Delta Sigma Theta Hosts Engaging Week of Service at Yale

The Yale chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. recently engaged the community with a week-long series of events known as the “REDaissance,” celebrating its annual Delta Week. The initiative, which took place from March 4 to March 8, aimed to emphasize the historical contributions of Black Americans, drawing inspiration from the Harlem Renaissance.

Aubrey Vaughn, the chapter’s president, stated that the theme underscores the organization’s commitment to social action and responsible citizenship. “Social Action is a core tenant 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 wrote in an email.

The week featured a blend of educational and community-focused activities, addressing both local and international concerns. A highlight was a teach-in regarding the humanitarian crisis in Sudan, complemented by a book drive in cooperation with New Haven Reads. This year’s programming contrasted with last year’s theme centered around popular television shows and local service projects.

Engaging Events for Community Awareness

The festivities commenced on March 4 with “The Diva’s Speakeasy: Meet the Deltas” at the Davenport College wellness room. Guests enjoyed a meal of chicken and waffles while connecting with members of the Divine Nine sorority. Madeleine Keenan, a member of the chapter, organized the event to foster connections among students and community members.

On March 5, attendees participated in an informative session titled “The Crisis,” focusing on the ongoing humanitarian situation in Sudan. Yale School of Public Health postdoctoral associate Eman Salih described the conflict as “one of the worst humanitarian crises in recent history.” Delta Sigma Theta member Ryen Eley expressed her motivation to raise awareness, stating her intention was to empower attendees to advocate for those affected.

Participants were encouraged to contribute either financially or through letters directed at their representatives. Kausar Hassen, who attended the session, noted the value of the information shared and expressed a desire to become more involved in advocacy efforts.

Community Engagement Through Literacy and Dialogue

On March 6, the sorority held “A Book Drive with the Deltas” at the Afro-American Cultural Center. Attendees brought books to donate and engaged in discussions about the importance of literature. Farrah Muhammad, a member of the sorority, highlighted the mission of New Haven Reads, which provides free access to books and tutoring services. She shared her personal journey, emphasizing the significance of representation in literature.

The following day featured a canned food drive and a dinner discussion with author Su’ad Abdul Khabeer, who spoke about the intersections of race, food, and faith. This event was organized with support from the Black Studies Department, the Afro-American Cultural Center, and other campus organizations. The food drive was a response to recent cuts in federal food assistance, as outlined by Vaughn.

The week concluded on March 8 with “Money Ventures on Lenox Avenue,” a financial literacy workshop aimed at enhancing attendees’ understanding of financial independence. Lauren Grant, a member of the sorority, reflected on the importance of financial literacy, particularly for marginalized groups, sharing her personal journey towards financial freedom.

The initiatives undertaken during this week illustrate the ongoing commitment of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority to address pressing social issues while fostering community engagement and awareness. Founded in 1913, the sorority continues to uphold its mission of promoting sisterhood and social action.