Lambda Fe Usöñ

HISTORY

Lambda Fe Usöñ Sorority, Incorporated is an organization with a short history but also with many plans for the future.

The organization started in 1995 as an interest group on the Stony Brook campus of the State University of New York. Soon after the group formed, the goals of the young women involved changed. The new plan was to start a sorority based on the dream of strengthening the unity that exists between African-American and Latina women. However, not all of the members of the interest group chose to be involved, and the group was narrowed down to its two founding mothers, and its seven founding sisters. Starting an organization like this was an arduous task. There were many processes, afflictions, and barriers that stood in the way of the sisters. The group did persist, however, and finally became recognized as a sorority in 1996 on the campus of SUNY Stony Brook.

Lambda Fe Usöñ has now existed for two years and has so far initiated two strong pledge classes to their sisterhood. The Alpha line consisted of 6 young ladies, though only four finished the process. Just being a part of this historic first pledge class displays the strength of these four young women. This Alpha line crossed in the Spring of 1997 after enduring weeks of intensive self-upliftment along with the criticism of outsiders. The Fall of 1997marked the initiation of the organization's Beta Line. Four strong, this line of young ladies developed bonds that personify the word sisterhood. The Beta Line has contributed greatly to the sorority's visibility since their induction. All will work together to continue the legacy of the founding sisters of the organization.

Though the initial goal was to unite African American and Latina women, the group has not limited itself. The sorority has, since gaining recognition, also included membership of sisters with Greek, Indian, and South American backgrounds. The sisters in the organization are known as D.I.V.A.S. or Diversified, Intelligent, Valiant, Authentic, Sisters and take pride in living up to their title.

In initiating new D.I.V.A.S., focus is placed on strengthening the mental ability, cultural awareness, physical well being, self-esteem, and social character of prospective members. Emphasis within the organization is placed on service to the community and to the Stony Brook campus. The D.I.V.A.S. of Lambda Fe Usöñ have been involved in various projects including and not limited to Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Blood Drives, the Special Olympics, volunteering at Stony Brook's Midnight Madness, 'Tis the Season, and volunteering in soup kitchens, the university hospital and at churches. The D.I.V.A.S. have also worked with other organizations at Stony Brook including fraternities, Greeley and Gershwin colleges, and are currently working on developing projects with NYPIRG. Lambda Fe Usöñ has also co-sponsored Stony Brook's first Black Expo and performed in the 1st annual Unity Fashion Show.

In its short existence, Lambda Fe Usöñ has managed to receive awards for its excellence. In the Spring of 1998, the sorority received an award for "Best Program". The Inter-Fraternity and Sorority Council (IFSC) presented this honor at SUNY Stony Brook for an educational about Taino Indian culture. The program was co-sponsored by a fraternity on-campus, which shares the honor. Another D.I.V.A. honor was received by co-founding mother Annette D. for "leadership" and was also presented by the IFSC. Most recently, Founding Sister Elizabeth S. was crowned Homecoming Queen at the University of Stony Brook.

The name and letters of Lambda Fe Usöñ are a reflection of the group's goal of diversity. Lambda is a letter in the Greek alphabet, which stands for unity. The backward "F" stands for Fe (pronounced fay) and is Spanish for faith. The "U" stands for Usöñ, a word meaning strength from Efik, which is one of the many languages spoken on the African continent. Together, these three letters underline some of the strong beliefs of the sisters. Without dependence on these three principles (Unity, Faith, and Strength), the organization would have never existed.