of Sisterhood Plot Summary

Introduction

# Sisterhood and Service: The Evolution of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority On a cold January evening in 1913, twenty-two young African American women gathered in the basement of a Howard University dormitory, their faces illuminated by flickering candlelight as they took an oath that would reshape the landscape of American women's organizations. These college students, witnessing the suffrage movement's exclusion of Black women and facing the double burden of racial and gender discrimination, chose to break away from existing sororities to forge their own path. Their bold step would create one of America's most influential Black women's organizations, spanning over a century of social change. What began as a disagreement over organizational direction would evolve into a revolutionary sisterhood that bridged scholarship and service, privilege and purpose. The story of Delta Sigma Theta reveals how educated African American women navigated the treacherous waters of American society, transforming from a small college sorority into a powerful force for civil rights, education, and social justice. Through economic depression, world wars, the civil rights movement, and into the modern era, these women consistently adapted their mission while maintaining their core commitment to sisterhood and service. Their journey illuminates not only the evolution of Black women's leadership but also the broader struggle for equality in America, showing how one organization became a laboratory for testing new approaches to social change and community empowerment.

Chapter 1: Founding Vision: From Howard University to National Movement (1913-1920)

The founding of Delta Sigma Theta emerged from a moment of profound dissatisfaction with the status quo at Howard University in 1913. Twenty-two young women, many from middle-class families across the country, found themselves at the crossroads of American higher education and social activism. These founders, including Osceola Adams, Bertha Campbell, and future economist Sadie Alexander, represented a new generation of Black women who refused to accept the limitations society placed upon them. The immediate catalyst came from their participation in the women's suffrage march of March 1913, where they marched down Pennsylvania Avenue despite threats and hostility from crowds who threw objects and shouted for them to return to the kitchen. This experience crystallized their understanding that Black women would need their own institutions to fight for both racial and gender equality. Unlike existing organizations that focused primarily on social activities, these women envisioned something more ambitious: a sisterhood dedicated to scholarship, service, and social action. The early years were marked by rapid expansion and the establishment of fundamental principles that would guide the organization for decades. By 1919, they had established their first national convention and begun spreading to other universities across the country. Under Sadie Alexander's leadership from 1919 to 1923, the organization instituted its first scholarship programs and established the tradition of May Week educational campaigns. Alexander, who would become the first African American CPA, brought intellectual rigor and social consciousness to the presidency that set Delta apart from other Greek-letter organizations. The founders understood that education was the key to liberation, setting rigorous academic standards that distinguished them from their peers. They required members to maintain high grade point averages and demonstrate commitment to community service. By 1920, Delta had weathered its first expansion challenges and established the democratic governance structure that would allow equal participation from all chapters, regardless of their founding date. This principle of shared leadership and mutual respect would become one of Delta's most enduring strengths, creating a sense of ownership among members that transcended geographic boundaries and laid the foundation for the national movement that would follow.

Chapter 2: Growing Pains: Organizational Crisis and Democratic Renewal (1920-1930)

The 1920s brought unprecedented growth to Delta Sigma Theta, but also severe growing pains that threatened to tear the organization apart. By the end of the decade, Delta had established forty-five new chapters and expanded into every region of the country. However, this rapid expansion had outpaced the organization's administrative capacity, creating communication breakdowns, financial irregularities, and leadership conflicts that culminated in a devastating crisis at the 1929 national convention in Pittsburgh. The problems began with President Ethel Calimese's administration from 1926 to 1929, marked by inaction, poor communication, and questionable decision-making. She failed to respond to correspondence from regional directors, withheld authorization for scholarship payments, and allowed chapters to initiate members who did not meet Delta's academic standards. The situation became so dire that regional directors sent letters to all chapters asking for their assessment of the organization's condition, with thirteen of fourteen chapters citing the president's inaction as a major problem. Most seriously, the financial crisis revealed that national treasurer Annie Dingle had apparently misappropriated or lost the organization's funds, leaving Delta essentially bankrupt. The incoming president, Anna Julian, faced the daunting task of rebuilding the organization from scratch with no money in the treasury. Yet this crisis also revealed Delta's fundamental strength: the deep commitment of its members to the sorority's ideals. Despite the financial chaos, chapters continued to operate, members continued to pay dues, and the organization's programs continued to function. The 1929 convention became a forum for airing grievances while demonstrating Delta's commitment to democratic process and institutional integrity. Rather than simply removing the president, delegates methodically addressed each problem, passed reforms to prevent future crises, and elected new leadership committed to organizational renewal. The convention established clearer lines of authority, created new oversight mechanisms, and reaffirmed the sorority's commitment to high standards for membership and programming. The resolution of this crisis marked a turning point in Delta's development, as the organization emerged with stronger governance structures, clearer policies, and more effective leadership development processes that would serve it well in the greater challenges ahead.

Chapter 3: Depression Era Transformation: From Social Club to Service Organization (1930-1946)

The Great Depression forced Delta Sigma Theta to confront fundamental questions about its mission and relevance in a time of unprecedented economic hardship. As unemployment soared to 38 percent in Black communities compared to 17 percent for whites, critics questioned whether Greek-letter organizations were frivolous luxuries that diverted resources from more pressing needs. The sorority's response revealed both its adaptability and deep commitment to service, as chapters across the country redirected their energies from social activities to direct community assistance. Under Anna Julian's leadership, Delta began its transformation from an exclusive academic society to a public service organization. The establishment of the Vigilance Committee in 1929 signaled the organization's commitment to political engagement and civil rights advocacy. This committee took bold stands on issues ranging from federal anti-lynching legislation to discrimination in the military, challenging the Hoover administration on policies like the segregation of Gold Star mothers traveling to France. The sorority's willingness to confront racial injustice demonstrated a new boldness that would define its approach for decades. Local chapters responded to the crisis by fundamentally reorienting their activities toward community service. Instead of elaborate dances and social events, chapters organized food drives, established nursery schools, and provided direct assistance to families in need. Cincinnati's Zeta Chapter raised over two thousand dollars for scholarships by asking members to contribute directly rather than hosting expensive fundraising events. Other chapters furnished hospital rooms, supplied playground equipment, and paid nursery worker salaries. This shift represented a maturation of the organization's understanding of its social responsibilities. World War II brought new challenges and opportunities as Black women entered the workforce in unprecedented numbers and the military began slowly integrating. Delta's "Delta Dynamic for Defense" campaign demonstrated patriotic commitment while simultaneously challenging racial discrimination in defense industries. The war years also saw the launch of Delta's first major national project, the National Library Project, which brought books and literacy programs to underserved rural communities in the South. By 1946, the Depression and war years had tested Delta's commitment and refined its methods, transforming it from a college sorority into a mature organization capable of sustained social action and preparing it for the even greater challenges of the civil rights movement.

Chapter 4: Civil Rights Awakening: Political Engagement and Activist Identity (1947-1965)

The post-war era brought unprecedented transformation to Delta Sigma Theta under Dorothy Height's visionary leadership, as she modernized the organization's structure while positioning it at the forefront of the emerging civil rights movement. Height understood that good intentions without proper organization could not achieve lasting change, embarking on a comprehensive modernization program that would establish Delta as one of the most professionally managed voluntary organizations in America. Height's master plan began with a complete reorganization of Delta's governance structure at the 1951 "mending conference" at Vassar College, streamlining the organization's unwieldy committee system and creating the administrative efficiency necessary for implementing large-scale national programs. The establishment of Delta's national headquarters at 1814 M Street in Washington positioned the sorority at the center of national political activity, while the hiring of Patricia Harris as the first executive director in 1953 brought exceptional administrative skills and political acumen that would elevate the organization's public profile significantly. The Montgomery Bus Boycott of 1955-1956 marked the beginning of Delta's active participation in the modern civil rights movement. The Little Rock crisis of 1957 became the organization's baptism by fire, as they provided crucial support to the nine Black students integrating Central High School and to Daisy Bates, the local NAACP leader. Under presidents like Jeanne Noble, Delta moved from cautious support to active participation, supporting sit-ins, freedom rides, and voter registration drives while maintaining their emphasis on education and systematic change. The student sit-in movement of 1960 brought the civil rights struggle directly to Delta's primary constituency, with thirty-five percent of Delta undergraduates participating in demonstrations. The organization's support for expelled students in McComb, Mississippi, and Albany, Georgia, marked a decisive shift toward direct involvement in the movement. The establishment of the Social Action Commission in 1963 formalized Delta's commitment to civil rights advocacy, coordinating legislative lobbying and providing guidance to local chapters on political action. By the mid-1960s, Delta had established itself as a significant force in the civil rights movement, with their combination of educated membership, national structure, and financial resources making them an ideal partner for government agencies and civil rights organizations in programs like Project Head Start and other War on Poverty initiatives.

Chapter 5: Black Power Tensions: Balancing Tradition with Radical Change (1965-1975)

The late 1960s brought unprecedented challenges to Delta Sigma Theta as the civil rights movement evolved into the Black Power era, forcing the organization to navigate the turbulent waters of racial militancy, urban unrest, and generational conflict. The Watts riots of 1965, visible from their Los Angeles convention hotel, brought home the reality of urban America's racial crisis and challenged Delta's traditional faith in education and respectability as paths to advancement. Younger members, influenced by radical critiques of American society, questioned whether the organization's moderate approach was adequate to address systemic racism and economic inequality. Under Frankie Freeman's presidency, Delta embraced more aggressive political engagement while maintaining its institutional character. Freeman's appointment to the U.S. Civil Rights Commission provided unprecedented access to federal policymaking, while her legal background brought new sophistication to the organization's advocacy efforts. The organization became more willing to challenge government policies and corporate practices that perpetuated racial discrimination, demonstrating their ability to adapt their methods while maintaining their core commitments. Lillian Benbow's administration marked the organization's most innovative period, as she embraced new technologies and approaches to social change. Her decision to produce a feature film, "Countdown at Kusini," represented a bold attempt to use popular culture as a vehicle for political education. While the film ultimately failed commercially, it demonstrated the organization's willingness to take risks and experiment with new forms of activism. The establishment of the National Commission on Arts and Letters represented Delta's recognition that the struggle for equality required battles on multiple fronts, including popular culture and public memory. The period also saw significant internal tensions as the organization grappled with questions of membership standards, organizational culture, and political identity. The debate over lowering academic requirements reflected recognition that their public service mission required broader inclusion, even if it meant abandoning some traditional markers of exclusivity. Similarly, discussions over hazing practices, dress codes, and political positions revealed the tension between maintaining tradition and adapting to changing times. The Black Power era taught Delta valuable lessons about the relationship between identity and effectiveness, leading to greater focus on economic development, cultural pride, and community control. By 1975, they had emerged as a more politically sophisticated organization, better equipped to navigate the complex landscape of American race relations while maintaining their distinctive identity as educated Black women committed to service and sisterhood.

Chapter 6: Modern Institution: Professional Leadership and Global Expansion (1975-1990)

The final period saw Delta Sigma Theta mature into a truly national organization with international reach and sophisticated programming capabilities. Under the leadership of Thelma Daley, Mona Bailey, and Hortense Canady, the organization demonstrated remarkable adaptability in addressing new challenges while building on foundations established in earlier decades. Daley's presidency focused on consolidation and internal development, recognizing that previous innovations needed institutionalization and refinement. Her emphasis on returning to traditional values while maintaining progressive programming helped heal divisions from the turbulent 1960s and early 1970s. Bailey's administration coincided with the Reagan era's challenges to civil rights gains and social programs, requiring new strategies for an increasingly conservative political environment. Her emphasis on self-determination and economic independence reflected the organization's understanding that changing circumstances demanded adaptation. The Black Women's Summit and educational conferences demonstrated their ability to convene diverse constituencies around shared concerns, while their focus on single mothers and educational equity addressed emerging social issues that traditional civil rights organizations had overlooked. Canady's presidency brought renewed focus on research and scholarship through the establishment of the Delta Education and Research Foundation and the Black Diaspora program. These initiatives reflected the organization's growing sophistication and their understanding that lasting change required not just service but also knowledge production and international perspective. The expansion of Delta's international presence, with chapters in Haiti and Liberia and scholarship programs for women in developing countries, demonstrated their commitment to global sisterhood and their recognition that the struggle for women's equality transcended national boundaries. Throughout this period, the organization maintained its commitment to adaptation and growth while preserving its core identity. Their expansion to over 700 chapters and 125,000 members demonstrated continued relevance, while diversification of programming showed their ability to address multiple issues simultaneously. The period also saw increased professionalization, with more sophisticated fundraising, evaluation systems, and strategic planning processes that ensured organizational sustainability. By 1990, Delta Sigma Theta had evolved into an institution capable of sustained impact across multiple areas of concern, having learned to balance tradition with innovation, local autonomy with national coordination, and immediate service with long-term systemic change. Their journey from a small college sorority to a major force in American society demonstrated the power of organized sisterhood and the importance of institutions that can adapt while maintaining their core values and commitments.

Summary

The evolution of Delta Sigma Theta from 1913 to 1990 reveals a fundamental truth about social change in America: lasting progress requires institutions capable of both preserving essential values and adapting to new circumstances. Throughout their history, these women faced the recurring challenge of maintaining sisterhood while engaging in social action, balancing exclusivity with inclusion, and honoring tradition while embracing innovation. Their success lay not in choosing one side of these tensions but in learning to hold them in creative balance, demonstrating that effective organizations must be willing to evolve their mission and methods while maintaining their core commitments. The organization's journey illuminates broader patterns in American social movements, showing how sustained change requires not just passionate commitment but also organizational sophistication, strategic thinking, and the ability to work across generational and ideological divides. For contemporary leaders and organizations, their story offers crucial insights: lasting change requires building institutions capable of surviving leadership transitions and changing circumstances; effectiveness demands the courage to examine and modify one's own practices while maintaining core values; and true sisterhood means not just supporting each other but also accepting responsibility for addressing broader community challenges. Delta's legacy demonstrates that when women unite around shared values and common purpose, combining individual excellence with collective responsibility, they can indeed transform society through the patient work of building relationships, developing leaders, and creating systems that endure across generations.

About Author

Loading

Paula J. Giddings

Giddings delves into the intersection of race, gender, and activism, focusing on the experiences of African American women through rigorous historical research and engaging narrative. Her work emphasizes the critical role Black women have played in shaping societal norms and political movements. By weaving together narratives in books like "When and Where I Enter" and "In Search of Sisterhood", she highlights the struggles and contributions of these women, advocating for a deeper understanding of their impact on race and sex in America. Her exploration of these themes is not only a scholarly pursuit but a call to recognize and address ongoing discrimination and inequality.\n\nCentral to Giddings's method is her use of comprehensive historical analysis combined with a literary style that brings to life the stories of her subjects. Her biography of Ida B. Wells, "Ida: A Sword Among Lions", is noted for its depth and has received multiple accolades, including the "Los Angeles Times" Book Prize for Biography. This book exemplifies her ability to intertwine thorough research with narrative storytelling, providing a definitive look at Wells's anti-lynching campaign. Meanwhile, Giddings's editorial work on "Burning All Illusions" reflects her commitment to chronicling racial dynamics across a broad historical spectrum.\n\nReaders, particularly those interested in African American history and feminist activism, benefit from Giddings’s bio and books as they provide insights into the complex interplay of race, gender, and power. Her work serves as an essential resource for scholars and students, offering a nuanced understanding of the socio-political challenges faced by African American women. As a member of Delta Sigma Theta and a distinguished academic, Giddings not only contributes to historical scholarship but also inspires ongoing dialogue and research in Africana Studies.

Read more