AKA vs. DST Greek-lettered organizations have been a staple of American higher education for over a century, with some of the most popular being sororities. Two of the most prominent sororities in the United States are Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) and Delta Sigma Theta (DST). Both of these organizations have played a significant role in shaping the lives of countless women over the years. However, while they share similarities, there are also several differences between them. In this article, we will define AKA and DST, explore their similarities and differences, and provide a comparison table to help you better understand their unique features, pros, and cons.
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What is Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA)?
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated (AKA) is the first Greek-lettered sorority established for African American women. It was founded on January 15, 1908, on the campus of Howard University in Washington, D.C. The sorority was created to provide a support system and sisterhood for African American women who were pursuing higher education. AKA’s mission is to cultivate and encourage high scholastic and ethical standards, to promote unity and friendship among college women, to study and help alleviate problems concerning girls and women, to maintain a progressive interest in college life, and to be of service to all mankind.
What is Delta Sigma Theta (DST)?
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated (DST) is another Greek-lettered sorority for African American women. It was founded on January 13, 1913, at Howard University. The sorority was created to promote academic excellence, provide scholarships, and help the black community. DST’s mission is to promote academic excellence, to provide scholarships, to provide support to the underserved, to educate and stimulate participation in the establishment of positive public policy, and to highlight issues and provide solutions for problems in their communities.
Similarities between AKA and DST
Despite their differences, AKA and DST share several similarities. For example:
- Both organizations were founded on the campus of Howard University, and both were established to promote higher education among African American women.
- Both organizations are committed to community service and philanthropy. They have provided countless scholarships and service projects to communities across the United States.
- Both organizations are part of the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), a collaborative organization of nine historically African American Greek-lettered fraternities and sororities.
- Both organizations have established a strong sisterhood among members, and both promote leadership and professional development.
Differences between AKA and DST
While AKA and DST share similarities, there are also several differences between them, including:
- Membership: AKA is the largest sorority for African American women, with over 300,000 members worldwide. DST has approximately 250,000 members worldwide.
- Colors: AKA’s colors are pink and green, while DST’s colors are red and white.
- Motto: AKA’s motto is “By Culture and By Merit,” while DST’s motto is “Intelligence is the Torch of Wisdom.”
- Philanthropy: Both organizations are committed to community service, but they focus on different causes. AKA’s service projects focus on health, education, and the black family. DST’s service projects focus on voter registration, economic development, and international awareness and involvement.
- Leadership Structure: AKA has a chapter-based leadership structure, while DST has a regional leadership structure.
- National Programs: Both organizations have established national programs, but they focus on different areas. AKA’s programs include Breast Cancer Awareness, Economic Legacy, and Global Impact. DST’s programs include Delta Academy, Delta GEMS, and EMBODI.
Pros and Cons of AKA
Pros:
- Strong Sisterhood: AKA has a strong sisterhood that provides a support system for its members.
- Community Service: AKA has a long history of community service, with a focus on health, education, and the black family.
- Leadership Development: AKA provides leadership development opportunities for its members, helping them to become strong leaders in their communities and workplaces.
- Networking: AKA provides its members with networking opportunities that can help them in their personal and professional lives.
Cons:
- Membership Requirements: AKA has strict membership requirements, which may make it difficult for some women to join.
- Hazing: Like all Greek-lettered organizations, AKA has had some incidents of hazing in the past, which can be a concern for some potential members.
- Cost: Joining AKA can be expensive, with membership dues and other fees that can add up quickly.
Pros and Cons of DST
Pros:
- Community Service: DST has a long history of community service, with a focus on voter registration, economic development, and international awareness and involvement.
- Leadership Development: DST provides leadership development opportunities for its members, helping them to become strong leaders in their communities and workplaces.
- Networking: DST provides its members with networking opportunities that can help them in their personal and professional lives.
- Scholarship Opportunities: DST provides scholarship opportunities for its members, helping to support their educational pursuits.
Cons:
- Membership Requirements: Like AKA, DST has strict membership requirements, which may make it difficult for some women to join.
- Hazing: Like all Greek-lettered organizations, DST has had some incidents of hazing in the past, which can be a concern for some potential members.
- Cost: Joining DST can be expensive, with membership dues and other fees that can add up quickly.
Comparison Table of AKA vs. DST
| Features | AKA | DST |
|---|---|---|
| Founding Year | 1908 | 1913 |
| Motto | By Culture and By Merit | Intelligence is the Torch of Wisdom |
| Colors | Pink and Green | Red and White |
| Membership | Over 300,000 members worldwide | Approximately 250,000 members worldwide |
| Focus of Service Projects | Health, education, and the black family | Voter registration, economic development, and international awareness and involvement |
| Leadership Structure | Chapter-based | Regional-based |
| National Programs | Breast Cancer Awareness, Economic Legacy, and Global Impact | Delta Academy, Delta GEMS, and EMBODI |
| Scholarship Opportunities | Available | Available |
| Networking Opportunities | Available | Available |
| Membership Requirements | Strict | Strict |
| Incidents of Hazing | Has occurred in the past | Has occurred in the past |
| Cost | Expensive | Expensive |
Conclusion
AKA and DST are both excellent sororities that have made significant contributions to the African American community over the years. Both organizations have a strong commitment to community service, leadership development, and networking opportunities for their members. While there are some differences between the two organizations, they share many similarities. Ultimately, the choice between AKA and DST will come down to personal preference and which organization best aligns with your values and goals.