Highlighting the legacy of historically Black sororities on campus as well as spreading love remains the paramount concern for Black Greek letter organizations, one sisterhood leader said.
Makai Laguines, president of the Eta Zeta Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., said one way she plans to accomplish this is through the upcoming Nostalgic Love 90’s-themed Valentine’s Day photo shoot.
The photo shoot, hosted from 11 a.m.- 1:30 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 12, in the Memorial Student Center, is a collaborative event with the Theta Omega Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., Laguines said.
“We want to be more present on campus,” Laguines said. “We want to make sure people know that we are out here as a Black organization.”
In addition to strengthening the involvement of historic Black sororities, dispensing goodwill across campus remains a significant initiative, Laguines said.
“We really want to focus on spreading love through focusing on mental health,” Laguines said. “Giving students brain breaks in between classes can be a good step.”
Laguines went on to say providing participants with an opportunity to take a break from academic worries while having fun with friends is the main goal.
“Our hope is that this event will put students in a better mental space and be ready to return to classes with a clear mind,” Laguines said.
Likewise, Kayla Thomas, president of the Theta Omega Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., wants to provide unforgettable memories for participants.
“I want to fill people’s cups,” Thomas said. “When people look back on their photos, I want them to remember the great times they had and the people they were with.”
Thomas went on to say she wants to empower the Black community through this Valentine’s event–especially throughout Black History Month.
“We want to make a difference with our Black community,” Thomas said. “Celebrating the culture is very important to us.”
One way Delta Sigma Theta and Alpha Kappa Alpha plan to incorporate these initiatives into the Valentine-themed photo shoot is through the inclusion of R&B music, Thomas said.
“I can’t speak for everyone, but R&B was big in most Black households,” Thomas said. “Especially in this month, listening to these artists and this genre uplifts the culture.”
Furthermore, Thomas went on to say the proceeds for this event will be divided between the chapters and, consequently, towards the chapter’s respective philanthropies.
“Delta Sigma Theta is devoted to serving our community,” Thomas said. “We work with organizations like the Huntington City Mission and the A.D. Lewis Community Center.”
As for Alpha Kappa Alpha, they primarily work with Marshall’s Counseling Center and local domestic violence centers, Laguines said.
Meanwhile, Thomas said she wants to carry out the traditions of her sorority’s founders.
“Delta Sigma Theta was founded at a historically Black college,” Thomas said. “Following through with the traditions of those women is something we want to continue to do.”
