They got ready for parties and shared countless laughs as freshmen in the dormitories of the University of Maryland at College Park. They bonded over being Black women at a university where, in 1971, only 4% of the student body was Black. Friends dubbed the tight-knit group of women Sugar Hill, and the name stuck.
"It was unique for that many African American females to be in one place," says Elizabeth Gholston, an early member. "During that time, you needed that kind of camaraderie and cohesiveness."
On Dec. 14, 1973, the women, most of them college seniors, gathered to celebrate a birthday and an early graduation. But that wasn't the end of the friend group. By the evening's end, they decided they should meet again the following December. And the next one. And the next one.
For the past 50 years, the women have met at least once a year for dinners, sleepovers and vacations. The 16 women of the Sugar Hill Sisterhood, as they now call themselves, have leaned on one another through decades of milestones: weddings and graduations, baby showers and funerals.
There's no challenge too big for the sisterhood, says Everene JohnsonTurner. "I could call in the troops in a minute."
Lasting Traditions
While many people have friendships that span decades, the women of Sugar Hill are something of a case study in what it takes to maintain them. Although the bond among them was forged during college, they've worked hard to stay connected and nurture their relationships. A group chat helps them stay in touch daily, as do phone calls, video chats and remote group activities like a 90-day fitness challenge. They are committed to their annual reunions and have maintained unwavering support for one another.
"People are in awe that all these women in all these years, we haven't had a fight, we haven't had a breakup or anything like that. We respect each other's individuality," says Jonetta Hill.
This story is from the November 2024 edition of Reader's Digest US.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the November 2024 edition of Reader's Digest US.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Election Day Memories - Stories about voting by the people, for the people
A Convincing Argument When my boyfriend and I were finally old enough to vote in our first presidential election, we spent months debating with one another about our chosen candidates. We were quite persuasive, as we discovered when we got home from the polls and learned that we'd both voted for the other's initial choice.―SHERRY FOX Appleton, WI
A New Way to Monitor Blood Sugar
Who can benefit from this wearable technology
A Flag for Dad
An old sailor made a last wish. His son was determined to see that it came true.
Sisterhood to Last a Lifetime
These college pals teach a master class in how to maintain a friendship for 50-plus years
...TO DIE ON A HOCKEY RINK
ONE MINUTE I WAS PLAYING IN MY BEER LEAGUE, THE NEXT I WAS IN THE HOSPITAL
Yes, There's a Museum for That!
These collections are wacky, wonderful and worth a visit
Town Meeting Is Called!
Once a year, the people of Elmore, Vermont, gather to practice a cherished right: democracy
Just Tight
Broken, battered and trapped in a ravine for days, a desperate driver wonders, \"Will anyone find me?\"
WHY OUR BODIES DON'T DIG DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME
Twice a year, when we spring ahead and fall back, we're more prone to sleepiness, depression and accidents
MONEYSAVING DO'S AND DON'TS
The run-up to the holidays doesn't have to bah-humbug your budget. A shopping expert shares strategies for saving big now and all year round.
