Product Description

This history of the largest block women's organization in the United States is not only the story of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority (DST), but also tells of the increasing involvement of black women in the political, social, and economic affairs of America. Founded at a time when liberal arts education was widely seen as either futile, dangerous, or impractical for blacks, especially women, DST is, in Giddings's words, a "compelling reflection of block women's aspirations for themselves and for society."

Giddings notes that unlike other organizations with racial goals, Delta Sigma Theta was created to change and benefit individuals rather than society. As a sorority, it was formed to bring women together as sisters, but at the some time to address the divisive, often class-related issues confronting black women in our society. There is, in Giddings's eyes, a tension between these goals that makes Delta Sigma Theta a fascinating microcosm of the struggles of black women and their organizations.

DST members have included Mary McLeod Bethune, Mary Church Terrell, Margaret Murray Washington, Shirley Chisholm, Barbara Jordan, and, on the cultural side, Leontyne Price, Lena Horne, Ruby Dee, Judith Jamison, and Roberta Flack. In Search of Sisterhood is full of compelling, fascinating anecdotes told by the Deltas themselves, and illustrated with rare early photographs of the Delta women.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #119640 in Books
• Published on: 1994-08-29
• Released on: 1994-08-29
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 336 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9780688135096
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
• Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices

From Publishers Weekly
Marking the 75th anniversary of the largest black women's organization in the United States, this history of the college-based movement is an account filled with incidents of the emergence of the Deltas as a force in our national life. Giddings ( When and Where I Enter ), a graduate of Howard University, the birthplace of the movement, acknowledges the ambivalence that membership causes some, but focuses on the strengths of the sorority whose members typically remain active after college years. A sense of racial obligation permeates the sorority, which comprises women who are largely professional and upper-class, and who see their role as agents of change in a variety of social and political issues. Included among recent luminaries are Barbara Jordan, congresswoman from Texas, and, from the arts, Lena Horne, Leontyne Price and Ruby Dee. Photos not seen by PW.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

Paula Giddings, a graduate of Howard University, is the author of When and Where I Enter: The Impact of Black Women on Race and Sex in America. She has worked as an editor for Random House and Howard University Press, as Paris bureau chief of Encore American and Worldwide News, and has written numerous articles for newspapers and magazines.

Customer Reviews

A Foundation
I purchased In Search For Sisterhood prior to joining Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. I knew why I wanted to be a Delta however, I realized that at first it was for reasons not significant. This book enable me to see the strides the Sorority had made in regards to women's rights, African American's rights, etc. It was from this book that allowed me to truly understand the depths of my twenty-two founder's accomplishments. If you are buying this book thinking that Soror Giddings is going to give you info. in regards to our Sorority that's confidential, then this book isn't for you. However, if you are reading this book to find the basis of Delta Sigma Theta founding, it's founders, and its progress through the years, it will provide you with that. Hopefully through reading this text, a potential member will be able to decipher whether or not Delta Sigma Theta is suited for them. I know it sealed the deal for me. OOoooh oop to Soror Giddings and to all the Sorors of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. especially those with Theta Omega and Alpha Delta. Yours In Delta....

A Must Read!
I am not a member of this sorority but after reading this book I definately want to be a part of something so powerful as Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. "In Search of Sisterhood" is a very informative and well written book. It is a good book for ladies doing research and deciding on sororities or just good for a history lesson. Lots of history in this book about Delta and the movement that it was involved in. A definate must read!

Informative and Interesting
About 7 years ago, I purchased this book when it was originally published in a hardback version. I still can't put it down. I was very interested in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., as far as its public service projects and positive examples of sisterhood. Now that I've been a member for 6 years, I always reflect back on the reasons why I joined the Sorority (with this book). Several of my relatives were actively involved during their collegiate (undergraduate) days, and I have continued my membership after graduating from college. Anyone who is interested in learning more about the goals and principles of the Delta Founders should get this book.