Filed under: Dr. Boyce Money
But even though I chose not to pledge during college, I gained a degree of respect for many of those who decided to do so. Quite a few members of the African American community are proud of the black greek tradition and find it to be one of the cornerstones of cultural, economic and political power within our society. While the college students get a bad rap for using their greek identity as an excuse to wear matching clothes and have more parties, there are more mature members who see their involvement as an avenue for political and social engagement.
Black America is in consistent need of organizations designed to pursue our collective purposes. Our community lacks the economic and political infrastructure necessary to lift us from the bottom of America's racial caste system. Delta Sigma Theta is part of that tradition, as are other African American sororities and fraternities.
One thing that many sororities do quite well is pull together money. According to the most recent financial reports I could find online, the Grand Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta saw over $11 million in income during 2008, and carries over $38 million in assets on its books. Roughly half the sorority's revenue comes from membership dues, and much of the remainder comes from "government fees and contracts" (I'm not quite sure what those contracts entail).
Delta Sigma Theta's Group return actually states that the organization received over $25 million in income in 2008, which compares quite favorably with the $31 million hauled in by the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority during the same year. The media hasn't reported on any serious financial problems for the Deltas similar to those experienced by the AKAs, but almost no organizational house is going to be perfect.
Black greek organizations, with their significance and power, may be well-advised to continue pursuing avenues to best utilize that power. As it pertains to problems such as mass incarceration and educational inequality, black greek organizations can become meaningful political players in a country that oppresses the citizens whom these organizations profess to represent. Although a great deal of work has already been done, it's never too late to discuss new paradigms of engagement and activism. The late, great Dorothy Height is a perfect case-in-point. She fought for justice until she died at 98.
Happy Founders Day to Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. This is a day worth celebrating.
Dr. Boyce Watkins is the founder of the Your Black World Coalition and a Scholarship in Action Resident of the Institute for Black Public Policy. To have Dr. Boyce commentary delivered to your email, please click here.