The Generations of Epsilon Sigma

Monika Monk, Chapter Visitation Assistant | From the TBS 75th Anniversary Podium Special Edition

The Epsilon Sigma chapter, from Norfolk State University, was re-charted on April 28, 1991. Since our re-charter, each generation of sisters have had unique experiences within the sisterhood; from what inspired us to initially join to our feelings about the impact HBCU chapters make in our organization.

Being from an HBCU chapter may seem like a foreign concept to some. Some don’t even know what HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) are or the impact they have made on our organization. This article was written to give everyone a perspective of not only the generations within the Epsilon Sigma chapter but to also give a glimpse of what it is like to be from an HBCU chapter in TB∑. We cannot speak for all HBCU chapters within our organization, but here is our perspective from the Epsilon Sigma chapter.

Why did you join Tau Beta Sigma National Honorary Band Sorority, Inc.?

 Author Isadora James said, “A sister is a gift to the heart, a friend to the spirit, a golden thread to the meaning of life.” This is truly what Tau Beta Sigma is all about.  While visiting the beautiful campus of Norfolk State University on a HBCU College Tour in 1992, I had the wonderful opportunity to witness The Marching Spartan Legion Band and the sisters of Tau Beta Sigma working hard alongside the band by welcoming all the high school students and parents to the showcase.  I admired the musicianship, sisterhood, love, dedication, and overall standard of excellence that the sisters of TBS exhibited. Not to mention the vision and mission statements, and the eight to five, it was at that moment that I knew I was in the right place, at the right time, for the right reasons, with the right organization!   My interest in this esteemed organization has grown stronger and stronger each day.  It is truly an honor to be selected to serve this “Lifetime Commitment” to greater bands.

Vedette D. Spellman– M.Ed, EdS
Spring 2000
Life Member
TBSAA Member

 What does it mean to be from an HBCU Chapter?

The HBCU experience in general is a unique one. It is essentially a microcosm full of melanated experiences. Connecting that to my experience being a member of an HBCU Chapter just amplifies that experience. It is amazing to see the full spectrum of greatness in people that look like you. It means absolutely everything to me to be from an HBCU chapter. It means culture, connection, and something I wouldn’t change for the world.

Ashely Robinson
Fall 2005
Life Member
TBSAA Member

What makes/made your chapter experience unique?

My experience in Epsilon Sigma was unique because when my line was initiated in the Fall of 2007, just about the whole chapter graduated that December except for two people! We each held office that spring and went right to work. With the guidance of our advisor and Alumni, we were able to successfully execute the duties not only our particular office, but to uphold the standards of our chapter and organization as a whole.

Brittany Currin
Fall 2007
Alumni Member

How do you see Tau Beta Sigma as better because of our chapters at HBCUs?

Tau Beta Sigma is a National Organization that is present across hundreds of chapters at both PWI and HBCU college campuses. This means that there are a variety of different backgrounds and experiences that can provide so much to our organization as a whole. Over the years, in fact, I have had the privilege of being able to see the National Leadership of Tau Beta Sigma be more inclusive to people of different color and they take the suggestions of these people seriously. Why is this, you might ask? Because there are chapters at schools where there is a lot of Black and Brown representation. The voices of these minority groups are a driving force for the future of the organization, and keeping their influence in the equation as the chapters across the country continue to grow is vital for us in the long run.

Tia Morton
Spring 2020
Active Member