In Search of Sisterhood: Delta SIGMA Theta and the Challenge of the Black Sorority Movement

I am a memeber of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. I read this book the Summer before my Sophmore year at Texas A & M University-Commerce for enrichment. I was interested in Delta and wanted to know the background, history, and legacy. As a Delta I feel this book spreads more knowledge than you anticipate. It's informative, interesting, and beautifully written. I reccommend this book to everyone who is a Delta and anyone aspiring to become one, because this will broaden your horizons and give you and extended perspective and appreciation.

I was never a Greek, but I read this book because I am familiar with Delta Sigma Theta from their activities at my alma mater, and have enjoyed Paula Giddings's other research about black women's history. Unsurprisingly, I also enjoyed this book. It explains how Delta Sigma Theta provided a critical organizing space for collegiate black women in an era trying to make them choose between the identities and at a time when their being in college itself was a rarity. In addition to the social events, this sorority also had explicitly political events. From inception, DST worked for civil rights, reflecting their steadfast belief in community progress through community service. While other Greek organizations do community service here-and-there, this is the backbone of DST according to Giddings. Their first public act was participation in a women's suffrage march (pp. 55-60). Unfortunately, some of the white suffragists they marched with were not grasping the importance of opposing racism (pp. 56-57, pp. 59-60) while opposing sexism. Before 'intersecting identities' became a buzz word in feminist research circles, DST members already understood they could not choose between being a woman or a black. The social justice they embraced and advanced consequently had to recognize them as being both. The list of Deltas who were in public service is inspiring. Ida B. Wells-Barnett, Betty Shabazz, Barbara Jordan, Shirley Chisolm, and Marian Wright Edelman are only a few. Even though the organization also faced charges of elitism, DST ultimately comes across as one of the most accessible service organizations. In addition to supporting suffrage, the organization opposed lynching and reached out to single mothers (pp. 300-302) in eras when those activities was politically (if not culturally) dangerous. This book is (of course) a must get for people who were a part of DST. I'm also convinced it is mandatory reading for people interested in community organizing studies. Giddings explains how women's collegiate organizations can and do play empowering roles in communities throughout the nation in great detail to her readers.

I am not a member of this sorority but after reading this book I definately want to be a part of something so powerful as Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. "In Search of Sisterhood" is a very informative and well written book. It is a good book for ladies doing research and deciding on sororities or just good for a history lesson. Lots of history in this book about Delta and the movement that it was involved in. A definate must read!

About 7 years ago, I purchased this book when it was originally published in a hardback version. I still can't put it down. I was very interested in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., as far as its public service projects and positive examples of sisterhood. Now that I've been a member for 6 years, I always reflect back on the reasons why I joined the Sorority (with this book). Several of my relatives were actively involved during their collegiate (undergraduate) days, and I have continued my membership after graduating from college. Anyone who is interested in learning more about the goals and principles of the Delta Founders should get this book.

In Search of Sisterhood is an excellent tool to use for young ladies interested in becoming members of any black greek letter organization. It gives the full history of Delta Sigma Theta and its purpose up to 1988. It will not tell you what will happen or what to do if you would like to become a Delta, but it does give you invaluable historical information to assist you in choosing a sorority.