The title alone of the brand new VH1 reality show, Sorority Sisters, is enough to spark controversy in itself. After it’s premiere on Monday, December 15th, 2014, it left many members of the African American Greek life heavily critical. This show is executive produced by Robert Horowitz of Juma Entertainment, set in Atlanta, GA, and sent the viewers into a frenzy due to its’ portrayal of sorority sisters. It follows the lives of nine ladies all of whom belong to one of the many prestigious African American sororities and gives us a look into just what it takes to uphold the values of their respective organizations.
First we have Adrene, she is the owner of her own boutique, House of Adrene, and is one of the “it” fashionistas of Atlanta. Unfortunately, her life is anything but a fairytale with the combination of being miles and miles away from her family and a recent break-up with her boyfriend. Adrene can be portrayed as guarded when it comes to those who want to get close to her.
Next, there is April, whose no stranger to fashion due to the fact that she also runs her own store, House of Couture Boutique. While balancing providing speech therapy to clients, she also manages to keep her business afloat. We get a glimpse inside as she attempts to grow her brand by taking House of Couture Boutique online.
Then we have Cat, a young sister who just wants to find her calling as a photographer. After working as an assistant to Derek Blanks, one of the top photographers in the business, Cat finds herself wanting more. She’s taking the initiative towards becoming a professional photographer.
Onto to Joy, this young lady works as a teacher but is truly set on her dream of being an actress. As the season progresses, we will see if that dream can come true.
Next we have Lydia, who got the chance to shine as a professional dancer for singer, Robin Thicke, at the Video Music Awards. However, things take a toll on Lydia who is a single, working Mother of a four-year-old daughter. After the difficult decision to leave her daughter with Lydia’s Mother and grandmother in order for her to get her life together, she’s stuck at a crossroads. Placing her dreams of being a dancer on the backburner, Lydia finds herself exploring another avenue of interest, Public Relations. Lydia hopes that this is the best choice to get her daughter back where she belongs.
Metoya is definitely one of the most unique names on this cast and from her background, it’s not surprising. She works for a clinical research organization and like Lydia, is also a single Mother. As she moves forward, it appears she wants to patch things up with the Father of her child and after admitting to still having feelings for him, it will be interesting to see how it all unfolds.
Arguably one of the most decorated members of the “Sorority Sisters” cast, Priyanka, is definitely the epitome of unique. Honorably known for being a former Miss ASU, she lives young and free as many young women do. Never one to bite her tongue or silence herself for others, she will go great lengths to protect the ones she cares about.
Shanna, definitely a member who stands out the most due to her race. As a child, she grew up obsese but after years of working hard, she managed to lose over fifty pounds. This dedication transferred over into her adult life where she managed to be one of the rare Caucasian members of an African American sorority.
Last but not least, there’s Veronica, she could be seen as a young woman of many talents from choreography and dancing to being a make-up artist. She was also a former cheerleader for the Atlanta Hawks but was let go after an injury derailed her career. Veronica also has a fiancé whom she’s in a long distance relationship with, bringing along its’ own share of problems when it comes to finalizing their wedding. Veronica has to choose between pursuing her a dance career or finding time to move closer to the man that she will marry.
These women are opinionated as well as educated, both of which being excellent combinations for television. For these sisters, the work doesn’t stop once you’ve graduated, its’ just started. From the unbreakable bonds of sisterhood, to the everyday stress of fulfilling obligations as a sister, life for them is more than a roller coaster.
However, the show has definitely received its fair share of backlash from the Greek community as would be expected. Not only is it not affiliated or endorsed by the sororities in which they represent, there have even been petitions to stop the show altogether. With all that being said, it’s obvious from the trailer that there will be no shortage of drama leaving many wondering if this show will actually promote the positivity of Greek sisterhood.
After all, it’s on the same network as Love and Hip Hop which many would say shines a negative light on the African American community. We can only hope that after the dust settles and we dive deeper into this first season of “Sorority Sisters”, that the good outweighs the bad. Check out Vh1’s official trailer for the show below!
http://youtu.be/WzgQlRimreU
Follow Hip Hop Enquirer now on twitter and Instagram by clicking on the links.