BGLO Brother/Sister History
 

I'm just curious. I know the Deltas are sisters to the Ques, the AKAs to the Alphas, and the Zetas to the Sigmas. I was told in undergrad that Phi Beta Sigma and Zeta Phi Beta are actually the only brother sister bglos that are officially recognized nationally. When I see the bond the others have, I often wonder are they recognized nationally? They seem as close as the Zetas and Sigmas to me.

Does anyone know of any books about this very topic?

All of the other "connections" are historical or cultural. I don't believe you will find original scholarship on the matter, but you can read through history books of organizations and see a few things.

For example, my history book mentions the Alphas assisting the AKAs in a way that is not mentioned in their history book; theirs mentions the possible inspiration/moral support of George Lyle on Ethel Hedgeman at Howard University. Neither book goes so far as to claim a brother/sister relationship. But I have to admit from first hand experience the current international president of AKA seemed to have more "sisterly" sort of interaction with our national president, moreso than the other sorority presidents (as observed at the last two public programs I've attended).

Would that have been the founders of Alpha Phi Alpha or the Beta chapter brothers of the fraternity that helped the AKAs? I heard with the Ques and Deltas that two of their founders were dating or something of that nature. I'm not exactly sure though.

I chat with a GC friend of mine (SGRho) via e-mail and we were talking about Kappa and SGRho Indiana history. She told me some things I had no clue about.

The "Brother/Sister" bond between Alphas and AKA isn't nationally recognized although when our General President Darryl Matthews introduced The International President of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Barbara McKinzie at our centennial, he introduced her as Soror Barbara McKinzie. I was kind shocked he said that. Some acknowledge our history we have with each other and you will find some members refer to each other as frat and soror, but no it isn't nationally recognized.

George Lyle was a Beta Chapter charter member. As for the assistance that we rendered AKA in 1913, the history book does not mention which brothers helped, but it does state that several did.

To those who are wondering, it merely states that we received communication from AKA asking for assistance in identifying campuses which would be suitable for new AKA chapters. Several brothers helped. It does not say which brothers or which campuses or if we were actually helpful at all.

I remember that! I don't think I remember him calling any of the other ladies Soror, although it would have been appropriate for him to do so in a panhellenic sense.

I think we're good on both sides, thanks. :)

I have noticed something with both orgs in regards to some early chapters...where you find a chapter of Alpha e.g. single letter chapters, you will most likely find that a AKA chapter was chartered not to far behind that. Don't know if it is just a coincidence.


Yeah I was at the table with my chapter brothers and some bros some Tau chapter trying to snap pics of the cheesecake with the Sphinx on top when he introduced her.:D
More than likely because if it wasn't done in the early stages of both orgs no one would bother to do it now, and again everyone may not acknowledge a bond.

Well could have something do with wanting to be independent. I have seen situations where certain orgs will try to clown sororities who acknowledge bonds with certain frats. They will state things like, "we don't have to stand behind men like you do, we are independent strong women." That is the pg rated version....

Another bit of history for you P.B.

Delta Founder Osceola Macarthy married Beta Chapter Brother Numa P.G. Adams.

Delta Founder Vashti Turley married Beta Chapter Brother Carl Murphy.

Other Alpha/Delta marriages:

Sadie T.M. Alexander and Raymond Pace Alexander
Paul Robeson and Eslanda Goode Robeson
Ruby Dee and Frank Dee (HA! Betcha didn't know there was somebody before Ossie Davis!)
Marion Barry and Cora Masters Barry (Ex-Wife #4)

Actually I did ....:) I found out recently.