A Conversation with Zoe Hammond on Mentoring, Alpha Kappa Alpha, and Life at Syracuse

By: Isabella Magalhaes Edited by: Eleanor Unsworth

Syracuse University junior Zoe Hammond has been cast into the world of influencers. On her TikTok account, which has amassed over 250,000 total likes, she shares her experiences as a Black girl from Philadelphia at SU. 

As a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Hammond proudly cherishes her sisterhood and emphasizes the importance of Greek life for students at Syracuse, especially those of color, by constantly shouting them out and showering them with love on her TikTok page. The Divine Nine are the African American Greek-letter organizations that create the National Pan-Hellenic Council. Throughout the interview, we view how being a social media creator, AKA, and a Black woman has shaped her experience on campus. 

What motivates you to help freshmen navigate college life? Do you share advice because you wish someone had done that for you? 

The fact that I didn't really see anyone speaking about the Black experience at Syracuse motivated me to share. There are a lot of things I didn't know I would experience when I came to this school, because nobody ever talked about them. The three people who were super TikTok famous and who I was interested in watching in high school were only talking about one perspective: all the darties for game days and the basketball games in the winter. That is part of Syracuse, but honestly, now that I'm here, that hasn't really been most of my experience. Most of my experience has really been on the side where people of color hang out, and then my sorority, too. So I wanted to kind of share to give other students a perspective, like, oh, yeah, this is one part of Syracuse, but there's a whole, complete other side that you're missing out on hearing about because nobody's talking about it. 

Taylor Russell once said, “I got to play a strength you don’t always see in a Black girl.” On your TikTok, you’ve embraced the title of “bougie Black girl.” Why do you think it’s essential to represent the diverse aspects and strengths that Black women can embody online and at Syracuse? Why does that matter to you? 

Oh, definitely. It's really important to embrace that because I feel like a lot of people don't really see that side of Black women. Since coming to SU, a lot of the interactions that I've had with White students, specifically male White students, assume that I'm coming from somewhere that I’m not, so they can be dismissive sometimes. A lot of people don't really think about how Black people are all different, especially Black women. They only see one version of us in movies and TV, and don't really understand how someone could have an experience outside of that. So it's really important for me to show that side of myself, because even though being bougie might sometimes have negative connotations, I never really saw it as a negative; I just have high expectations for things. 

A lot of the students I talk to don't know about the Black sororities and fraternities on campus. Do you think that encourages you to represent them and speak out more about it on your page? 

Definitely, because I know that for a lot of people coming here, especially because in New York, people don't see it as much or don't value it as much. And this is just my experience being here. But in Philly, it's a really big thing. In Philadelphia, everybody's either in a Kappa, an AK, a Delta, an Alpha, or a Q. So seeing that people don't really understand it or understand the significance of it here definitely makes me a little bit disappointed because it's such a big thing in other regions of the country. I think it should also be pretty significant on this campus. 

How has being part of AKA changed your experience at SU? What would you say to Black freshmen who are struggling to find their place or community on campus?

It's honestly changed my experience for the better. I feel like in freshman year, I was definitely locked in on school, but I was also really lost. I was looking for guidance and a community where I really felt I could genuinely fit in and belong. Being an AKA has given me that. One of my big sisters was from my Jack and Jill chapter at home, so I knew her before. But all the people that I came into the chapter with share similar goals and values. That’s really important, and definitely something I recommend others look for in friends. That has been one of the best things about being part of my chapter. It's also made me a lot busier, too. I feel like my free time is all over the place. But I really, really enjoy that. It’s encouraged me to try a lot of cool things that I haven't been able to try before, like strolling or community service in the area. It's giving me a platform to serve the Syracuse community. The poverty and homelessness that affect Syracuse are noticeable. Even being on Marshall Street, you see it. Giving back reminds me that there are people who are struggling, and that we need to give back to them. Sometimes I feel like the university and some students don't always do the best job of that. So, it's just given me a really nice opportunity to give back to the community that's given so much to me as a student. 

Why do you believe the Divine Nine is important, and why do you think it continues to be an important part of campus culture today?

It's important because these are the spaces we created to serve the community at large, but mostly our communities. And these are the only programs that directly invest in the Black community. I feel like a lot of what TikTok shows, like the nupes and everything, has definitely made it look less serious than it is. Currently, you can see even on campus how SU has been making changes, specifically closing the Office of Diversity and Inclusion. They’re trying to take us off campus because we're a really powerful voice on campus, whether or not other students realize it. And many people in Divine Nine organizations hold powerful roles on campus or more broadly. Kamala Harris is a part of AKA, and I always use her as an example anytime I speak to people who might not know what my sorority is about. But people who don't see the significance of AKA ignore that it exists, or don't really inquire when they see things, because it's an experience outside of themselves. I feel like it's such an important thing in Black culture and American culture in general. 

What are the ways you think Syracuse University could spread more information about AKA and the other Black fraternities and sororities on campus? 

Definitely doing more programming. Before you rush, you have to attend a Greek Life 101 session that covers all the councils, but I don't really think that's enough. SU should make people who are interested in Greek life do a bit more work to understand what it is, maybe even if they mention it during First Year Seminar (a one-credit, semester-long course designed to help students better understand themselves, the campus, and the community). I know that the biggest event my council has this semester is Quad Freak, a big step show where we talk about our organizations and everything. So, making some people attend Quad Freak or showing them videos would be helpful, too. 

Hammond has grown, loved, and survived the challenges at Syracuse University. But making sure that the Divine Nine is recognized for its contributions on campus isn’t a battle for only her; it’s one for all of us. Syracuse University must be equitable in its recognition and treatment of different councils, especially as rushing approaches. Creating open spaces, especially for Black students, is so important, especially as a school that values its diversity and inclusivity on campus. Appreciating the work done is essential to Syracuse University so it can continue its mission as an inclusive and student-focused institution. Spreading the word and educating more students in First Year Seminar allows for the Divine Nine community—a group that has taken the time to give back time and time again to Syracuse University—to be recognized. 

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