Deltas

Leadership Highlight: Alexis Bellamy the 2018 President of Delta Sigma Theta at North Carolina Central University

In an effort to highlight the young leaders who are leading undergraduate chapters across the nation, we at Watch The Yard reached out to the women of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.’s Alpha Lambda Chapter at North Carolina Central University and did an interview with Alexis Bellamy the 2018 president of the chapter.

The position of president of an undergraduate chapter of a Black sorority is a highly respected role and there is a special pride that one takes. 24-year-old Alexis Bellamy has used the position to gain new leadership experience, improve the lives of other students on campus and help the community around him.

We interviewed the Nursing major and talked about her position, goals, future and what it means to hold a leadership position on campus in the digital age.

Read the full interview below.

What does it mean to be a chapter president to you?
When I first became a Delta, I probably never imagined becoming a Chapter President. However, as time went on, it seemed only natural that I assume the role and responsibility. It’s definitely a lot of hard work, long nights, delegation of tasks & sometimes even some micromanaging, but at the end of every program or event, when I see how successful we are, it’s all worthwhile. On top of that, knowing my sisters trust me to lead them and run the chapter makes me feel like I’m serving my purpose for our Sorority.

What made you decide to attend North Carolina Central University for undergrad?
I actually didn’t plan to attend college right after high school. I wanted to go to the Air Force, lol. I had some very compassionate faculty around me in high school who insisted I apply to colleges and for scholarships. At the time of graduation, I had been offered 4 full ride scholarships and 7 partial scholarships. NCCU had the best full ride package, giving me a stipend and laptop, so that’s where I ended up.

What specific initiatives is your chapter heading up this year and how do you think they will improve the campus/surrounding community?
Alpha Lambda has always been big on mental health awareness and advocacy. Annually, we have a My Cry in the Dark program where we reach out to Sorors to speak to the ladies and ultimately to lead an open discussion about some of the weight on our shoulders. Mental health can be so poorly addressed in our African American communities. So often our “sad thoughts” are swept under the rug as if they don’t exist – but they do and it’s important for us to acknowledge that. It’s okay to not be okay. It’s okay to not be the strong friend once in a while. We all need and deserve self care. Alpha Lambda strives to remind the community of this and encourage others to reach out for help when needed.

What made you want to pledge Delta Sigma Theta?
I was first introduced to greek life in 5th grade in Atlanta when I went to my first step show. I can honestly say I had no idea that fraternities and sororities entailed so much. In high school, the compassionate faculty that urged me to apply for colleges were composed of AKAs and Deltas. It was when I accepted my scholarship offer that I began to look more into the different sororities. After an immense amount of research, I knew in my heart, deep in my soul, that Delta Sigma Theta was the only way for me. Even when I got to campus and our chapter got suspended for several years, I knew that if the Deltas weren’t coming back, I just wasn’t pledging in undergrad.

Photo by @shot_by_ke

What is it about your specific chapter that makes it so unique?
Alpha Lambda was the first chapter of DST that was chartered in NC. We were also the first chapter on our yard.

We now live in a digital world, what do you think undergraduate chapters across all orgs need to do to represent themselves online in 2019?
Social media is the primary source of advertising these days. In order to attract quality members, we need to ensure that our social medias are portraying a lifestyle conducive to the kind of members we wish to bring into our organizations.

What does leadership mean to you?
Leadership isn’t always someone who was president of all their orgs and clubs. Leadership isn’t always portrayed as knowing all the right answers. It’s about a willingness to lead, to learn as you go, and a promise to be just in decision making. I never thought I’d be Chapter President, but it just felt right. I definitely don’t have all the answers, but I have a vast amount of resources when I need help. Everyday I’m continuously learning what works and what doesn’t work for my chapter.

Why do you think Watch The Yard is important to Black greekdom?
Watch the Yard is one of the few platforms that highlights positivity and in greekdom. In a day and age where BGLOs are beginning to lose their exclusivity, making for more deviant behaviors and attitudes, it’s refreshing to be able to go to Watch the Yard and be reminded of what makes our orgs so great anyway.

What does sisterhood mean to you?
Sisterhood means being your sister’s keeper above all else. When my sister hurts, I hurt; when she cries, I cry; when she wanna have a good time, we having a great time. If I got it, you can believe she got it too. The bond we share means so much – I can’t imagine any of my sisters needing for anything because we all got each other. Forever.

What do you plan on doing after graduation?
I graduate December 2019!! I’m going to study my tail off for this NCLEX and hopefully pass the FIRST time. Then, I’m coming to a hospital near you!

We at Watch The Yard would like to commend Alexis Bellamy for her work as the president of Alpha Lambda Chapter which has a long legacy that spans back to 1931.