The Delta Iota chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and the Delta Sigma chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity hosted a women’s appreciation program in the Eddie G. Robinson museum on March 23. The event was one of many during Greek Week. The week was designed to encourage unity between Divine Nine organization members and present Grambling State University’s National Panhellenic Council’s togetherness to the public.
The event included a keynote speech from Delta Sigma Spring 2011 initiate Jordan Gaither, who encouraged women to carry themselves as queens and offered words of affirmation to the crowd.
The Alphas awarded GSU’s first lady Dorothy Pogue with the Annie C. Singleton Award. Singleton was the mother of the fraternity.
The first lady graciously and comically accepted the award, while also admitting that the Grambling community allowed her to free herself up and admitted that she can be a bit of a “demon” at athletic events.
University president, Dr. Frank G. Pogue, shared how much he and his wife have grown to love the “peculiar place” that is Grambling.
“I am an Alpha,” he said.
Dr. Pogue added that he believes in “Greekdom,” not just because of his affiliation.
His wife and “very best friend” is a Delta.
The president added that Black Greek-letter organizations serve the community and have always done so.
The event was moderately attended, but students representing various organizations attended the celebration of women.
“It’s always nice (and) positive for fraternities and sororities to come together for meaningful programs,” said Perlum Clark Toombs, a member of the Delta Sigma chapter.
“The tribute to African American women was informative, tasteful and needed,” Toombs added.
“The women’s appreciation program during Greek Week was the perfect opportunity for us to be reminded of our true worth,” said Amber Williams, Delta Iota chapter president.
Williams added that women were celebrated during the forum through spoken word, a slide show and the keynote speech.
“The Alpha men of Delta Sigma truly reaffirmed that chivalry is not dead,” Williams said.
The messages of confidence and self-respect resonated in the audience.
“We should never devalue our worth,” said Miss Grambling State University Solange Sayers.
Sayers added that it is wonderful to have active chapters of all Divine Nine organizations on GSU’s campus.