First of all happy founders day to the AKA and Delta sororities. Since you both celebrated it this month. I am not in a sorority, I went to college later in life. I have always wanted that experience. Luckily my daughter is a Zeta, and I am proud of her. So my question how have the black sororities and black fraternities been connected to the AME church? Don't forget to give a shout out for your sorority or fraternity. Thans

-- Anonymous, January 14, 2001

Answers

Excellent question. I also finished my BA Degree later in life at the University of Texas @ Dallas (UTD)and did not have opportunity to participate in a fraternity. However, UTD maintains a close and continuing relationship with its graduates such that it feels as if we are in fact a fraternity. So I'm not sure I missed anything. However I will eagerly await the answers from those who have this experience. Blessings, Pastor Paris

-- Anonymous, January 15, 2001

As I mentioned before my daughter is in the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority. Being in a sorority really shaped her womanhood. She was expected to be a leader and mentors from the grad chapters worked with all the undergrads. Academic excellence was the norm. Proper dress and community service were also expected. My daughter gained experience in how to run a business, advocating for others and was seen as a leader on her campus at American University. Since I was not in a sorority I was nervous when she told me she was pledging. Being in a sorority was a blessing. She was so far away from home, yet the older members of the grad chapter stepped in to be a surrogate mother. Weekends were spent doing community service. I owe a debt of gratitude to the Zeta Phi Beta sorority and the other greeks for standing up to racism and providing an outlet for our young people to feel good about themselves they have been doing this since the early 1900's

-- Anonymous, January 15, 2001

I am a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity which historically established a brother relationship with Zeta Phi Beta, INC. Some of our founders helped establish Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. on the campus of Howard University in 1920. Let me commend your daughter on her excellent selection. Furthermore, you will find that the values of Zeta Phi Beta, inc do not conflict with the belief system of the AME church. For the most part, the Zetas encourage finer womanhood. In response to your initial question, as far as I know there is no official relationship of Phi Beta Sigma or Zeta Phi Beta to the AME church. However, I was quite pleased to learn from the First Episcopal District website that it has three district programs of Education, Economics,and Social which are analogous to Phi Beta Sigma's National programs of Education, Bigger and Better Business, and Social Action. Sincerely,

JazzMan

-- Anonymous, January 16, 2001