Anyone who truly knows me, knows that I LOVE my sorority to the depths of my soul. This year has been nothing but glorious, dynamic, and truly inspirational, as I was able to enjoy the festivities and celebrations of this momentous Centennial Year. However, before I go any further, let my provide you a bit of history of my dynamic Sorority:
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority was founded on the campus of Howard University on January 13, 1913 by twenty-two collegiate women. These women wanted to use their collective strength to promote academic excellence; to provide support to the underserved; educate and stimulate participation in the establishment of positive public policy; and to highlight issues and provide solutions to problems in their communities. The first public act performed by the Founders of Delta Sigma Theta involved their participation in the Women’s Suffrage March in Washington, D.C. in March of 1913. Later in 1930, the Sorority was incorporated.
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated is a sisterhood made up of more than 200,000 predominately Black college educated women. The Sorority currently has over 900 chapters located in the United States; England, Japan (Tokyo and Okinawa), Germany, the Virgin Islands, Bermuda, the Bahamas and the Republic of Korea. The major programs of the sorority are based upon the organization’s Five Programmatic Thrust:
- Economic Development
- Educational Development
- International Awareness and Involvement
- Physical and Mental Health
- Political Awareness and Involvement
Five years ago, I was initiated into Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated through the Iota Chapter in the Spring of 2008, and upon graduation, I transferred into the Boston Alumnae Chapter. I’ve held several leadership positions as a member and it was in this year alone, that my current chapter, Boston Alumnae, was the recipient of several awards and recognized at the National Convention this past week: the Eastern Region Chapter of the Year, the Centennial Award for Membership Services, and the Regional Award for Delta G.E.M.S. (Growing and Empowering Myself Successfully) and Delta Academy.
Throughout my years, thus far, I’ve learned from those who came before me and after me, what it means to be a part of an illustrious and powerful organization that is much larger than myself. Delta Sigma Theta is lifetime commitment and I will strive to continue to learn and be the best Delta and sister that I can possibly be.
As a proud, yet humble member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, I was able to revel in the “Red Sea” of my sorority sisters as we “painted the town”—err District of Columbia, red. Although, I was not registered to enjoy the formal workshops and entertainment of the National Convention, held in Washington, D.C., I was able to enjoy the perks that were surrounding the city. With over 40,000 members of DST in the city, there was much to explore and enjoy. Below are several photos that will illustrate to you just how dynamic my sorority is. Please note, that these pictures are just a few examples that don’t come close to showing you how truly impactful and influential Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated is. I’m truly blessed, honored, and humbled to be a member of DST!!
The National President, Dr. Cynthia Butler-McIntyre, and Delta Leadership had the opportunity of meeting and sitting down in the Oval Office with President Barack Obama.
Angela Bassett, Susan Taylor, Rev. Suzan Johnson Cook, Paula Madison, Lisa Jackson and Dr. Tererai Trent are the newly inducted honorary members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated
1700 New Hampshie Drive NW, was renamed Delta Sigma Theta Way!
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated Stained Glass in the Howard University Chapel