Black Greekdom Mourns The Passing of Delta Sigma Theta’s Aretha Franklin

Black greekdom is currently mourning the passing of Delta Sigma Theta soror Aretha Franklin.

Franklin died at age 76 Thursday morning in her hometown of Detroit after battling pancreatic cancer.

Known as the ‘Queen of Soul’ her career started as a child singing gospel at New Bethel Baptist Church in Detroit, where her father, C. L. Franklin, was minister. In 1960, at the age of 18, she signed to Columbia Records and later signed to Atlantic Records in 1967, where she made hit songs including “Respect”, “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman”, “Spanish Harlem” and “Think”.

Aretha became the most charted female artist in the Billboard history. She recorded 112 charted singles on Billboard, including 77 Hot 100 entries,100 R&B entries, 17 top ten pop singles,  and 20 number-one R&B singles.

Selling over 75 million records worldwide throughout her career, Aretha became one of the best-selling musical artists of all time. She was the first female performer inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Aretha was a honorary member of Delta Sigma Theta. The national headquarters of the sorority tweeted the following graphic shortly after the announcement was made that she had passed away.

pic.twitter.com/PHZkL3xSAz

— Delta Sigma Theta (@dstinc1913) August 16, 2018

Her sorority sisters across the nation have reached out to share their condolences.

On behalf of the Iota Alpha Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc, Our deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of Soror Aretha Franklin. Thank you for sharing your gift with the world. Rest in Heaven Soror ❤️ pic.twitter.com/cjk4f4DCaG

— Iota Alpha (@IA_Deltas) August 16, 2018

Many people don’t know but Aretha Franklin is an honorary member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. so, on this day we mourn the loss of not only an icon in music, but also a sister ❤️ May you Rest In Heaven Soror ??

— hi, i'm chasity (@chat_twizzle) August 16, 2018

Aretha was an activist in her own right. She wrote/performed songs that became civil rights anthems, posted bail to help activists get out of jail, hosted fundraisers and promoted voting rights.