Edited by Azizi Powell
This post is Part II of a new ongoing pancocojams series on non-Black members of historically Black Greek lettered fraternities and sororities.
This post showcases four online articles and one discussion forum about this subject. Selected comments from three of these online pages are also included in this post.
The content of this post is presented for socio-cultural purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Click the "non-Black members of Black Greek letter organizations (BGLOs)" for subsequent posts in this pancocojams series.
Thanks to all those who are quoted in this post.
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FIVE ONLINE POSTS AND COMMENTS ABOUT NON-BLACK MEMBERS OF HISTORICALLY BLACK GREEK LETTER FRATERNITIES AND SORORITIES
These articles/forum post, and comments are given in no particular order and are numbered for referencing purposes only.
ARTICLE #1 [complete article]
From http://progressivegreek.com/news_events/alumni/whites-have-growing-interest-in-black-greek-organizations-experts-say/ Whites have growing interest in black Greek organizations, experts say
by kevin1914, Alumni Newswire, published 2009
Whites have growing interest in black Greek organizations, experts say
"Former President Bill Clinton’s announcement last month that he will join the Black fraternity Phi Beta Sigma sent shockwaves through the Black community—but he’s far from the only White to cross the color line.
Many Blacks wondered why any president other than Barack Obama would want to join a Black Greek Letter organization, given the benefits that many White social organizations offer. But according to Dr. Matthew Hughey, an assistant professor of Sociology and African American Studies at Mississippi State University and a White member of Phi Beta Sigma, Clinton’s actions aren’t a first.
Hughey pledged and “went over” to Sigma at the University of North Carolina-Greensboro in 1996.
“President Clinton becoming a Sigma is an indication that Black Greek Letter organizations are being looked at by non-Blacks,” said Hughey, who has written an article on the subject, “Crossing the Sands, Crossing the Color Line: Non Black Members of Historically Black Greek Organizations,” for the Journal of African-American Studies.
“In my research on this topic, [we] do not know how many Whites are in the traditional nine Black Greek Letter Organizations because the demographic information is not there. But I can say that there are a few Whites here and there,” Hughley said. “Obviously, there are more Whites in Black Greek organizations on predominantly White campuses than on HBCUs [Historically Black Colleges and Universities].”
The traditional Black Greek organizations are Alpha Phi Alpha, Alpha Kappa Alpha, Omega Psi Phi, Delta Sigma Theta, Sigma and Zeta Phi Beta, Kappa Alpha Psi and Sigma Gamma Rho and Iota Phi Theta.
Prominent Whites have joined Black Greek organizations through the honorary route, becoming a member by the support of the general membership body without going through a formal pledge process. The late former first lady and human rights activist Eleanor Roosevelt was an honorary member of Alpha Kappa Alpha.
The late Hubert Humphrey, the vice president of the United States under President Lyndon Johnson, was inducted as an honorary member of Alpha Phi Alpha, and former Ambassador to the Vatican and ex-member of Congress Lindy Boggs is an honorary member of Sigma Gamma Rho.
“Soror Boggs was made a Sigma in July, 1978,” Rachel E. Morris, the executive director of the sorority, told the AFRO. Boggs served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1973 to 1990, representing New Orleans. She is the mother of ABC News commentator Cokie Roberts and lobbyist Thomas Boggs, and was succeeded in the House by William Jefferson in 1990.
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton almost became an AKA but withdrew her application when informed that she could not join other Black Greek sororities.
Dr. William Kimbrough, the president of Philander Smith College in Little Rock, Ark., and an expert on Black Greek organizations, said that the White presence in Black Greek organizations is there but small.
“I would venture to say that only about two or three percent of Black Greek organizations have White members,” said Kimbrough, author of a book, “Black Greek 101: The Culture, Customs and Challenges of Black fraternities.”
“Those Whites who choose to join do so because they are attracted to the community service aspects of the Black Greeks,” Kimbrough said. “Both Black and White Greeks work in the community, but it seems that the Black Greeks take it more seriously. It would seem that White Greeks tend to be more socially-oriented.”
Hughey agrees with Kimbrough.
“White Greek Letter organizations are not as serious about service as the Black Greeks are,” he said. “Black Greeks do way more hours of community service than the Whites.”
Hughey also said that Whites are interested in the cultural aspects of Black Greek life.
“It seems to be more of bond while in college and after college,” he said. “Also, stepping, the pledge process and line jackets seem to appeal to Whites who join Black Greek organizations.”
Nevertheless, Hughey acknowledges that there are problems with Whites in Black Greek organizations.
“You get it from both sides,” he said. “The Blacks see you coming into ‘their’ fraternity and think that ‘they are taking over.’ The Whites wonder what is wrong with you with being in an organization of Blacks.”
Kimbrough, who is an Alpha, said that when he worked with student organizations at Emory University in Atlanta he found an interesting perception about Greek Letter organizations and race.
“It seemed to me that the White fraternities were more open to having members of other races as brothers than the White sororities,” he said. “I could not explain why but that is the way it was.”
It is the matter of brotherhood that seems to attract Whites the most, said Hughey.
“Today, Whites are looking for something more lasting than the four-year experience,” he said. “Black Greeks offer a lifetime of brotherhood and friendship.”
Also, he said members may feel more social pressure in White organizations based on status, money and other things.
“With the Black Greeks once you are in, you are accepted regardless of who you are.”
****
ARTICLE #2
From https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/os-xpm-2000-07-12-0007110289-story.html ESTABLISHED AS A BLACK SORORITY, AKA NOW TOUTS ITS RACIAL DIVERSITY
Dallas Morning News THE ORLANDO SENTINEL, July 12, 2000 [complete article]
"Not long ago, members of Alpha Kappa Alpha could tout themselves as being the nation's oldest and largest African-American sorority.
Established at Howard University in 1908, the sorority can still lay claim to being the oldest. With 150,000 members and more than 900 chapters, AKA is among the largest.
But sorority members, known for their trademark pink and green colors, can no longer say that the club is exclusively black. Nor can most other historically black sororities and fraternities.
Their diversity is simply a sign of the times, says AKA president Norma White.
"We no longer refer to ourselves as an all-black sorority," says White, who is presiding over the AKA national convention in Dallas, which began Saturday.
"We still say the AKAs were founded for and by black women, but through the years, because of societal changes, we have become an interracial sorority. We're multicultural now."
Although the membership of the AKAs is overwhelmingly black, Asians, Hispanics and whites have become a part of the mix and will be among the estimated 10,000 members expected to attend the annual meeting, which runs through Friday at the Dallas Convention Center.
Black sororities were established by black women college students during a time when they were unwelcome in sororities started by whites, says White, a longtime AKA member.
"In the '30s and '40s, a person of another race would not have wanted to join us," she says.
Women of other races started joining the AKAs in small numbers in the 1960s. At Stetson University in DeLand, the undergraduate chapter was started by white women, she says. She recalls white women joining the graduate chapter in Tallahassee when she was regional director in the mid-1970s. And during that time, a Hispanic woman was accepted into a Miami chapter.
The AKAs have accepted some women of other races as honorary members, including former first lady Eleanor Roosevelt.
Ritu Singh, an Indian woman who joined the sorority in 1998 while studying psychology and African studies at The George Washington University, in Washington, D.C., will be one of the conference panelists.
She says she learned about the AKAs when she was in high school and was invited to attend a friend's debutante cotillion. She says it was the members' style and community-service activities that inspired her to join.
Although she was embraced by most of her sorority sisters, her transition was not as smooth as she hoped it would be. She says she felt "completely ostracized" when she attended a regional conference and one of the black sorority sisters questioned having non-blacks in the sorority.
"I had only been an AKA for three weeks, and it shook me up a bit." When she shared her feelings with other members, they assured her that she was welcome in the group.
She says the experience hurt her but didn't discourage her. She has held a number of positions within her chapter, including president.
Singh says people still ask questions about her affiliation with the AKAs.
"They automatically say, 'Isn't that a black sorority? I have to let them know that it's predominantly black, not exclusively black."
Some members of the Dallas chapter say they have no problem with the AKAs becoming more diverse, as long as the group doesn't lose sight of its mission or forget its history.
"The purpose of the sorority is a purpose that is not limited to race," says Dallas lawyer Jessica Dixon, who is an AKA member.
"It is an organization that focuses on community service. But it was founded by black women to help the black community, and I would want it to keep that soul and spirit," says Dixon.
Even though the racial makeup of the AKAs has changed somewhat, the gender base remains the same.
"We're still an all-female organization," says White, the AKA president. "The only person we wouldn't take is a man.""
****
ARTICLE #3
From https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/experiences-leading-white-males-join-historically-black-butts-edd?trk=related_artice_Experiences%20Leading%20White%20Males%20to%20Join%20a%20Historically%20Black%20Fraternity%3A%20Finding%20the%20Seven_article-card_title Experiences Leading White Males to Join a Historically Black Fraternity: Finding the Seven by Calvin Butts, Published on February 13, 2018
[Pancocojams Editor's Note: This is the second of a series of linkedin.com articles on this subject that Calvin Butts published. Click https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/d974/fee31e910442fe59bbc023c58218be282a70.pdf for Dr. Calvin Butt's University of Central Florida's 2012 dissertation "White Males In Black Fraternities: Life Experiences Leading White Males To Join A Historically Black Fraternity"]
"[...]
My initial intention in interviewing had been to interview White members in the state of Florida so I could interview them face-to-face. I asked the Director of Membership Services for a current list of White members, both alumni and undergraduate, in the state of Florida. He found, in reviewing his membership list, that I was the only White member in the state of Florida. When I mentioned expanding my potential pool of participants to White members in the southern region, he indicated that number would also be very low. I informed him of my need to have between 5 and 20 possible participants to interview and also inquired as to the number of White members nationwide. When he informed me that his listing revealed 17, I was in disbelief because I know I have run into a number of White Alphas over the years, and this number seemed to be very small. When I inquired about the small number, he indicated that (a) members have to self-identify on the application and (b) some information was lost when the national office updated their database in 2005. Knowing that I had no alternative to the database, I requested the list of White members along with their contact information. He emailed a file containing the White members’ names, alumni or undergraduate status, email address, and year and state where initiated to me. I must admit I was surprised by how easy it was to obtain the participant information I needed, but I was also surprised at how few members the national office had identified as White members in their database. “...
Selected Comments [out of 30 total; Numbers added for referencing purposes only]
1. Jay Reynolds (LION), 2018
Principal at WolfCreek Consulting
"Chris , There are far more than 17 white Alphas in the state . Perhaps active is the minimizing factor. In the last 3 years I have watched at least 5 cross in South Florida . What is the ultimate goal of the research ? 06!"
**
Reply
2. Christopher Butts, EdD, 2018
Speaker, Trainer, Facilitator, Leadership, Strategic Planning, Organizational Dev., Diversity & Inclusion, Professor
"Jay Reynolds Lion 1200+ I know there are more than 17 White Alphas throughout the State of Florida. When I conducted my research years ago, I was surprised at the number of White brothers identified by the National Headquarters. However, to receive IRB approval I had to use what the governing body had on official file. I knew many in the State of Florida during my time in undergrad and beyond. Yet, they were not identified through National Headquarters and because of this, I was limited to only those 17 as possible participants in my study."
**
3. Nicholas M. Browner, 2018
Investor-backed Entrepreneur seeking to acquire and run a small-to-medium sized business
"Pretty interesting articles. I've always wondered myself about not just white but other non-black Fraternity brothers - their motivations for pledging Alpha, their experiences, and how has our great Fraternity help shape their perspectives on life, race, culture, and brotherhood. At the end of day we are not only brothers in the same Fraternity, but also brothers in Christ. I look forward to reading other articles you plan on publishing. Whenever you're in Atlanta , let's link up."
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ARTICLE #4
From https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/7-surprising-themes-leading-white-males-join-black-butts-edd?trk=related_artice_7%20Surprising%20Themes%20Leading%20White%20Males%20to%20Join%20a%20Historically%20Black%20Fraternity_article-card_title 7 Surprising Themes Leading White Males to Join a Historically Black Fraternity
Published on April 1, 2018 by Christopher Butts, Speaker, Trainer, Facilitator, Leadership, Strategic Planning, Organizational Dev., Diversity & Inclusion, Professor
[Pancocojams Editor's Note: This is the latest of a series of linkedin.com articles on this subject that Calvin Butts published. Click https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/d974/fee31e910442fe59bbc023c58218be282a70.pdf for Dr. Calvin Butt's University of Central Florida's 2012 dissertation "White Males In Black Fraternities: Life Experiences Leading White Males To Join A Historically Black Fraternity"]
"This study was conducted to identify and investigate the life experiences that influenced the decision of White males to seek membership in a historically Black fraternity and to consider the concept of social identity theory as it influenced study participants to seek membership and participate in this organization. Understanding the experiences of White males in a Black fraternity may give insight to fraternity personnel and higher education professionals about the White male experience in these organizations. Results and implications that emerged from study findings are discussed in this article.
[...]
Four of the seven participants were raised in culturally diverse environments. They all attended diverse high schools and had diverse friend groups. The participants played on high school sports teams, dated interracially, and shared time at work or on a sporting team with close friends of different cultural backgrounds. Though they were aware of racial differences, none of the participants viewed race as an important factor when choosing their friendships, dating partners, or team sports. Participants did not have confrontational experiences in their friend groups or other personal relationships.
Participants were assimilated into the Black culture and were influenced by it. Yet they maintained a good sense of identity as White men. They did not join Alpha Phi Alpha because it was Black. Rather, they joined the group because they believed it was the best “fit” for them in terms of individuals with whom they would feel comfortable and relaxed and to whom they could relate.
[...]
Limitations of the Study
There are a number of limitations that must be acknowledged in regard to this study. The first limitation would be in regard to the accuracy of the number of White male members identified by the national headquarters of the Black fraternity. Because information was lost at the national headquarters in a 2005 database update, the population for this study may have been, in reality, greater than was provided to the researcher. Given the inability to obtain an accurate count of White male members, negative stories that may exist were not able to be accessed. The 10 White members who did not respond to the initial email may reflect this population. It is possible that without their participation another dimension of this study was left unexplored.
[...]
Closing Remarks and Reflections of a White Alpha
I started this study asking a question to which I believed I already knew the answer. I believed this because I had lived the White male seeking membership in a Black fraternity experience. I knew, logically, that not all experiences are the same but I expected the experiences of other White Alphas to be so similar to mine that interview responses would be like listening to my own story. I was definitely surprised at how different the participants’ experiences were from my own, but they, too, had sought membership in a Black fraternity. For the participants, race did not seem to play a factor leading to their decisions nor did it play a large role in their being accepted or not. In my experience, it was something that had to be overcome by long-term interactions and continuous demonstration of my character.
The study I have conducted was something I wanted documented for others to read about and know that White males in Black fraternities do exist. However, I did not want to disgrace my fraternity. I was pleasantly overwhelmed by the quick responses to my initial email from the seven participants and their eagerness to participate. I hoped that the stories of the participants would reflect only the great ideals I know Alpha and the brothers of Alpha uphold. I was proud to learn the experiences of the participants reflected brotherhood and fraternal companionship, no matter the color of their skin. It reemphasized the decision I made in 1999 to join this great fraternity knowing the aims of scholarship, manly deeds, and love for all mankind were not just words the fraternity spoke but words they truly lived.
This article shares the study conducted to identify and investigate the life experiences that influenced the decision of White males to seek membership in a historically Black fraternity and to consider the concept of social identity theory as it influenced study participants to seek membership and participate in this organization. Understanding the experiences of White males in a Black fraternity may give insight to fraternity personnel and higher education professionals about the White male experience in these organizations. Results and implications that emerged from study findings are discussed in this article."
Selected Comments [out of 41 total; Numbers added for referencing purposes only]
1. Frank Johnson, PhD, LCSW, 2018
"I'd rather believe that the 10 brothers who didn't respond to your request simply didn't get the email instead of not responding due to negative experiences. You may want to consider reaching out to them again. '06!"
**
2. Stormey Collins, 2018
Former Fortune 1 Marketing Rock Star. Currently Rocking in eCommerce.
"Loved this. Many observations and reports from your research are very much in line with my experience (very much positive) and Greek journey (AKA ‘00). Too many layers to describe here, but excellent work! It really hit home. Thanks for delving into it and sharing. Keep it up! 💥"
**
3. Gregory Parks, 2018
Associate Dean of Research, Public Engagement, & Faculty Development and Professor of Law at Wake Forest University
"Nice work. There's an article in a back-issue of The Sphinx on white Alphas. I wrote it and interviewed about a dozen of them--including Bernard Levin (the first white brother) and Roger Youmans (first white brother to speak at a General Convention. You might also check the work of Matthew Hughey, on non-black BGLO members and Rashawn Ray and Kevin Spragling on diversity within Alpha."
**
4. Allegra Grice, 2018
Veteran Health Administrator, Practice Manager, Nonprofit Management
"Very intriguing study frat. Was this the basis for your dissertation? Some studies can convert between qualitative and quantitative and vice versa. Any benefit to making this quantitative?"
**
Reply
5. Christopher Butts, EdD, 2018
Speaker, Trainer, Facilitator, Leadership, Strategic Planning, Organizational Dev., Diversity & Inclusion, Professor
"Hi Allegra Grice, Ph.D. yes this was the basis for my dissertation. I used a qualitative approach due to the small number of White members in Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. I only used one fraternity due to my membership and my expected ability to ensure a level of comfort with the members for our discussion. If this were converted into a quantitative study, I imagine it would have to span all of the National Pan-Hellenic Council, Inc. fraternities to have enough participation for analysis. However, documenting those who completed the survey as White members would be an additional challenge."
**
6. Daphne Means, SPHR, 2019
Global HR Solutions North America Market Lead—East at Cargill
"This article was sent to me by one of my Sorors, and as a white member of a predominately black sorority myself (ΔΣΘ), I have to say this accurately explains the circumstances around my own decision to commit to my organization. Very refreshing to see this articulated so well and also awesome to know we have shared experiences! Thanks for your work!"
**
7. Ramon Taylor, 2019
M.S., DAWIA SE I
IT Specialist at U.S. Census Bureau
"Recently came across this article, great job! but I am pretty sure there are more than 17 white brothers in Alpha, personally knowing two, once from my college chapter and another from a different university. Thank you for the study.
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ARTICLE #5
From https://bossip.com/978836/white-members-of-black-greek-letter-organizations/
What Is Wrong With This Picture????
Posted on June 13, 2014 - By Bossip Staff
"“Heyyyyyyy white Kappa!
For Discussion: Is There Anything Wrong With These White Members Of Black Greek Letter Organizations?
The Atlanta Greek Picnic is continuing to be a hot topic of discussion on social media and a picture of white sorority and fraternity members is raising eyebrows.
Last weekend ATL was flooded with members of the divine 9 including a few caucasian devotees to Sigma Gamma Rho, Delta Sigma Theta and Kappa Alpha Psi.
#HeyBoo
And while some people were happy to see non-blacks representing the orgs, others were outraged and noted that blacks joining white fraternities and sororities would not be as readily accepted.
What do YOU think…what is wrong with this picture????
No really we’re asking, what’s wrong with it???"
-snip-
Selected Comments [out of 348 total; Numbers here added for referencing purposes only]
1. Redman1911, 2014
"First and Foremost, let me clarify that not all BGLO's were conceived or founded at an HBCU. Now as a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. I can tell you the BROTHER in the picture is not the first, nor will he be the last to join our illustrious organization. I know a whole lot of people feel some kind of way when they run across non black members, and that is between them and their feelings. I factually know without ever meeting the BROTHER in the photo several things; 1) He met the criteria to join 2)he went through a stringent vetting process with his chapter 3) He has Heart 4) He is strong in will and a PROUD card carrying member 5)More than likely active and financial. With all that being said he subscribed to a set of ideologies followed his own convictions and achieved his intended purpose of gaining membership. KUDOS! It should not matter what your skin looks like, because if we remain separate in all that we do, we will never make any progress from the human perspective. FYI I went to school in the Kappa Mecca ----INDIANA"
**
2. gmail, 2014
"But what is the problem.. I DONT GET IT? Are people bored and just need something to talk about? As a member of a D9, I just don't understand why this is getting so much attention especially when the comments that are being made have NOTHING to do with the service that this young man and women contribute to their communities. ( I am not assuming they do the work of their organizations, however, the comments I have been reading do not indicate that that is the issue so therefore... why is this an issue?) The attention this picture is getting is sadly attracting trolls of the worst type and it is disheartening (and yes I am speaking to you D9 folks as well) This has turned into a complete circus and these 3 individuals are being gawked at and stared as if they are some freak show. People should really be questioning themeselves and who they chose to surround themselves with rather then questioning why these three chose to join a D9. Why? How diverse is your circle if you have never seen a non-black member of a D9 organization? How intelligent are you if you are questioning the intentions of someone you have NEVER met? #HaveAseat#severalAtThat"
**
3. Bahamas242, 2014
"If they have pledged thats fine I have white frat brothers in my chapter. I am an Iota Sweetheart. Of Iota Phi Theta its all good if they have crossed....OW SWEET!!!"
**
4. Lyris, 2014
"There is nothing wrong. We all deserve equal opportunities, period. If other races want to partake in our culture, there is nothing wrong with that."
**
Reply
5. disqus_BIhiXjr7Ep, 2014
"cool if they want to show but white people always exclude us from theirs, I don't know why blacks are thirsty to include whites in everything. I believe in black pride and we should have our own stuff."
**
6. lol, 2014
"all i see is a bunch of non dancing white people copying blk people dances."
**
7. ImJustAGirl, 2014
"As a member of BGLO, I don't have a problem with someone of another race joining my beloved org, however, i do have a problem with people of any race joining for all the wrong reasons. Greek letter orgs period have gotten so far removed from its original purpose, that now people join to become popular entities on campus, dubbing the phrase "t-shirt wearer". My biggest question is, did you really feel compelled by what our sisters and brothers have done or did you see the strolling and the stepping and the fun side of it (and believe me that's just one side) that you wanted to join? When i look at this picture I see something bigger. I see 3 white individuals who probably don't know each other who were chosen to take a picture together. Not because the photographer wanted to show Greek Unity, but more so because of the color of their skin and because they knew this pic alone would spark controversy. Although the pic represents the strides that we are making in the Greek community ie making it more diverse, it also shows just how far we have to go. While I don't discredit the work that these individuals are doing for their orgs, I do have an issue with them becoming our token brothers and sisters. I personally think people get more caught up in whites or ppl of any other race in a black organizations, than the actual work they are putting in. Because lets face it you can do the same work ( which is what you're there for) in any organization be it predominantly white, Latino, Asian etc. Hell you can do work by yourself. You don't have to be a part of something to give back. I used to say you'd have to give me a really good reason why you'd want to join a black organization as a white individual, but then i realized how closed minded that was. All I can say is, hold your orgs near and dear to your heart and if you wholeheartedly joined for all the right reasons, not because you wanted to cause a stir by being the token white, not because your black roommate was in th"
**
8. sophia, 2014
"I don't see what the issue is....as long as they embrace being a part of the frat/soro and not try to poke fun or bring any negativity......then who the hell cares?????"
**
9. Joe Broadnax, 2014
"Exactly,Dont do what was done to you"
**
10. CoCoKisses, 2014
"IDK...My family is legacy Deltas, and to be honest, I wouldnt feel 100% comfortable that the legacy of an all Black Sorority is become interracial. But at the same time, I can't demand equality and not give it at the same time. It would be initially uncomfortable, but over time I would treat her as family :)"
**
11. c_nc, 5y, 2014
"Black people love giving away our cultural legacy. This is why jazz and hip-hop are largely controlled by, created for and marketed to white people. Nowadays white boys are receiving awards for R&B and concurrently blacks are being shut out. A couple of years ago an uproar ensued when some white girl group received a top award for an extraordinarily mediocre step routine. That was remedied by making them co-winners with a more deserving black group. In a few years white people will be taking over the black college experience and remaking our creations in their own image I.e. the Harlem Shake."
**
12. Anonymous, 2014
"I'm a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and I don't see a problem with other races joining BLGO's. I live in a diverse neighborhood and my children attend a diverse private school. My husband and I moved to this area due to the diversity and the great family atmosphere it provided our family. African Americans, especially the older generation have been so scarred by the "past" that they pass on this "segregate yourself" mentality to the next generation. Which is so sad.... Think "progressively" people and everything else will fall in place according to God's order and his plan. Also, that Kappa is a cutie, I would defiantly set him up on a date with my niece who's in college and about the same age as him......."
**
13. DuBois, 2017
"Here is the story of Joan Trumpauer Holland, Freedom Rider, sit-in activist, Tougaloo College graduate, and first white member of Delta Sigma Theta.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joan_Trumpauer_Mulholland
-snip-
Here's an excerpt from that page:
“Tougaloo College
Soon after [Joan Trumpauer Holland Mulholland's release [in 1961 from Mississippi’s infamous Parchman Penitentiary where she and others were arrested for refusing to leave a bus sit in area] , Charlayne Hunter-Gault and Hamilton E. Holmes became the first African-American students to enroll at the University of Georgia. Mulholland thought, "Now if whites were going to riot when black students were going to white schools, what were they going to do if a white student went to a black school?" She then became the first white student to enroll in Tougaloo College in Jackson, where she met Medgar Evers, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Reverend Ed King, and Anne Moody.[12]
... Two years later [in 1963], Mulholland was the first white student accepted into Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.”...
****
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