Sister to Sister
A week long glance into an African-American sorority
by Tanya Ackerman
Although they are few in number,
they say they are united by the bonds of sisterhood. April Flood, a senior
criminal justice major and president of Sigma Gamma Rho, says "We don't
let our letters wear us. We wear our letters."
Together, the sisters of Sigma Gamma Rho share similar, challenging experiences
as active members of an African-American sorority on a predominantly white
campus.
The sorority was founded in 1922 at Butler University in Indianapolis
by seven teachers who were interested in all phases of education.
The active sisters of Sigma Gamma Rho at Kent say they decided to join
because the members before them "were very friendly and very real."
Flood says, "They accepted us for who we are and they didn't demean
us. They helped us understand sisterhood."
Members of Sigma Gamma Rho say one
of their biggest challenges is getting the African-American community involved
in their activities.
Of their small numbers, Nicolette Warren, a junior pre-med major, says:
"I'd rather have five dedicated people than 25 who aren't."
A single mom proudly distinguishes herself among the sorority's small
numbers. She is accepted and supported by her sisters.
"Having a child is not a drawback," says Flood.
Tiffinae Ware, a junior finance major, adds, "The black community
welcomes single moms, and we are just a part of the black community."
From left to right: Tiffinae Ware, April Flood
and Esquilliteya Ward picking out tunes to karaoke.
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