Colleges

Watch The Yard Chapter of The Week: The Nu Epsilon Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta In Minnesota

Photo Credit: @mosope_

The Nu Epsilon Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities, Hamline University, and Augsburg University is Watch The Yard’s Chapter of The Week.

We caught up with members of the chapter and they opened up about the chapter’s past, present and future.

Read their interview below:

What is the name of your chapter and when was it chartered?

Nu Epsilon City-Wide Chapter, we were chartered on Friday, May 7th 1976

Give us a quick history of the chapter.

The Nu Epsilon City-Wide chapter was chartered on May 7, 1976, by 15 trailblazing women who sought to impact the Twin Cities through the sorority’s five-point programmatic thrust: Economic Development, Educational Development, International Awareness and Involvement, Physical and Mental Health, and Political Awareness and Involvement. Currently, the charter consists of the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities, Hamline University, and Augsburg University.

How many people are in your chapter?

There are currently five members of our chapter.

What are some major achievements your chapter has held in the past?

In the past year we held an awesome Delta Week entitled The Amazing Delta Week:Adventures of Super Diva! We had three hallmark events.

“Mask of Masculinity” which focused on the documentary “The Mask You Live in” examining toxic masculinity in America, specifically within the Black community focusing on ways we can uplift Black men in our lives without subscribing to toxic ideals.
“Avenging Injustice: Building Bridges Not Walls” which we co-facilitated with the ladies of the Sigma Alpha Chapter of Sigma Lambda Gamma Sorority, Inc. In the wake of the 2016 presidential election, our campus climate was very tense and in some cases unwelcoming to students of minority backgrounds. This event was a workshop dedicated to helping students of color and allies identify prejudice, whether overt or subliminal, and use effective ways to combat it.
We also had a bake sale.

Later in the year we facilitated “MAJOR KEYS: A Resume and Scholarship Workshop” we collaborated with NSBE (National Society of Black Engineers) for this event where we talked to 107 high school students in AVID classes about the importance of applying for scholarships before college and during college, ways to maximize scholarship earnings and how to create and maintain impactful resumes. We raffled off $500 worth of prizes to the students and every student in attendance got to take some supplies home.

What are some major events that your chapter has planned for then next year?

Over the next year, we want to continue with the theme of social activism in our communities and in the nation, generally. Everyone in our chapter is dedicated and passionate about social justice and equity so a lot of our programming is geared toward that. We are also planning events that deal with health and wellness as it relates to our communities.

Who holds leadership in the chapter?

JaLisa Jackson, President (From Chicago, Junior Majoring in Sociology, Minoring in Public Health

Fralinda Zazay, Vice President/Secretary (From Minnesota, Senior Majoring in Psychology)

Eyommi Seaberry, Nominating Chair (From Milwaukee, Junior Majoring in Family Social Science)

Rosemary Nyuma, Treasurer (From Minneapolis, Senior Majoring in Child Psychology Minoring in Public Health)

Pheven Tesema, Internal Audit Chair (From Shakopee, MN, Senior Majoring in Health Service Management, Minoring in Public Health

How does your chapter improve and contribute to the college experience of fellow non-greek students on campus?

The activities of Nu Epsilon benefit the U of M community by aiming to create a more culturally diverse and aware campus community at this predominantly white institution. Moreover, our activities allow for meaningful conversations and course of action. We want members of the underrepresented post secondary community in the Twin Cities to feel that they have allies representing them in the Greek community. All of our activities are open to all members of all campuses we currently hold charters with and we not only welcome but encourage everyone to join us in enhancing our community.

Why is it great to be an Delta in your chapter and at your school?

It’s great to be a Delta in our chapter on our campuses because we have such a wide, expansive and rich history in the Twin Cities! The cities are vibrant places to be and our campuses reflect that vibrancy.

The history of the NPHC in the Twin Cities is one that stretches over 100 years and we’re proud to be apart of that legacy. We are the only collegiate [Delta] chapter in the state of Minnesota and that brings a lot of responsibility, it’s great to be apart of campus and state leadership and to really experience what it feels like to take the lead on multiple projects.

What does the future of Black greek life look like at your school?

The future looks lit! All of our NPHC organizations are continually growing and thriving, we hope to see more collaboration between each organization! NPHC is putting on its first annual Step Show on October 21st and that’s taken a lot of collaboration.

These photos were taken by Mosope Ani