Renowned poet and author Nikki Giovanni read "Rosa Parks" andother selected poems at the kick-off event of Delta Sigma Thetasorority's 50th anniversary celebration Friday at Pruis Hall.
"When Mrs. Parks brought that light of hers to expose the evilof the system, the sun came down and rested on her shoulders,bringing the heat and the light of truth," Giovanni read from herpoem, "Rosa Parks."
Giovanni was often interrupted during her presentation by theroar of applause. The audience gave the best reaction when shededicated one poem to Rosa Parks, the most influential woman in herlife.
"It was Rosa Parks who could not stand that death (of racialdiscrimination). And not being able to stand it, she sat back down," Giovanni said.
Giovanni told the audience how the sorority is active in 50states and seven countries, and how important it is to celebrateblack sororities because they celebrate black women. She expressedher feelings about being the first Rosa L. Parks Woman of CourageAward recipient. This award honored her for being a civil rightsactivist and seeking racial equality through her writing.
Besides speaking of poetry, Giovanni also spoke of her personalhistory in greek life.
Giovanni said she became a Delta in 1974 because her sister andaunts were members before her. She said she believes that everyoneneeds networking and sisterhood, and said this sorority is perfectfor both. She said she likes the fact that the organization ispublic service-oriented, and many famous people, includingpolitician Shirley Chisholm and singer Aretha Franklin, aremembers. But when asked if the sorority inspired any of her poetry,she laughed, "I doubt it did."
Some founders of the Delta Sigma Theta sorority traveled fromoutside Ball State to hear Giovanni speak and meet with thechapter.
"(The five founders of the sorority) gravitated to each otherbecause they were strong in academics and community services," saidBetty Woods, one of the original founders.
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