In Search of Sisterhood: Delta Sigma Theta and the Challenge of the Black Sorority Movement

In Search of Sisterhood chronicles the history of Delta Sigma Theta, one of America's most prominent Black sororities, from its 1913 founding at Howard University through decades of social and political activism. Through extensive research and interviews, Paula Giddings documents the organization's evolution against the backdrop of major movements in African American history. The book traces how Delta women balanced their roles as educated, middle-class Black women with their commitment to racial uplift and social justice. The narrative follows key figures and pivotal moments in the sorority's development, including its early involvement in women's suffrage and its expansion across the United States. Beyond recording organizational history, In Search of Sisterhood examines broader themes of Black women's leadership, collective action, and navigation of race, class, and gender barriers in 20th century America. The work provides insight into how Black sororities created networks of support and advancement while pursuing social change. The book stands as both a detailed institutional history and a lens through which to understand the intersections of education, activism, and Black women's experiences in the United States. Through Delta Sigma Theta's story, Giddings illustrates patterns of Black women's organizing and resistance across generations.

Readers appreciate the detailed research and historical documentation of Delta Sigma Theta's impact on civil rights and women's advancement. Many note the book goes beyond just sorority history to examine broader African American social movements and leadership. Specific praise focuses on the profiles of notable members and the organization's involvement in suffrage, education, and political activism. Multiple reviews highlight how the book connects Delta's work to major historical events. Main criticisms include: - Dense writing style that can be hard to follow - Too much focus on administrative details and internal politics - Lack of personal stories from average members Ratings: Goodreads: 4.5/5 (244 ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (229 ratings) "The historical context is excellent but sometimes gets bogged down in organizational minutiae," notes one Amazon reviewer. A Goodreads review states: "Important history but could have used more first-hand accounts from regular sorority members."

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🔹 Delta Sigma Theta was the only Black Greek organization to participate in the historic Women's Suffrage March of 1913, with 22 founding members marching despite being asked to walk at the back of the parade 🔹 Author Paula Giddings spent five years researching and interviewing over 200 Delta members to create this comprehensive history, gaining unprecedented access to the organization's private archives 🔹 Notable Delta Sigma Theta members featured in the book include civil rights icon Dorothy Height, politician Shirley Chisholm, and actress Ruby Dee, showcasing the sorority's influence across multiple fields 🔹 The book reveals how Delta chapters secretly helped fund civil rights activities in the 1960s, providing bail money and safe houses for activists while maintaining a public image of traditional respectability 🔹 Delta Sigma Theta established its first international chapter in Liberia in 1956, marking the beginning of the sorority's global expansion and commitment to international service projects