Delta Sigma Theta Chapter Unites for Service During Delta Week

The Yale chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. recently hosted “REDaissance,” a series of events dedicated to social justice and community service during their annual Delta Week. This five-day initiative, which took place from March 11 to March 15, 2024, aimed to highlight the contributions of Black Americans and the sorority’s commitment to social action.

Chapter president Aubrey Vaughn emphasized the importance of the week in an email to the Yale News, stating that the theme drew inspiration from the Harlem Renaissance. “Social Action is a core tenet of our organization and its work, which is why we were honored to host a week of events touching on social justice issues both at home and abroad,” Vaughn noted.

The week began with “The Diva’s Speakeasy: Meet the Deltas,” where members engaged with students and community members over a meal of chicken and waffles in the Davenport College wellness room. Madeleine Keenan, a member of the sorority, organized the event to foster connections central to the sisterhood.

On Tuesday evening, participants attended an informative session titled “The Crisis,” focusing on the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Sudan. The session featured presentations from experts, including Eman Salih, a postdoctoral associate at the Yale School of Public Health, who described the situation as “one of the worst humanitarian crises in recent history.”

Member Ryen Eley expressed her motivation for the teach-in and donation drive, citing the undervaluation of Black lives and the need for greater awareness. Attendees were encouraged to donate funds or write letters to representatives, with Eley hoping they would leave “empowered to help advocate” for those affected by the crisis.

Another attendee, Kausar Hassen, appreciated the informative nature of the event, stating, “I feel like I learned about ways to help and spread awareness.” She highlighted the importance of incorporating various causes into Delta Week events to engage the community.

Midweek, the sorority hosted “A Book Drive with the Deltas” at the Afro-American Cultural Center. Attendees donated books to New Haven Reads while discussing the importance of literature and experiences with Black educators. Sorority member Farrah Muhammad introduced the initiative, explaining the need for resources in the local community, which faces significant literacy challenges.

The event allowed Muhammad to share personal stories about her upbringing and the importance of representation in literature. “I came from an area where I felt Black voices were not prioritized,” she noted, emphasizing her parents’ efforts to expose her to diverse stories.

On Thursday, a canned food drive coincided with a dinner discussion featuring Su’ad Abdul Khabeer, author of “Muslim Cool: Race, Religion, and Hip Hop in the United States.” This collaborative event, organized alongside the Black Studies Department and other campus organizations, addressed the intersections of race, food, and faith. The food drive was a response to recent cuts in federal food assistance, as highlighted by Vaughn.

The week concluded with “Money Ventures on Lenox Avenue,” a financial literacy workshop held at the Afro-American Cultural Center. Sorority member Lauren Grant remarked on the importance of financial education, particularly for marginalized groups seeking economic empowerment. “This year I began my own journey towards financial freedom and realized how easy it is to start with the proper guidance,” she stated.

Founded in 1913, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. continues to uphold its commitment to community service and social justice. The events of Delta Week emphasized the organization’s dedication to addressing critical issues while fostering connections within the Yale community.