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What inspired you to write the book?
There are so many sides to predominantly African-American
Sororities and Fraternities that remain to be explored.
There are just as many stories to be told. When we begin
to focus on just one aspect, we dishonor the rich legacy
of their presence. By writing There Was A Spirit, I
wanted to honor my fellow Greeks with a story they could
embrace because it was their own.
If the book were turned into a film what actors
would you like to see cast?
It is really hard to say! I would love to see the main
character Najwa Jackson played by Sanaa Lathan or maybe
Nona Gaye. If this were 1976, Tamara Dobson (Cleopatra
Jones) would play Najwa without a doubt! Everyone imagines
Dakota as this tall handsome, chocolate brother who
is also fun, sensitive and caring. Dakota could be played
by Cress Williams (Scooter - Living Single). Trust me
on this one!
Can you tell readers about your book "Break It Down
Now!"
"Break it Down Now" was a book that I wrote but never
released for public consumption. I spent five years
on a National Award Winning Step Team. (Delta Sigma
Theta - Chicago Alumnae Chapter) During that time, the
members of the team shared experiences that changed
the way in which we approached life adversities and
challenges. As the presence of Youth Praise & Drill
Teams grew, I felt that our experiences could benefit
them in several ways. Though the book was never offered
to the public, a Step Team "Boot Camp" was established
after its concept. Team building, leadership and self-esteem
building activities were the emphasis.
Where can this book be purchased?
1. "Break It Down Now" is not available for purchase
at this moment. However, due to an overwhelming interest,
I am in the process of editing it for release to the
public. More information about its release will come
soon on my website.
2. There Was A Spirit can be purchased on my website
at www.knoellepublishing.com,
amazon.com, borders.com
and in various book and Greek Stores in the Midwest.
More information can be found on my site about purchase
locations.
Will there be a sequel to "There Was A Spirit?"
Yes. There Was A Spirit is a novel series. There will
be two more novels that will complete this story. However,
as I have received letters from my readers, many are
asking for spin-offs of their favorite characters. I
believe that readers are looking for something different
and every character in There Was A Spirit can offer
that reading stimulation. I have actually begun the
research to write a spin-off on the sorority's founders.
That story will take the reader into the early 1900's
for a look at the historical and human side of the founding.
Every Greek at one point wonders what happened when
the meeting of the minds came together to form their
organization. This spin-off will attempt to paint a
picture of what it could have been like for each of
them.
What does being a member of Delta Sigma Theta mean
to you?
Being a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. has
several meanings in my life. I believe that regardless
of our affiliations, we have a basic responsibility
to the welfare of the human race. Being a member of
Delta Sigma Theta is just one way in which I publicly
acknowledge and fulfill that responsibility. It means
a lifetime commitment of public service to my community.
It means that to whom much is given much is required.
Do you think that Black sororities on predominately
white campuses face special challenges?
I believe all chapters of sororities have the same basic
challenges; maintaining academic requirements (G.P.A.),
hazing and chapter vitality. However, on predominately
white campuses those challenges are coupled with a lack
of understanding of the culture of African-Americans
in general. As a result, African American Sororities
face special challenges. In my opinion, a tremendous
amount of time and energy is spent on all the aspects
that attribute to their failure (i.e. hazing and meeting
University requirements) While these areas are important,
more time should be spent on what it takes to help them
succeed. I commend my fellow Greek Campus and Graduate
Advisors (especially those who are volunteers) who take
on that challenge. It is not easy. But I believe we
are finally making strides as more books are coming
out that celebrate and seek to educate the public on
the legacy and culture of the Predominantly Black Sororities
and Fraternities.
Any comments?
I would just like to encourage everyone to pick up a
copy of There Was A Spirit. Read it with an open mind
because it is definitely different from what most may
be used to seeing in a sorority fiction scenario. No
matter what organization you are affiliated with you
will find a little bit of yourself and your sorority
in this book. Lastly, I would like to also encourage
all members of predominantly African American, Latina/Hispanic
and Multi-Cultural Sororities to continue to strive
for Excellence!
 Kimberly
Noelle interview copyright Dorrie Williams-Wheeler,
and Thabiz.com 2005
Dorrie Williams-Wheeler is the author of Be
My Sorority Sister Under Pressure and the Unplanned
Pregnancy Book for Teens and College Students. She
is the founder of Thabiz.com
and Imissthe80s.com
and writes for the Rap,
Teen, and
1980s section
at Bellaonline.com. She is an ASCAP member as a writer
and a publisher. Please contact Dorrie for advertising
inquiries, lyric writing inquiries, reprint rights,
paying
entertainment jobs, or general comments.
Visit Dorrie on the web at www.sparkledoll.com
or e-mail her at webmaster@thabiz.com.
Interview may not be reprinted, copied or distributed.
You may link to this interview.
Interview copyright Dorrie Williams-Wheeler, thabiz.com
October 2005.
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