Celebrating when the VILLAGE gets bigger

Let me tell you about this woman!

NO! NO! That’s not right!

Let me tell you about my friend!

NO! Still doesn’t capture it.

Let me tell you about MY SISTER! That’s right! MY SISTER! DANAE AICHER!!

On April 28, 2021, she sent me a message letting me that she has been initiated into Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

My heart swelled up. I couldn’t believe it since she had never gave an indication that she was interested in joining a Sorority (that’s usually how it goes).

However, for me, it was more than that.

Danae is one of my personal DORA MILAJE (and if you don’t know, I don’t have time to explain it to you. Go watch BLACK PANTHER! WAKANDA FOREVER!)

I have known Danae since 1991 when she was a freshman in College and I was a senior. When I met her, I didn’t know the impact she would have but she would. She convinced her mom to allow my wife to throw me a surprise Birthday party at her Mom’s house when I was in law school. She was the producer for Podcast and my YouTube videos. She entrusted me with handling the legal affairs for a loved one. She made sure I was eating during a health crisis when I stopped eating. And we won’t even talk about the countless “Come to Jesus” phone calls I received.

However, her joining Delta signified something greater.

Of course, It signified the addition of a powerful asset to an already powerful organization. It signified the continued evolution of a phenomenal woman. It signified another great milestone in a great sisterhood.

For me (and I am sure countless others), it is a shared membership in a shared experience. In the African American community, we look for those connections. We believe in the “IN TAKES A VILLAGE to raise a child” and so we are constantly looking for the village. Where you from? Who you represent? What college did you attend? What organization are you in? We look for all those things because your inclusion in those things expands our village.

I am excited because my Sister is now a part of my shared experience in a completely different way but a welcoming way. So, for those of you who wonder why Black Greeks get excited when we new Black Greeks are initiated, consider yourself informed.

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