Black History Month Spotlight: ‘Delaware State University helped me become who I am today’

In honor of Black History Month, we will be spotlighting some of our team members and their stories, as well as the organizations and schools they represent. Meet Taylor Billinger, PHL Air Operations Specialist, who gives insight on how attending Delaware State University and being a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority opened the door to experiences with different cultures and people with diverse backgrounds.

Black History Month is a time of celebration, it is a time to show recognition to the African American community. I attended Delaware State College, now known as Delaware State University, which was established May 15, 1891. The college was created for colored students to obtain an education, institutions with this background are referred to as Historically Black Colleges or Universities (HBCU). The Institution was built on a 95-acre property in Dover, Delaware which is where the university has grown since.

While attending an HBCU, I experienced diversity on many levels. I never knew of the many different cultures, religions, and other diversions of people who looked like me. I was surrounded by people from all sorts of backgrounds. At Delaware State University, there were a selection of organization to join such as the African Student Association, International Students Association, D.A.C.A, and many more.

I am also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc (AKA). Many people have been curious to learn more about the 'pink and green' since our very own Kamala Harris has been elected as Vice President of the United States. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. was founded January 15, 1908 at Howard University. Alpha Kappa Alpha is made up of over 300,000 members worldwide. Alpha Kappa Alpha is a sisterhood that strives for a mission and providing 'Service to All Mankind' is just one of the many initiatives we reach.

Delaware State University prepared me for the real world. It was there that I became who I am today. I was involved as much as possible and created lifelong relationships with my former professors and classmates. I am still heavily involved with my alma mater; I am a part of the Delaware State University Alumni Association (DSUAA), an organization for DSU graduates to come together and support the university and current students. I have learned the importance of giving back to the university. Alpha Kappa Alpha is also a lifetime commitment. I have learned so much from being a part of this sisterhood filled with inspiring women. I will forever have people to look up to and help me in life when called for. HBCUs really create a family-like bond that cannot be broken.

I graduated from Delaware State University, so did my mother and my sister is currently a freshman. I am proud to know that my family has a legacy at DSU. The fact that my little sister is a Delaware State Hornet makes me proud. She can continue the legacy. Your HBCU roots become stronger when you have been a part of it for generations. My mother would always tell us stories from when she was a student. Now that I am in the DSUAA, it is great to be able to have connections with some of her friends from her time. They always have the best stories and they talk about how different it was when they were in school. No matter the era, Delaware State University has the same spirit and feel.

I think being able to attend an HBCU while having a dose of diversity has helped me connect with PSA team members. I can have an open mind to others when it comes to understanding their views. Here at PSA, I had an opportunity to work with the Disrupting Everyday Bias program and it was great to incorporate what I learned from interacting with students at my HBCU.

Fun Facts:

AKA is the oldest black Greek-lettered sorority

AKA is one of the 9 black Greek organizations that make up the Divine 9

Only members of AKA "Skee-Wee" to greet each other

Colors of AKA are Salmon Pink and Apple Green