Top 10 Black Greek Success Stories: 3rd Quarter 2014

San Antonio, Texas mayor Ivy Taylor poses in front of steps at city building. — Ivy Taylor, first African American mayor of San Antonio and member of Delta Sigma Theta.

Following up on coverage of great national news stories from Black Greek-Letter Organizations and our chapters in the first and second quarters of 2014, we continue to see great stories from coast to coast. Phi Beta Sigma continues to capitalize on their centennial but I am pleased to also feature a story about a sorority woman reaching a political milestone in addition to good stuff from undergraduate chapters. Here are your top 10 “Black Greek Success” stories from July, August and September.

10. Sigma chapter in the Bahamas forms partnership with the environmental foundation

In order to provide opportunities for inner city youth to experience more of the great outdoors, Phi Beta Sigma’s Delta Epsilon Sigma chapter entered an agreement with the Bahamas Reef Environment Educational Foundation. Through the partnership, the two organizations hope to help youth foster a greater appreciation for the nation’s marine and natural resources.

9. Philadelphia AKA chapter raises over $11,000 for family of three-year-old killed in accident

Tragically, three-year-old Wynter Larkin was killed in a freak accident at a fundraiser. Alpha Kappa Alpha’s Rho Theta Omega chapter responded quickly by setting up a GoFundMe campaign. The effort went viral, helping the chapter exceed its goal.

8. Phi Beta Sigma answers President Obama’s “My Brother’s Keeper” call

Covered in “Ebony” magazine in October, the Sigmas’ national office made a commitment to follow up on President Barack Obama’s “My Brother’s Keeper” program. The fraternity outlined a 10-point plan of action called “I Am My Brother’s Keeper”. The move even earned the fraternity a shout out from President Obama in his centennial message.

7. Truman State Phi Beta Sigma chapter starts #ChalkedUnarmed movement

The Mu Tau chapter took a creative approach to increasing awareness of police brutality. As national tensions have grown on the heels of Michael Brown’s death, the chapter attempted to start a movement that they hoped would go viral.

6. Detroit Delta Sigma Theta chapter opens charter school

The Delta Preparatory Academy for Social Justice is a reality in the “Motor City”. The school’s rigorous curriculum will focus on social awareness and high achievement.

5. University of Alabama’s Alpha Phi Alpha and Alpha Kappa Alpha chapters donate $12,500 to the Ronald McDonald House

These aren’t graduate chapters we’re talking about and that is what makes this story impressive. What is more impressive is Alpha’s Kappa Alpha and AKA’s Theta Sigma chapters made the donation with the support of Alabama’s administration and other fraternities and sororities despite the back drop of racial tension in the university’s Greek system.

4. Phi Beta Sigma establishes $500,000 endowment at Howard University

During their centennial year, the Sigmas continue to make moves. To show the best kind of support for the institution where they were founded, the fraternity made the six-figure gift one week after celebrating their 100th anniversary.

3. Louis Alpha Kappa Alpha chapter hosts ex-offender re-entry forum

AKA’s Gamma Omega chapter showed what it really means to reach out. With Black America engaged in a national conversation about inequities in the justice system, many African Americans are discussing rehabilitation for those who served time as well as prevention for those who may be at risk. The forum featured a panel discussion and resource fair.

2. Alpha Phi Alpha collaborates for forum on police brutality

During the Congressional Black Caucus’ Annual Legislative Conference Week, Alpha Phi Alpha’s national office teamed up with the Dream Defenders and the National Association of Black Journalists for a timely and relevant forum. “Know Your Rights: Minorities Dealing with the Police and Issues of Police Brutality” featured a mixture of legal, media, and policy professionals.

1. Delta Sigma Theta member named first African American mayor of San Antonio

San Antonio is one of the most populous cities in one of the U.S.’s most populous states. With the mayor’s office having been vacated by one of the country’s most promising young leaders–Julian Castro–Ivy Taylor, a Delta woman, has taken center stage.