Why did Delta break away from Aka?

Delta Sigma Theta (DST) broke away from Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) in 1913 because 22 founding members felt AKA wasn't focused enough on broader social activism and public service, wanting instead to form a more politically active, national organization with expanded goals beyond campus social life, leading to a conflict with AKA leadership and their eventual separation to form DST, notes the Delaware.gov archives.

What happened between AKA and Delta?

In 1912, at Howard University, these members voted to transition from AKA to Delta Sigma Theta. The move sparked discord between graduate members, who favored maintaining the status quo, and new Alpha chapter members advocating for change.

Why did DST break away from AKA?

The twenty-two Delta Sigma Theta (DST) founders were not pleased at the lack of progress of Alpha Kappa Alpha to move beyond organizing the affairs of campus society at Howard and wanted to reorganize the sorority to address topics like public service and women's advancement.

Why did the founders of Delta Sigma Theta break away from Alpha Kappa Alpha?

According to Delta Sigma Theta's historian, Paula Giddings, the 22 founders believed that Alpha Kappa Alpha did not have a charter, they believed they had no "legal entity".

Why do akas and deltas not like each other?

The history of the rivalry between Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (DST) and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (AKA) dates back to 1912, when 22 members of the Alpha Chapter of AKA decided that they wanted to change the direction of the sorority and rename it Delta Sigma Theta.

Denounced Delta Sigma Theta Sorority | 10 Years Later

Is Jada Pinkett Smith an AKA?

Yes, Jada Pinkett Smith is an honorary member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated (AKA), a prestigious recognition for her significant contributions to the world, joining other notable figures like Maya Angelou, Alicia Keys, and Coretta Scott King as an honoree.
 

What is the most respected sorority?

The Best Sororities in the US: A Complete Guide

• Kappa Kappa Gamma. Kappa Kappa Gamma is among the top sororities in the country due to its good reputation, high enrollment numbers and famous alumni. ...
• Delta Delta Delta (Tri-Delta) Tri-Delta was founded in 1888 at Boston University in Massachusetts. ...
• Alpha Delta Pi. ...
• Chi Omega.

What sorority is Rihanna in?

Rihanna is associated with Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., a prominent historically Black sorority, with posts from their local chapters celebrating her connection to their values of strength and authenticity, aligning her with the sisterhood's legacy, though she's not a traditional college initiate but part of the legacy of powerful Black women members.
 

Why do deltas wear 22 pearls?

Delta Sigma Theta members wear 22 pearls as a symbolic tribute to the sorority's 22 visionary founders, representing sisterhood, scholarship, and service, with each pearl often signifying specific virtues or the journey of accomplishment and grace that these founders embodied in challenging societal norms. 

Can you join AKA if you're white?

Yes, white people can join Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (AKA), as their membership selection process does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, or national origin, though it's a historically Black sorority, and membership is by invitation only, focusing on service and sisterhood. While historically all-Black, AKA has had members of other races join for decades, with some white members having joined since the 1960s, though it's a relatively small number compared to Black members. 

What is the most prestigious black fraternity?

There isn't one single "most prestigious" Black fraternity, as prestige is subjective, but Alpha Phi Alpha (APA) and Kappa Alpha Psi (KAPsi) are consistently recognized for immense influence, historical significance, and prominent members, with Alpha Phi Alpha often cited as the first and largest, while Kappa Alpha Psi is celebrated for its "Achievement in Every Field of Human Endeavor" motto. Other Divine Nine fraternities like Phi Beta Sigma and Omega Psi Phi also hold significant prestige and community impact.
 

Is Queen Latifah a member of Delta Sigma Theta sorority?

Yes, Queen Latifah (Dana Owens) is an Honorary Member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., inducted in 2025 alongside other prominent Black women like Danielle Brooks and Donna Brazile, an honor recognizing her trailblazing career and societal impact in entertainment and beyond.
 

Can you get kicked out of AKA?

Any individual or chapter violation of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority's Anti-Hazing Policy will result in an individual's suspension or expulsion, a chapter's suspension or revocation of the chapter's charter.

What sorority was Jenna Bush in?

Jenna Bush Hager was a member of the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority (Alpha Theta chapter) at the University of Texas at Austin, following in the footsteps of her mother, Laura Bush. She is frequently recognized by the organization as a prominent alumna and legacy member. 

Why do deltas use elephants?

Deltas (members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.) collect elephants, specifically trunk-up elephants, in honor of founder Florence Letcher Toms, who started the collection for good luck, symbolizing wisdom, strength, prosperity, and family, values central to the sorority, though it's an unofficial symbol representing dedication to excellence and community.
 

What is the 62 inch rule on Delta?

Delta's 62-inch rule means the total of your checked bag's length + width + height (including wheels and handles) must not exceed 62 linear inches (158 cm) to avoid oversize fees, though separate weight limits (typically 50 lbs/23kg) still apply, with exceptions for some sporting equipment like golf clubs. Bags over 62 inches are considered oversized and incur extra charges, while items over 80 linear inches might not be accepted as checked luggage. 

What is the secret motto of Delta Sigma Theta?

Delta Sigma Theta's public motto is "Intelligence is the Torch of Wisdom," symbolizing knowledge as a guide, but the organization also has secret, confidential mottos related to its core principles like Scholarship, Service, Sisterhood, and Courage, with themes of academic excellence, humanity, and unity guiding members behind the scenes. 

What is the largest black sorority?

The largest Black sorority is often cited as Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., with hundreds of thousands of members and chapters worldwide, known for its significant community service and activism, though Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (AKA) is also massive, sometimes called the world's oldest and largest, with reports of over 350,000 members. Both Delta Sigma Theta (DST) and AKA are foundational Divine Nine organizations, with DST often highlighted for its vast global presence and AKA for its pioneering status.
 

Why are elephants important to deltas?

Today most Deltas collect elephants in her honor. The elephant symbolizes strength and determination. The uplifted trunk represents high goals. The right foot forward represents forward movement.

Is Alicia Keys an aka?

Yes, Alicia Keys is an honorary member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated (AKA), initiated in 2004, aligning with the sorority's focus on community service and empowerment through initiatives like her charity, Keep a Child Alive, as noted by sources like this article on Bet.com and Watch The Yard. 

Is Serena Williams a Delta?

Serena is a native of the Bronx, New York and her community engagements include work with her sorority, Delta Sigma Theta, Incorporated.

What sorority does K. Michelle belong to?

Singer K. Michelle is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., having pledged at Florida A&M University (FAMU) in the fall of 2001 while studying psychology on a music scholarship. She often shows support for her sorority and family, who also have Delta Sigma Theta connections, and has publicly spoken about the importance of the organization and its traditions.
 

What is a bottom tier sorority?

“Bottom tier” has plenty of girls who “slipped through the cracks” and didn't get into “top tier” aka girls who have connections from high school and only recruit their hometown friend group.

What is the nicest sorority house in America?

The 50 Most Stunning Sorority Houses in America

• Sigma Kappa at the University of Florida. ...
• Alpha Phi at the University of Colorado Boulder. ...
• Kappa Kappa Gamma at the University of Arkansas. ...
• Tri Delta at Mississippi State University. ...
• Alpha Kappa Alpha at the University of Alabama.

What sorority is Kim Kardashian in?

Explore Kim Kardashian's sorority life and kitchen vibes. Get insights into rituals and community at Alpha Phi.