Yale Deltas Host Harlem Renaissance Week

Drawing inspiration from the powerful legacy of the Harlem Renaissance, the Yale Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. recently hosted ‘REDaissance,’ a dynamic five-day event series focused on social action. This initiative aimed to educate and inspire students on critical social justice issues, both domestically and internationally, embodying the sorority’s commitment to responsible citizenship.

Embracing the Spirit of Social Change

Chapter President Aubrey Vaughn explained that Social Action is a cornerstone of Delta Sigma Theta’s mission. The ‘REDaissance’ week was designed to highlight contemporary social justice issues, mirroring the impactful work of Harlem Renaissance figures like Langston Hughes and Zora Neale Hurston, who used their art and intellect to inspire change.

The events blended educational components with tangible community impact, demonstrating how modern activism can be inspired by historical movements. The sorority sisters aimed to foster a spirit of engagement and empowerment among participants.

Focus on Global and Local Issues

One significant event was a teach-in focused on the civil war and humanitarian crisis in Sudan. This session, held in collaboration with a local book drive partner, New Haven Reads, aimed to shed light on a global issue that has received less attention amidst other international crises. DST member Ryen Eley noted the inspiration behind the Sudan focus: ‘Black lives are so often undervalued, and I was disheartened by the lack of attention being paid to such a horrific humanitarian crisis.’

The teach-in not only raised awareness but also provided attendees with actionable steps, such as contacting representatives to advocate for Sudan. The accompanying book drive also emphasized the importance of Black literary works and authors, donating books to New Haven Reads to support literacy in underserved communities.

Community, Culture, and Financial Literacy

The week also included a dinner discussion with Su’ad Abdul Khabeer, author of ‘Muslim Cool: Race, Religion, and Hip Hop in the United States.’ This event, organized in partnership with several other Yale student groups, fostered conversations about the Black community, culture, and faith. A food drive was also held in conjunction with the dinner.

Concluding the week was a financial literacy workshop, offering practical skills to the young women. The ‘REDaissance’ week successfully combined global discourse with local community impact, inspiring not only the participants but also the broader Yale campus community.