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Difference Between Alpha Kappa Alpha And Delta Sigma Theta

Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) and Delta Sigma Theta (DST) are two of the largest African American sororities in the United States and have been around for over a century. Both organizations have dedicated their time and energy towards advocating for social justice and civil rights and empowering African American women, making them symbols of progress and advocacy. Despite their core values and goals being largely similar, there are also distinct differences between AKA and DST that set the two organizations apart.

History

Delta Sigma Theta was founded in 1913 on the campus of Howard University, by 22 women on the basis of service and sisterhood. The mission of the organization has always been to “promote academic excellence and provide assistance to those in need”. Over the years, DST has gained a reputation for being very proactive both on a local and national level, advocating for social justice and civil rights for African Americans. Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority was founded in 1908 at Howard University, and a century later, it remains the oldest Black sorority in existence. Unlike DST, AKA has placed a specific emphasis on service, encouraging its members to make “a meaningful impact in the lives of others.” Within the African American community, AKA is more well known for its philanthrophic efforts both nationally and abroad.

The rich history of each organization is distinguished by different ideas, influences and environments during their humble beginnings. Although both organizations were founded in the same town, Washington D.C., and on the same campus, they have developed in different ways to meet the needs of different African American women and their communities.

Organization Structure and Protocol

Alpha Kappa Alpha and Delta Sigma Theta both have an international governing body, though their respective structure and policies vary somewhat. AKA is governed by an International Executive Board, while Delta Sigma Theta’s big five consists of the 22 original founders and chose a single head position, the National President. The National President of DST has the power to appoint people to the Executive Board and has duties that include setting the organization’s agenda and making all final decisions. In contrast, the board of Alpha Kappa Alpha is made up of elected representatives and each executive board member has a specific responsibility when it comes to running the organization.

Another difference is that Alpha Kappa Alpha has a system for assessing membership participation, making sure that members are meeting the organization’s expectations. Sorority members of AKA must track their service and financial contributions, as they are expected to donate a certain amount of money to the organization. Conversely, Delta Sigma Theta vows to support its members financially, offering a non-interest loan program which allows members to borrow money up to $15,000.

Recruitment & Membership

When it comes to recruitment and membership, the two sororities have distinct policies. Alpha Kappa Alpha doesn’t allow for transfer members and requires potential members to complete a certain number of hours in service before joining the sorority. On the other hand, Delta Sigma Theta imposes lenient and flexible policies, allowing potential members to “initiate into the Sorority via transfer initiation or collegiate chapter recommendation”.

Delta Sigma Theta currently has over 300,000 members and Alpha Kappa Alpha has over 290,000, however both organizations focus on “quality over quantity” when it comes to recruitment, emphasizing the moral and intellectual qualities of its members.

Service

Both Alpha Kappa Alpha and Delta Sigma Theta pride themselves on their commitment to service, though they may go about it in different ways. AKA encourages a more “hands-on” approach to service, where members take direct action to help communities in need, such as cleaning up beaches and leading workshops for children. DST provides more financial assistance, administering grants and scholarships to individuals and organizations.

Delta Sigma Theta also has its own National Programs, including Economic Development and International Awareness and Involvement. These programs focus on dealing with a variety of issues, such as promoting financial literacy and tackling major global challenges, like famine and poverty. Alpha Kappa Alpha’s International Programs are similar, and also focus on economic empowerment and promoting engagement with the global community.

Symbolism and Traditions

Alpha Kappa Alpha has several recognizable symbols and traditional rituals that set it apart from Delta Sigma Theta. AKA’s best-known symbol is the ivy leaf, which is used to represent “the strong, unending support that sisterhood provides”. They also follow a “pinning ceremony” and members receive a formal “alumnae pin” upon graduating. Delta Sigma Theta, on the other hand, does not have any official symbols. However, DST is represented by its official colors, crimson and cream, which are used for clothing and merchandise.

Both organizations are also associated with their signature handclaps used in meetings and informal settings. Alpha Kappa Alpha’s signature clap is most often a brisk four claps and a pause, whereas Delta Sigma Theta’s is slightly different, with four claps and then a fifth clap followed by a pausing and ending on the fifth clap.

Philanthropy

The two sororities are extremely active in philanthropic efforts and encourage their members to volunteer and get involved in causes they find meaningful. Alpha Kappa Alpha’s national philanthrophic projects involve funding scholarships, providing disaster relief, and establishing community service programs. Delta Sigma Theta’s signature philanthrophic programs include student educational initiatives, political awareness and involvement, HIV/AIDS awareness, and numerous other causes.

Delta Sigma Theta has also formed partnerships with other non-profit organizations, like the March of Dimes and Susan G. Komen, further demonstrating its commitment to the causes it supports. Both organizations have also had a significant influence on the African American community for over a century, and show no signs of stopping any time soon.

Conclusion

Alpha Kappa Alpha and Delta Sigma Theta are two of the most influential African American sororities in the nation and have a great number of things in common. Both organizations are heavily involved in confronting many of the major issues currently happening in the African American community, and have made a lasting impact on the lives of African American women and their communities. Though there are distinct differences between the two sororities, they are united in their shared goals and visions of a better future.

From their early beginnings at Howard University to today, Alpha Kappa Alpha and Delta Sigma Theta have set the bar for Black empowerment and social justice, paving the way for present and future generations of Black women to make a difference.

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Arica Deslauriers

Update: 2024-05-22