The second spotlight in my Meet the Greeks series shines on a current member of the Omicron Chi chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated at Rhodes College. Alpha Kappa Alpha was found at Howard University in 1908 on five basic tenets: “To cultivate and encourage high scholastic and ethical standards, to promote unity and friendship among college women, to study and help alleviate problems concerning girls and women in order to improve their social stature, to maintain a progressive interest in college life, and to be of ‘Service to All Mankind.'”
So without further ado, meet Taylor Bass!
MP: What inspired you/encouraged you to join this organization?
TB: I joined this organization for various reasons. One, for a sense of community at a predominantly white campus. Coming from a predominantly black high school it was difficult to find my niche here at Rhodes. National Panhellenic Council organizations gave me that community that I was looking for. People that look like me, have similar goals, are working for similar things. It’s empowering and good to know that I have a safe space no matter what on this campus. Now, out of all of the NPHC organizations, I joined Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated because we are the first black sorority ever created in mankind. While that seems very surface-level there is actually way more meaning to it. Being the first black sorority means that our founders are pioneers. In a time of racial discrimination, gender discrimination, all of the possible “-isms” against black women’s bodies, our founders were strong enough to persist and create a community of their own because nobody wanted them apart of theirs. To me this screams that our organization is committed to making leaders, pioneering into the unknown, and being nothing but the best. Why wouldn’t I want to join?
MP: What has been the most rewarding part of being a member of this organization?
TB: The most rewarding part of being a member of this organization is the lifetime sisterhood. No matter where I go, I always meet a soror. It is amazing to literally have sisters and friends everywhere you go in this country. Someone has your back and is always looking out for you. It feels good to be a part of that.
MP: Has being in a sorority been anything like you expected it to be?
TB: Being in a sorority is way more than I expected. I knew the sisterhood, service, and being cute of course was a thing. But wow, being apart of something greater than yourself is an absolute experience. Being a part of an organization that has made so much history is so rewarding.
MP: What has been the most challenging part of being a member of this organization? Or, what has been the biggest challenge for your organization as a whole?
TB: The most challenging part of being a member of this organization at Rhodes College is that the Omicron Chi Chapter currently consists of three women. This is super hard considering that you have to work ten times harder to accomplish anything on this campus because your team is way smaller. But we’ve made it possible! And, we’ve consistently earned the Best NPHC Organization Award at the Campus Life Awards *not to brag.*
MP: In what ways do you hope this chapter benefits Rhodes? In what ways (if any) does Rhodes benefit this chapter?
TB: I hope this chapter benefits Rhodes in showing the campus that National Panhellenic Council Organizations DO EXIST! Often times we get shadowed by IFC and Pan because we’re smaller. But, we exist. And, we’re working hard, if not harder. I hope that people get to diversify their thinking through us and to understand our greek culture and what being greek means to us.
MP: In what ways would you say your organization stands out on campus?
TB: Well, first, our colors are pink and green (the cutest)! We do service every single week of the school year. We work super hard and we don’t slack. When we call ourselves a service organization we ACTUALLY mean it! That’s what we’re meant to do and that’s what we work to fulfill.
MP: Are there any stereotypes about Greek life that you think are correct/incorrect? Are there any stereotypes about your organization that you think are correct/incorrect?
TB: There are many stereotypes about Greek life that are incorrect. But for one, I can’t speak for every single organization, but my organization is a NON-hazing organization and we very much stick to that.
MP: Overall, would you recommend joining Greek life to new students at Rhodes? What would they gain from this experience?
TB: I definitely would recommend joining Greek life to new students at Rhodes! Especially if you are in the same position I was in as a freshman. Finding your niche is tough and this definitely provides that community at Rhodes but also across the world.
and a few questions just for fun…
MP: What was the last book you read? Would you recommend it?
TB: The last book I read…that I actually enjoyed…was Beloved by Toni Morrison. I would definitely recommend it! So many hidden meanings, symbolism, and things you can interpret. And, if you need help interpreting it definitely take Dr. McKinney’s (my favorite professor) African American History class, he is the OG and the best professor on this campus hands down.
MP: What song are you listening to on repeat right now?
TB: “Love Again” by Daniel Ceaser featuring Brandy and Frontal Lobe Muzik. His last album was a complete BOP and stays on repeat.
MP: Other clubs/extracurriculars you’re involved with on campus?
TB: I am a Bonner Scholar and a member of the Black Student Association.
MP: Majors/Minors? Career plans? What year are you?
TB: I major in Psychology and minor in Africana Studies. I am currently a senior (woot woot!). I plan on attending graduate school after this to get a Masters in Social Work. Afterward, I am hoping to work in nonprofit work and eventually have my own nonprofit! For now, I just need to get through undergrad ?. But I’m almost there!