Celebrating Black History Month with Sisters

Member Spotlight: Anneteke Adoga – Xi Lambda Chapter, University of San Francisco

Black History Month has been celebrated in February since 1976. As we take time to reflect this month, we had a chance to chat with Anneteke Adoga, Xi Lambda-San Francisco (CA), about not only her experience as a Delta Zeta but also about what Black History Month means to her as a Black woman.  Anneteke is majoring in International Business with a double minor in economics and African-American studies. She’s currently a speech and debate coach for a high school in the East Bay to help them develop their speaking skills and confidence. Read on to find out what she wants sisters to know about Black culture, an empowering moment she has had as a Delta Zeta and more! 

1. What does Black History Month mean to you? 

To me, Black History Month is about celebrating the contributions made by Black identifying people and reminding our peers about how they can celebrate their Black identifying peers all year. 

2. Is there anything you want your Delta Zeta sisters to know about Black culture? 

I think it is important to emphasize that Black culture is extremely diverse and differs from family to family, region to region, and person to person. The richness of the culture is so vast it’s impossible to codify all of it in a presentation or post. A way my sisters can support Black culture is by going out of their way to reach out to and support the historically Black Greek organizations on their campus. Donate to their philanthropies, support them on campus and pay homage to how Black Greek organizations have shaped Greek culture and visibility.

3. How did your Delta Zeta journey begin?

My Delta Zeta journey began last year when my roommate and I decided to go through recruitment together. I was always really skeptical about joining a sorority because I wasn’t sure I would be supported as a whole person. However, joining Delta Zeta not only strengthened my relationship with my best friend Anapaula, but also allowed me to cross paths with some of my closest friends that I wouldn’t have been able to meet if it weren’t for DZ.

4.  Can you tell us about a pivotal or empowering moment you have had as a member of Delta Zeta? 

My freshman year I was elected as my Chapter’s Vice President of Membership. I was so nervous about taking on this role because it is such a huge job and I didn’t know if I could do it. But my sisters reassured me that I was elected for a reason. Because of their support, I gained so much confidence in my ability to lead and gained a true understanding of how valuable sisterhood is. My year as Vice President of Membership prepared me not only to excel in my school life, but assured me that I can do anything.

5. Can you tell us about a member who has made an impact on your life?

A member who has made an impact on my life is my little, Maddie. I met Maddie on my first day of school this year. I tell her this all the time, but I knew she was gonna be my little the first day I met her. Maddie is so level-headed and calming to be around. I constantly feel like she is teaching me new things. I don’t think she’ll ever truly understand how grateful I am for her. I grew up as an only girl in my family, always wanting a little sister, and because of her, I finally have one.