This past Tuesday Delta Sigma Theta hosted their second annual Divine 9 event on campus. The Divine 9 refers to the Pan-Hellenic Council of black Greek letter organizations which include; Alpha Phi Alpha, Alpha Kappa Alpha, Kappa Alpha Psi, Omega Psi Phi, Delta Sigma Theta, Sigma Phi Beta, Zeta Phi Beta, Sigma Gamma Rho , and Iota Phi Theta. This year the event was held in a larger location to accommodate a step show and a panel discussion.
New students attended to hear opportunities about how to join different historically black fraternities and sororities. Alumni were also present at the event. Each fraternity and sorority spoke about the goals of their organization and then proceeded to demonstrate their own step and stroll routines.
Despite Greek expansion on campus, Delta Sigma Theta President Keonna Robinson said their organization does not feel they have had to compete with Kappa Alpha Theta to recruit more girls. Robinson said, “Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated does not feel any competition with any other organization on campus. We let our organization speak for itself.” Robinson added, “After doing their search, ladies will be drawn to the organization that fits their morals and values. We are friends with Kappa Alpha Theta so there is no competition between us. We respect each other for the work we do for the community.”
The USF Tau Tau chapter of Delta Sigma Theta has several plans for this year. During this semester, the sorority plans to host Fall Week in which they organize interactive programs that focus on five main points. The topics include economic development, educational development, international awareness and involvement, physical and mental health, and political awareness and involvement. Delta Sigma Theta will also be hosting their annual Breast Cancer Tea and Chevy’s Fundraiser to raise funds for Leukemia patients during the year.
Paloma Urquia, a first year student who attended the event said, “This event was so fun, I met a lot of people and learned what the Divine 9 was and how it is a culturally focused part of Greek life. The step show was fun and this event definitely sparked more of my interest to join a Greek organization on campus. The panel was helpful in understanding what it really means to go Greek.”
Delta Sigma Theta has not set any official recruitment dates yet. Robinson said, “It all depends on timing.”
