Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) and Delta Sigma Theta (DST) are Black sororities established in the early 20th century in the United States, but do you know these historically Black sororities have different values, histories, and programs?
Generally, students in colleges or universities join a specific sorority in an effort to make new friends. Sororities provide exposure to college students, and with historically Black sororities like Alpha Kappa Alpha and Delta Sigma Theta found in a historically Black university, more Black women are excited to join.
Delta Sigma Theta membership is open to every woman irrespective of their race, religion, or nationality. They only have to meet the membership requirements in order to join.
Stay with us as we discuss more on these two historically black sororities.
What Is Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA)?
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority was founded at the historically black Howard University in Washington D.C. on January 15, 1908. It was initiated by a group of sixteen college students and founder Ethel Hedgemon Lyle.
The early 20th century was a period when black women lacked opportunities and had little power or authority in society. The establishment of this sorority broke barriers for black women living in a society where they had limited opportunities.
By January 29, 1913, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (AKA) was incorporated. Alpha Kappa Alpha is an organization with a rich history of providing educational assistance to communities.
The organization is dedicated to improving the lives of women from minority groups through its five program areas which are family strengthening, leadership development, education, political involvement, and health promotion.
Alpha Kappa Alpha is one of America’s largest Greek letter organizations, with over 350,000 members in 1,024 chapters across the United States and other nations.
Alpha Kappa Alpha’s membership is open to every vibrant woman who desires to have a commitment to sisterhood. Women can join Alpha Kappa Alpha through undergraduate chapters across colleges and universities. They can also be invited to join the organization by a graduate chapter provided they have already earned an undergraduate or advanced college degree.
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. (AKA) is part of the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC).
Also Read: Sleep vs Rest: Difference and Comparison
What Is Delta Sigma Theta (DST)?
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority was founded in the early 20th century by twenty-two African-American women at the historically black Howard University in Washington D.C.
Delta Sigma Theta was founded on January 13, 1913, by college-educated African-American women who were committed to public service and programs designed to provide assistance to the African-American community.
The organization membership is open to women who meet the requirements to join. Delta Sigma Theta does not consider race, religion, or nationality as a factor for any woman to join the organization.
It’s a historically African-American sorority that is built on the values of equality, commitment, and diversity. For those who are interested in joining, they may apply through undergraduate chapters at colleges and universities.
Women may also apply through the alumnae chapter once they have earned their college degree.
Delta Sigma Theta is among the largest sororities established in the United States. It has over 350,000 initiated members and more than 1,000 chapters in countries like England, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bermuda Germany, Jamaica, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Canada, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, South Korea, South Africa, The United States, and West Africa.
Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) vs Delta Sigma Theta (DST)
Alpha Kappa Alpha and Delta Sigma Theta are two of the most iconic historically African American sororities established in the early 20th century.
These two black sororities were formed to help the African-American community as well as to break barriers for African-American women in areas where they had little or no power.
The key difference between Alpha Kappa Alpha and Delta Sigma Theta lies in the principles they follow. Alpha Kappa Alpha follows the principle of “service and culture”, while Delta Sigma Theta follows the principle of “intelligence is the torch of wisdom”.
Another key difference between Alpha Kappa Alpha and Delta Sigma Theta is how the two organizations were established. Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) was formed independently, whereas Delta Sigma Theta (DST) was established by college students who left Alpha Kappa Alpha.
Also Read: Diploma vs Degree: Differences and Comparison
Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) vs Delta Sigma Theta (DST): Comparison Chart
| Alpha Kappa Alpha | Delta Sigma Theta | |
| Establishment | Founded at the historically black Howard University in Washington D.C. on January 15, 1908. | Founded on January 13, 1913 at historically black Howard University. |
| Members | More than 350,000 members. | More than 350,000 members. |
| Headquarters | Stony Island Ave, Chicago, Illinois. | New Hampshire Avenue NW Washington D.C. |
| Number of Chapters | 1,024 | More than 1,000 including alumnae |
| Motto of the Sorority | “By Culture and by Merit” | “Intelligence is the Torch of Wisdom” |
| Symbol Adopted | Ivy Leaf | Lady Fortitude and the Delta Torch |
| Flower | Pink Tae Rose | African Violet |
| Nickname | AKAs, Alpha Women, Pretty Girls, Ivies. | Delta, Reds, DST, devastating Divas. |
| Colours Adopted | Apple Green and Salmon Pink | Cream and Crimson |
Also Read: Essential Oils vs Carrier Oils: Differences and Comparison
Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) vs Delta Sigma Theta (DST): How are They Related?
Alpha Kappa Alpha
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority was founded at the historically black Howard University in Washington D.C. on January 15, 1908.
This historically African-American sorority was established on the foundation of helping the African-American community as well as providing black women with opportunities in areas they had little or no power.
The early 20th century was very challenging for African-American women in the United States. Forming these sororities helped overcome certain barriers for women of colour, especially for those who envisioned change.
Delta Sigma Theta
Delta Sigma Theta was founded on January 13, 1913, by college-educated African-American women who were committed to public service and programs designed to provide assistance to the African-American community.
The primary goal of this organization when it was established was to help the African-American community, especially for women to acquire an education during a period when society gave no opportunity.
Delta Sigma Theta embraced every woman who was determined to join regardless of their race, nationality, or religion.
Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) vs Delta Sigma Theta (DST): More Difference between Alpha Kappa Alpha and Delta Sigma Theta
| Alpha Kappa Alpha | Delta Sigma Theta | |
| Values and Principles | Emphasizes sisterhood, service, and scholarship. | Emphasizes sisterhood, service, and scholarship. Their five point programmatic thrust emphasizes social and political action, community empowerment, and public service. |
| Programs and Initiatives | Alpha Kappa Alpha’s signature programs include emerging young leaders, global poverty, and environmental ownership. | Emphasizes sisterhood, service, and scholarship. Their five-point programmatic thrust emphasizes social and political action, community empowerment, and public service. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are a few frequently asked questions about the difference between Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) and Delta Sigma Theta (DST).
What is Alpha Kappa Alpha?
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority was founded at the historically black Howard University in Washington D.C. on January 15, 1908. It was initiated by a group of sixteen college students and founder Ethel Hedgemon Lyle.
Also Read: Emasculate vs Demasculate: Difference and Comparison
When was Alpha Kappa Alpha found?
Alpha Kappa Alpha was founded on January 15, 1908, by a group of college students led by the founder Ethel Hedgemon Lyle.
What is Delta Sigma Theta?
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority was founded in the early 20th century by twenty-two African-American women at the historically black Howard University in Washington D.C.
When was Delta Sigma Theta found?
Delta Sigma Theta was founded on January 13, 1913, by college-educated African-American women who were committed to public service and programs designed to provide assistance to the African-American community.
Conclusion
The early 20th century was a period when black women lacked opportunities and had little power or authority in society. The establishment of these sororities broke barriers for black women living in a society where they had limited opportunities.
The key difference between Alpha Kappa Alpha and Delta Sigma Theta lies in the principles they follow. Alpha Kappa Alpha follows the principle of “service and culture”, while Delta Sigma Theta follows the principle of “intelligence is the torch of wisdom”.
Recommendations
- Tournament vs Tournement: Difference and Comparison
- Superheroine vs Heroine: Difference and Comparison
- Sence vs Sense: Difference and Comparison
- Chilly vs Cool: Difference and Comparison
- Family Medicine vs Internal Medicine: Difference and Comparison
References
- Diffzy: Difference Between Alpha Kappa Alpha and Delta Sigma Theta
- Askanydifference: Alpha Kappa Alpha vs Delta Sigma Theta: Difference and Comparison
- Wikipedia: Alpha Kappa Alpha
- Differenceguru: Difference Between AKA and Delta
- Kidsjoybox: Alpha Kappa Alpha vs Delta Sigma Theta
