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Interviewees: Linda Simms Chin and Regina Williams

Interviewers: Dr. Mark Naison and Dr. Schrader

Summary by Serena Velasquez

Linda Simms Chin and Regina Williams are line sisters, having joined the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority on the same day and same year. Sharing their personal and professional experiences in the Bronx and as advocacies for their community, Linda and Regina’s southern and Caribbean roots encapsulate the mixture of culture and community they sought after through the sorority. With this connection in their familial backgrounds, Chin and Williams also discuss growing up in the Bronx, their individual journeys, and how they ended up in the same position today. Whilst Williams had been exposed to Alpha Kappa Alpha throughout her whole life from empowering, feminine figures, Chin learned later in life about its profoundness. Though, both of their involvement comes from a place of commitment to service and empowerment.

Both Chin and Williams share their most impactful memories of being a part of Alpha Kappa Alpha, gaining their sense of community and cultural pride from this sorority, as well as their resilience and leadership. Chin’s fondness comes from Extra Shiny Penny, a partnership with TD Bank that brings economic stability and teaches kids about saving their money, as well as including every member regardless of their age, making sure that the seniors get home safely in times of distress. Williams reminisces on her efforts during Hurricane Katrina, being at the forefront of the natural disaster in order to advocate for those in need. Her sense of accomplishment with this organization occurred when she came together with a community to celebrate their sorority’s centennial where they broke the Guinness Book of World Records for the largest silver plated meal, with over 20,000 people served. Needless to say, both Chin and Williams are crucial members of their sorority, making proactive contributions and infrastructural growth to their communities and advocating for it.

With their sorority-led initiatives that help unite the Bronx and its inhabitants, Chin and Williams feel a sense of optimism and pride for their borough. Both of them discuss that a prime example of this sisterhood was evident during Barack Obama’s presidency. This could be seen through both Chin and Williams, whether it was Chin reminiscing of the progress and resilience of African-Americans in the United States, or Williams discussing the fulfillment of seeing lines for blocks and blocks of people ready to vote and make this momentous day to occur. Chin and Williamas recognize and acknowledge the importance of representation and advocacy of their cultural identities. Both Chin and Williams continue to participate in this perseverance with their community’s progress, highlighting the impact of their public services and outreach for the Bronx in its entirety.

Disciplines

African American Studies | Public History

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