The Lion’s Roar / Tiffany Nesbit
Leaders and members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. stand together before the march. President Rideia Wilson stands with group along with previous members of the sorority who have graduated. The march ended with a speech entitled “What Will Your Legacy Be?” given by Chelsea Alford. The speech encouraged women to go forward in life and be themselves.
Last week, women joined together on campus to march for women’s suffrage.
The Nu Delta Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. gathered together on Tuesday, Mar. 15 at 6:45 p.m. on the side of Garrett Hall to speak out against women’s inequality in today’s society. The sorority marched from Garrett Hall to the Union Mall where they held a rally of prayer, poems and speech.
This march was in remembrance of the Women’s Suffrage Parade held on Mar. 3, 1913 in Washington, D.C. that was led by activist Alice Paul. The parade was to support the idea for the right for women to vote. Twenty-two African American women from this event were the first to start the Nu Delta Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Filled with powerful messages of inspiration, the march was led by the president of the sorority, Rideia Wilson. She stood proud as she announced each speaker to the podium.
The speech entitled “What Will Your Legacy Be?” given by a previous member of the sorority, Chelsea Alford, raised great awareness of how this issue is still relevant in today’s society.
Alford gave examples of ways women are not treated equally such as not receiving the same salary as men, unrealistic images of women in videos games and ads and how successful women are constantly being bashed in social media.
Alford’s powerful speech pointed out that as women, it is their decision to choose their legacy. They have the power to make the change that is needed in the world, take advantage of knowledge and succeed in their education.
“Ignorance is not bliss,” said Alford. “When you are educated to know better, you can do better.”
Popular woman celebrities were given as example role models.
“There are three statements, words of advice, from Oprah Winfrey,” said Alford. “One, know who you are. Two, find a way to serve, and do great in the world. And three, always do the right thing.”
Guest marchers and members of the sorority expressed their opinions on how this march impacted campus.
“We are making a statement that we are just as strong as men and can do just as much,” said sophomore English major LeLe Taylor. “It is okay to be a strong woman on campus. As long as you are doing it for you, gender should not matter. It is our life.”
Those who marched for women’s suffrage are ready for campus to start respecting women.
“We are tired of demeaning phrases such as ‘Stop acting like a girl’ being said around campus,” said member of the Nu Delta Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Patricia Barney. “This rally is a great way to raise awareness about offensive things like that.”