Delta Sigma Theta Alumnae Rush 2021 South Carolina? The 55 Detailed Answer

Organization. I never wanted to join a fraternity because it always seemed vain to me. Reading this article piqued my interest.”

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“This article gave me information and knowledge about the Delta Sigma Theta membership process. It provided background information on the

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Even if you’ve seen movies like Legally Blonde and Sydney White a million times, the Greek system can be a bit confusing to anyone who wasn’t involved. Of course, you know basic terminology like sororities and sisters. However, you may be wondering what Rush Week is, especially if you’ve recently found yourself on #BamaRush TikTok.

Unless you have friends or family in Greek life to inform you, you may find yourself drawn into the spectacle and drama of Rush Week while being completely unaware of what is actually going on. Many TikTokers walk through their own Rush Week journey as they scroll through the FYP for tips and insights. Although watching hopefuls show off their OOTDs while dancing dance trends at the University of Alabama is Class A entertainment, chances are you’ll come across a term (or five) during the rush that you don’t understand .

For anyone who gets a little lost, a glossary of some lesser-known words and phrases will help you break down what’s happening and make the whole process much more seamless. From Rush Week to Bid Day, here are some sorority terms explained for anyone who needs a Greek Life 101. While you could always try to figure it out with a Greek marathon or a rerun of The House Bunny, this helpful rush week guide will do all the work for you.

01 Rush Week Klaus Vedfelt/DigitalVision/Getty Images You might imagine a fraternity recruiting new members during rush week. The term “recruitment” can even be used interchangeably with Rush Week. So if you hear both being thrown around, that’s why. The reason it is a week-long process is that there are social events throughout the week that the incoming hopefuls attend to meet different members of different sororities. It’s basically like an extended interview process that involves a lot of get-togethers and parties, and each university may have slightly different rush week traditions. If you’ve followed the University of Alabama recruiting schedule, it goes from convocation to open house, followed by philanthropy days and sorority days. These lead to the preference day, and it all ends on the bid day. Each of these days also has a different dress code, which is why you may have seen different #OOTD posts on TikTok.

02 Pref Night Pref Night is short for Preference Night, the last night before decisions are made. This is not only a hopeful’s last chance to make a good impression on the house of their dreams, but also the frat house’s last chance to impress them. While wearing formal attire, a rushee visits his two or three best houses for a party and ranks them at the end of the night. The same goes for the houses the rushes rank, and these results are then used to try to match the person to a house.

03 Advertisement day The advertisement day is the last day of recruitment. It’s when new members receive their offer to join a house. You may have seen some exciting Bid Day reveals on TikTok. It’s like a sorting hat ceremony from Harry Potter. From there, the house has planned a fun bidding day activity for all the new members to get to know each other.

04 Chapter A chapter is your university or college’s portion of a national sorority organization. Take Target, for example, which has a number of stores across the country. So your hometown target would be your specific chapter of the target organization. This is why you see so many chi omega connections and alpha kappa alpha houses. Each is a different chapter.

05 Initiation Even if you have received an offer, you are not a full member until you have gone through initiation. This is the ritual ceremony that brings new members to full membership, and in the process, you’ll learn more about your house before fully committing to it. Depending on your university, this can also take a full week, but it’s more mysterious, so you won’t see it that often on TikTok. A big part of initiation week is the bond you form with your fellow sorority members and sisters that lasts after graduation.

06 Pledge Family Klaus Vedfelt/DigitalVision/Getty Images If you are a new member, you are considered a pledge. A current fraternity member (usually one class up) becomes your pawn mother or big once you join. Your Big will mentor you (their Little) and look out for you the rest of college and beyond. Both of you (and any other bigs or littles) are called a pawn family.

07 Fees While the friendships you make when you join a sorority are priceless, becoming a member costs money. When you become a full member, you must pay your membership fee. These funds help pay for your chapter’s daily expenses such as lodging and food. It goes into things like social events and philanthropic work to improve your university community.

08 Badge Each new member receives a badge from their sorority upon charter, which is usually jewelry with the chapter letters on it. It’s a badge of your sorority for members to wear with pride.

09 Legacy If you are a legacy of a particular association, it means that your mother, sister or grandmother was an initiate member of that association. You’ve probably seen in movies where being a legacy is a big deal because it can mean you’re a criminal to get a bid. However, it is not always a guarantee. You still need to meet certain criteria, like your chapter’s GPA requirement.

10 Ritual Much of the Greek system is based on traditions that go back many years. When you join a house, you are immediately given a history lesson on the various rituals your specific chapter adheres to. Because the rituals are private traditions, they are more mysterious, but might involve different chants or creeds that you, as a sister, need to remember.

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is an international organization of women graduates. Originally established for women of color, Delta Sigma Theta now has a membership that includes women of all races. Delta Sigma Theta is the largest single organization historically founded for and by Black women in the United States. Founded on January 13, 1913 at Howard University by twenty-two visionary college students, Delta Sigma Theta is the first African-American Greek-letter women’s organization founded on principles of service to others and political activity. Delta Sigma Theta held its first national convention in Washington, D.C. in 1919. away. The Delta Sigma Theta National Board previously met annually, but due to a number of factors, the most important of which are the establishment of regions and regional leadership, the National Board currently meets every two years in conventions, and over the years , where no congresses are held, regional conferences are held for each individual region. This list of Delta Sigma Theta National Conventions includes dates when the conventions were held, host cities, and common themes and major achievements of each convention.

References[edit]

Delta Girl

The Delta girl is someone who has been given the opportunity for education and broad development: she is someone who has enjoyed the privileges of the culture and chosen environment.

It is deeply gratifying to see that she is not so egocentric, does not strive for selfish power, does not want people’s praise, does not want fame – but with a goal that directs her activities and everything she can control to to uplift someone else.

Historically African American sorority

This article is about the African American Service Sisterhood, founded in 1913. For the professional pharmaceutical fraternity, see Delta Sigma Theta (professional)

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (ΔΣΘ) is a historically African American fraternity. The organization was founded by college-educated women dedicated to public service, with a focus on programs to support the African American community. Delta Sigma Theta was developed on January 13, 1913 by twenty-two women at Howard University in Washington, D.C. founded. Membership is open to any woman who meets the requirements, regardless of religion, race or nationality. Women can apply through undergraduate chapters at a college or university, or through an alumnae chapter after earning a college degree.

The sorority is one of the largest chartered sororities in the United States and has more than 350,000 inductee members who are college educated women.[5] The sorority currently has over 1,000 chapters in the Bahamas, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Bermuda, Canada, England, Germany, Jamaica, Japan, West Africa and South Africa, South Korea and the United States. Delta Sigma Theta is also a member of the umbrella organization National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) – an organization of nine international black Greek letter sororities and fraternities. The current (28th) National President and CEO is Elsie Cooke-Holmes.

The first public act of Delta Sigma Theta sorority was their student participation in the Women’s Suffrage March in Washington, D.C., in the collegiate department of Howard University on March 3, 1913.[6] Since its inception, Delta Sigma Theta has developed programs to improve political, educational, social and economic conditions, particularly in black communities. The sorority works with community organizations and businesses to achieve its program goals.

The sisterhood reached its centenary and was the first black Greek letter organization to participate in the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California on January 1, 2013 with a float titled “Transforming Communities through Sisterhood and Service”.

history [edit]

The African violet is one of the recognized symbols of Delta Sigma Theta.

On January 13, 1913, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated was founded at Howard University by twenty-two women, some of whom had previously been initiated into the Alpha Chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority. Some of these initiates wanted to change the sisterhood’s name, color, and symbols to reflect a new purpose. In 1912 they proposed a vote to change the organization’s name. This new name was intended to reflect the group’s desire to change the direction of the group.[8] The members of the new organization attempted to move toward social activism and greater public service.[9] According to Delta Sigma Theta historian Paula Giddings, since Alpha Kappa Alpha was not formed, the 22 young women were concerned that there was no “legal entity”. In the absence of a charter, there was also no power to form other chapters, which limited their scope for expanding their scope.[8]

During the June meeting where the changes were discussed, former President Nellie Quander disagreed with the proposed changes and gave women a deadline to stop efforts to rename the sorority if they wanted to retain membership.[10 ] Subsequently, at another meeting later in the year, the initiates and a select group of women voted unanimously to reorganize. [11] On January 13, 1913, the younger students named the sorority and decided to reorganize and incorporate at that meeting.[12]

Thus Delta Sigma Theta Sorority was founded on January 13, 1913.[9][13] The alpha chapter of the new sorority was recorded on February 18, 1913. On January 20, 1930, the organization’s Grand Chapter was formed nationally.

Development of infrastructure and programming: 1914–1930[ edit ]

Immediately upon inception, Delta Sigma Theta members quickly mobilized to build and develop infrastructure and implement programming. One of the first duties was to take an oath written by Mary Church Terrell in 1914. In the early years, individual chapters introduced different programs to meet the needs of their local communities. The 1920’s began a decade of significant development within Delta Sigma Theta. The organization began to develop consistency in programming and communication between the chapters of the sorority. In 1920, May Week was devised to encourage black women to attend college, and the official publication of sorority was established as “The Delta”. Also in 1920, the Omega Chapter was formed to recognize deceased Sorors, and Sadie T.M. Alexander was elected the first Honorary Grand President of Delta Sigma Theta. The official Delta Sigma Theta anthem, written by Florence Cole Talbert and Alice Dunbar Nelson, was adopted in 1924. Regions were founded in 1925, and Jabberwock was founded as a fundraiser for scholarships. The Scholarship and Standards Committee was formed in 1929 and the organization was incorporated as a permanent body on January 20, 1930.

Program expansion: 1931–1955 [ edit ]

The inclusion of the Sisterhood allowed Delta Sigma Theta to enhance chapter expansion. Prior to incorporation as a perpetual body, new chapters had to search locally for individual charters. However, with the incorporation of the national organization, it became easier for the regional leadership to set up chapters. The National Library Project was established in 1937 to provide access to books to black people in rural southern areas where libraries either did not exist or were inaccessible to black people. The National Victory Book Drive was held in 1943 to provide books to soldiers. In 1945, Delta Sigma Theta donated its first $1,000 to the United Negro College Fund. Also in 1945, Delta Sigma Theta, along with Alpha Phi Alpha, Alpha Kappa Alpha, Kappa Alpha Psi, Zeta Phi Beta, and Sigma Gamma Rho, formed the American Council on Human Rights, which aimed to “mobilize the influence and resources of its members in the Struggle for justice and equal opportunity for all U.S. citizens.” While there were many struggles for minorities and women in the United States, the Delta leadership also recognized the great struggle facing others of African descent around the world, which in 1950 led to the founding of the first overseas association in Port-au-Prince, Haiti With the program expanding greatly and the number of chapters and members increasing, Delta Sigma Theta leadership recognized that there needed to be a central location where all the attributes and Records could be accommodated, and in 1953 Delta had the inauguration of its first National Headquarters.To continue helping people in need To help overseas, Delta established the maternity ward at Thika Memorial Hospital in 1955.

Other Women’s and Civil Rights Programs: 1956–1970[ edit ]

Delta had previously moved toward some consistency of programming between chapters with two international programs overseas. Entering its fifth decade of existence, the organization wanted to ensure that all chapters would focus their programs on a central national theme. So the Five Point Thrust was introduced in 1956 by the 10th National President Dorothy Heights. The five point thrust are the five areas under which all delta programming falls; The areas of focus are educational development, economic development, physical and mental health, political awareness and engagement, and international awareness and engagement. In 1960, Delta co-sponsored the conference of the National Organization of Women for Equality in Education. In 1963, when Delta celebrated its 50th anniversary, it participated in the March on Washington and established the Social Action Commission at the 27th National Convention. In 1966 Delta Teen Lift was formed and the board of directors of Delta Sigma Theta was received by President Lyndon B. Johnson at the White House in 1967 to discuss community issues and concerns. In 1968 the Unmarried Mothers Program was established and in 1970 Delta sponsored the East African International Women’s Seminar in Nairobi, Kenya.

Other majors Education: 1971–1975[ edit ]

While many steps were taken in the 1950s and 1960s to outlaw de jure segregation and discriminatory practices in schools and public housing, many de facto discriminatory practices persisted. Delta understood the importance of education and the importance of educating communities to eliminate discrimination. In 1971, Delta and the Congressional Black Caucus jointly sponsored National Policy Conferences on Education for Blacks that focused on inequalities and deficiencies in schools with large black populations. The Right to Read program was introduced in 1973 to help the functionally illiterate. In 1975, Delta established Life Development Centers to focus on problems faced by individuals from early childhood through the elderly.

Call to Action in Support of Women and Mothers: 1976–1999[ edit ]

In 1979, the Fortitude sculpture was unveiled on the Howard University campus. “Fortitude” was originally surveyed as part of the Smithsonian’s 1993 Save Outdoor Sculpture survey.[15] The sculpture features a figure of a woman cut from a thin piece of metal. She “wears” a sleeveless dress, high heels, and has short, straight hair. She runs; with her proper left arm swinging above her head and her proper right arm behind her.[16] The sculpture was unveiled on April 28, 1979 at 3:15 p.m. by members of Delta Sigma Theta to honor the Founders of the Service Sorority. The sculpture is said to “symbolize the attributes of strength, courage, hope, wisdom, beauty and femininity as represented by the 22 founders of Delta Sigma Theta”.[16]

In the early 1980s, the sorority began holding “summits” focused on various issues within the African American community. Delta felt the need to draw attention to issues affecting minorities and women that have been largely ignored in the United States. In 1981, Delta hosted the I Summit, which focused on issues affecting American women. Summit II, a call to action in support of single parents, took place in 1984. The Delta Research and Education Foundation sponsored an international conference in Nassau, Bahamas in 1987 entitled “Woman to Woman: Single Parenting from a Global Perspective”. In 1989, the School America program was created.

Expanding the Scope of National and International Programs: 1990–2002 [ edit ]

Given the significant scope and depth of the existing program, Delta members felt the need to establish a program that would increase the scope and reach of sorority activities. The first Delta Days in the Capital of Nations took place in Washington, D.C. in 1990. instead of. At the event, Delta members met with congressmen to discuss policies affecting minorities and women. In 1992, Delta Sigma Theta was the first African American organization to partner with Habitat for Humanity and has built hundreds of homes for those in need. Delta held its 1993 Summit III, which prepared young men for manhood, in response to alarming dropout and incarceration rates among young men. And in 1996, Delta traveled to Ghana in partnership with Habitat for Humanity and built 40 homes. Delta took over the Adelaide Tambo School for the Disabled in South Africa. In the same year, Delta received $1.6 million from the NSF for the SEE [Science and Everyday Experiences] project and traveled to Swaziland, South Africa to lay the foundation for the Delta Home, which would house children, who were orphaned by HIV/AIDS due to the death of their parents and dedicated the computer training center in Lesotho. In 2002, Delta became the second African-American organization after NCNW to receive Special Consultative NGO status at the United Nations.

Founder[edit]

19 founders in 1913

The 22 founders of the Delta Sigma Theta sorority are:

National Presidents[ edit ]

Participation in the women’s election march in 1913

The first public act of the Delta founders was the women’s election march.

Less than two months after the sorority’s founding, the founders of Delta Sigma Theta began their political activism by taking part in the historic 1913 Women’s Election March on Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, D.C. on March 3, 1913. participated.[17] The sorority believed that black women needed the right to vote to protect themselves from sexual exploitation, promote a quality education, help in the labor market, and strengthen their race.[18]

Black women protesters have faced racism, not only from people opposed to women’s disenfranchisement, but also from demonstration organizers who reluctantly advocated black women’s suffrage.[18] Since the 1890s, white Democrats in the former Confederation’s Southern states had ratified new state constitutional amendments and passed legislation that stripped most blacks and many poor whites of the right to vote. Black women marching for the right to vote reminded many that black men had also been disenfranchised. Also, Washington in those years was effectively a segregated city in public areas. A few years later, Terrell confided in NAACP representative Walter White her feelings about the National American Woman Suffrage Association and suffragette leader Alice Paul. Terrell questioned Paul’s loyalty to black women’s rights, saying, “If [Paul] and other white suffragist leaders could get the Anthony Amendment through without disenfranchising African-American women, they would.” [19] [20] [21] Founder of Delta, Florence Letcher Toms commented, “We marched that day so that women could come to themselves because we believed that women not only needed an education, they needed a broader one horizon in which they can use this training. And the right to vote would give them that privilege.”[22]

extension [edit]

The young women sought to expand the sorority after its formation. However, they wanted to ensure that all new chapters maintained the same high scholastic and other standards of their members and that they would be properly initiated. The sorority was first expanded with a second chapter, Beta, founded on February 5, 1914 at Wilberforce University. The third chapter, Gamma, was founded in 1918 at the University of Pennsylvania. Shortly thereafter, Delta Chapter (April 4, 1919) at the University of Iowa and Epsilon Chapter at Ohio State University (November 19, 1919) were organized.[24]

Beta Chapter members in 1922

The women were also quick to recognize that membership continued beyond the undergraduate level and responded to the need for alumnae chapters. The first graduate chapters were approved in 1920 at the Second National Graduate Assembly in New York City and Washington, DC.[25] Delta Sigma Theta also attempted to expand west of the Rocky Mountains with the formation of the Kappa Chapter at the University of California in February 1921. Delta Sigma Theta became the first black Greek letter organization established on the Pacific Coast. In 1930 the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Grand Chapter was incorporated as a standing body, eliminating the need for each individual chapter to seek its own charter.[27]

Delta Sigma Theta recognized the need for advocacy in the United States and around the world. There are currently more than 1,000 chapters and 350,000 members.

Extension programs[ edit ]

Delta Sigma Theta Jabberwock[edit]

Delta Jabberwock entrant 1945

Jabberwock, an annual variety show comprised of cultural expression and talent—such as music, sketches, and dance—was initiated by Marion Conover-Hope in Boston, Massachusetts in 1925. Locally produced Jabberwock shows served as fundraisers for many chapters of the sorority.[28] Funds from the programs support scholarships for youth and other public service projects.[29] The program encourages and supports the development of young individual talents.[29] On December 28, 1947, Delta Jabberwock was officially acquired and copyrighted by Delta Sigma Theta.[30]

May week[edit]

May Week was created in 1920 at the second national convention at Wilberforce University. Local chapters began watching it from 1921.[31] The purpose of May Week is to emphasize the importance of higher education in the community, especially for black women.[31] The slogan “Invest in Education” was adopted. One week in May is dedicated to programs that highlight academic and professional achievement.[32]

The National Library Project[ edit ]

The sorority’s first nationwide attempt to provide library services in the rural South was the National Library Project, which it approved in 1937.[33] The program was instituted in 1945 with the goal of establishing a traveling library in the South, where library services were generally unavailable to blacks, both because of segregation and because so many blacks lived in rural areas that had fewer services.[33] The project arose out of concerns that few adequate resources were available beyond those provided by segregated school systems.[33] In 1939 only 94 out of 774 public libraries in the South served blacks.[33] In addition, only 5% of rural Blacks even had access to any public service.[33] The first traveling library was in Franklin County, North Carolina,[34] where 23 book baskets containing 33 books were circulated.[33]

Job Analysis and Opportunity Project [ edit ]

The Job Analysis and Opportunity Project began in 1941.[35] It was intended to provide career, employment advice and professional exposure for black women.[35] The sorority created the program to address concerns that black women were limited in their career choices and that the economy and World War II left them with a lack of education. Some of the project’s goals were to improve working conditions and improve black women’s chances of finding a job.[35]

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority began with a four-point approach to address these concerns:

fact finding;

advising workers on problem solving;

providing guidance and encouragement; and

Assisting in changing the public perception of African American women professionals.[35]

Membership[edit]

Delta Pyramid Club Beta Chapter 1922

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is the largest African American women’s organization in the world, serving more than 350,000 college-educated women worldwide. Delta Sigma Theta has more than 1,000 chapters in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, England, Germany, Korea, Japan, Bermuda, Jamaica, the Virgin Islands, West Africa, South Africa and the Bahamas.

During the membership period, initiates are members of the Pyramid Club. The term soror, which is Latin for “sister,” [36] is used among members of the sorority when referring to and addressing one another. Many Delta women have been recognized as leaders in community activism, athletics, business, education and science, entertainment, media and literature, and government. Its members include educators, politicians, lawyers and experts from the fields of medicine, media and business. They excel in these roles at local, national and international levels.[37] Many Delta members remain active in alumnae chapters after graduating from college, and many join at the alumnae level.[38] Often alumnae and undergraduate chapters work together on large projects for the benefit of their community.[39]

National Headquarters[ edit ]

In 1953, Delta Sigma Theta was the first African American organization to purchase a national headquarters at 1814 M St. NW in Washington, DC. In 1972, the sorority moved its headquarters to New Hampshire Ave. NW in Dupont Circle. The sorority’s headquarters are currently located at 1701, 1703, 1705, 1707, and 1709 New Hampshire Avenue, N.W. in the historic district of Dupont Circle.[40] In addition to serving as the national headquarters, the buildings house the Delta Research and Education Foundation (DREF), national personnel and records, and equipment systems necessary to conduct Delta Sigma Theta’s operations.

Regions[ edit ]

The seven regions of Delta Sigma Theta

In 1925 the sorority began to organize its chapters into geographic regions. Four regions were originally created: Eastern, Midwest, Far West, and Southern.[42] Seven years later, the Central Region was established.[43] In 1960 the Mid-Atlantic region was created.[44] North and South Carolina left the Southern Region to become part of the new South Atlantic Region.[44]

Each of the seven regions is governed by a regional director and a collegiate regional representative who provides a voice for the collegiate-based members of the sorority.[45] Regional conferences are held every two years, alternating with the years that national conventions are held.

programs[edit]

Symbol of the Torch of Delta Sigma Theta

Delta Sigma Theta has provided assistance in addressing the challenges faced by people in the United States and internationally. Over the years, the sorority has established programs to provide and enhance education, health care, international development, and to strengthen the African American family. Delta Sigma Theta provides public service initiatives through the five-point Thrust program.[46]

Five Point Thrust[ edit ]

Delta Sigma Theta uses the Five Point Programmatic Push as its organizational structure when creating programs that benefit the African American community. The Five Point Programmatic Push established in 1955.

Economic development; educational development; International awareness and engagement; physical and mental health; and Political Awareness and Engagement.

The development and implementation of each program is collaborative and coordinated by committees, the national board and national headquarters staff. Leaders from the Program Planning and Development Committee, Social Action Commission, Arts and Literature Commission, Information and Communications Committee, Membership Services Committee, and regional officers also participate in developing programs to achieve the five points of the program.[ 46]

Economic development[edit]

The Delta Challenge: Delta’s Home Ownership Initiative [ edit ]

In 2003, the Delta Challenge: DST Homeownership Initiative was created to support sorority members, family members, friends and the general public to own their homes and invest in home ownership. The program is a resource for individuals seeking information about home ownership; a desire to find a credit agent who is a Delta Challenge partner; information about mortgage insurance or other benefits; or who has questions about real estate or related financial topics.[47] In three years, the program has helped more than 400 families buy homes.[47] The DST Homeownership Initiative is a partnership between the 950 chapters of Delta Sigma Theta, Chase Bank and Genworth Financial.[47]

The national directors of the DST Homeownership Initiative are Lori Jones Gibbs and Lynn Richardson.[48] Gibbs is vice president of affordable housing and industrial affairs at Genworth Financial,[48] and Richardson is vice president of national strategic partnerships at Chase Bank.[49]

The Delta Challenge provides mortgage loans, insurance, and rebates to fellow homebuyers through the Delta Chase Initiative.[50] The Delta Chase initiative resulted in more than 100,000 consumer touchpoints worldwide and $35 million in closures for Chase, a staggering 389% increase from closures over the past three years.[49]

Delta Sigma Theta and Habitat for Humanity[edit]

Delta Sigma Theta was the first African American national organization to partner with Habitat for Humanity International in 1992 during the administration of national president Bertha Roddey. Habitat for Humanity builds and rehabilitates homes with the help of select homeowners, volunteer work, managerial expertise, and tax-deductible donations of money and supplies.[52] Houses are sold to families at no profit and interest-free fixed-term mortgages are issued.[52] Between 1992-1994, Delta Sigma Theta and Habitat for Humanity built 22 homes across the United States.[51] In 1996, sorority members and supporters traveled to Ghana where they built forty Delta Habitat for Humanity homes.[52]

Financial Strength: Smart women get rich

Financial Fortitude was designed to help sorority members and local communities achieve personal wealth and financial security.[53] Financial Fortitude was founded as a result of rising unemployment, Social Security debt and the widening gap between wealth and poverty. Financial Fortitude helps participants set and define goals, develop a financial plan to achieve goals, and put their plan into action. The workshops focus on topics such as debt management and reduction, retirement, financing college, investing, insurance, real estate and home ownership, saving and entrepreneurship.[53]

Delta Towers I[ edit ]

In 1979, Delta Sigma Theta’s Washington DC Alumnae Chapter and Delta’s Housing Corporation designed and built Delta Towers as a ten-story, multi-million dollar building. Delta Towers were ready for occupancy in 1980.[54] Delta Sigma Theta established Delta Towers in northeast Washington, D.C. Delta Towers is an apartment building for the elderly and disabled.[55] Delta Towers was the first retirement center founded by one of the African American sororities or fraternities in the United States.[56] While many African American sororities and fraternities later established or plan to establish retirement centers, Delta Sigma Theta once again remains at the forefront in setting the standard for others to follow.[57] Delta Towers currently has 150 self-contained residential apartments.[54] Due to the success of Delta Towers, the chapter and housing association build a second apartment building, Delta Towers II, near the first.[54]

Delta Towers II[ edit ]

The Delta Housing Corporation of Washington D.C. Alumnae Chapter plans to build Delta Towers II. Delta Towers II will provide 150 additional safe and affordable homes for low- to middle-income seniors.[58] Delta Towers II will feature a senior wellness center, commercial office and retail services on the ground floor, and a community room.[58] Together, Delta Towers I and Delta Towers II will provide 300 affordable senior housing (affordable for households earning 60% or less of the area’s median income).[58] Construction of Delta Towers II began in March 2009.[58]

Delta and Hurricane Katrina[ edit ]

The Sorority formed the Delta Hurricane Katrina Relief Task Force to address the needs of Gulf Coast residents affected by the national disaster. The Hurricane Relief Task Force is responsible for developing strategies to address the many difficulties affecting people displaced by Hurricane Katrina in terms of housing, health and well-being, and emotional and financial needs. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. ging ein großes Engagement für drei historisch schwarze Colleges und Universitäten ein, die vom Hurrikan Katrina betroffen waren. Insgesamt wurden über einen Zeitraum von vier Jahren 700.000 US-Dollar an Dillard, Xavier und Southern Universities vergeben, und insgesamt mehr als 1,2 Millionen US-Dollar wurden Agenturen, Organisationen, Mitgliedern und anderen Einwohnern der betroffenen Golfgebiete zugesagt.[59]

Bildungsentwicklung [ bearbeiten ]

dr Betty Shabazz Delta Academy [Bearbeiten]

Die Delta Academy von Dr. Betty Shabazz (“Die Träume von morgen einfangen, junge Frauen auf das 21. Jahrhundert vorbereiten”) richtet sich an Mädchen im Alter von 11 bis 14 Jahren, die Interesse an der Entwicklung von Führungsqualitäten haben.[60] Das Programm ist zu Ehren des Mitglieds der Schwesternschaft, der verstorbenen Dr. Betty Shabazz, der Ehefrau von Malcolm X, benannt. Es richtet sich an Mädchen, die das Potenzial für Erfolg demonstrieren, aber möglicherweise keine Unterstützungssysteme oder Zugang zu finanziellen Ressourcen haben.[61] Die Teilnehmer werden mit Mathematik, Naturwissenschaften, Technologie und nicht-traditionellen Karrieren konfrontiert.[60] Die Sitzungen der Delta Academy können auch Service-Lernaktivitäten, Exkursionen und Buchclubs beinhalten.[60]

Das Symbol der Delta Academy ist der Traumfänger. In der Kultur der amerikanischen Ureinwohner besitzt der Traumfänger die Kraft, schlechte Träume einzufangen und sie in ein Netz zu verwickeln. Die guten Träume dringen durch das offene Zentrum des Traumreifens in die Person ein.[60]

Delta GEMS: Erfolgreich wachsen und mich stärken [ bearbeiten ]

Delta GEMS ist ein Ergebnis und eine Fortsetzung des Dr. Betty Shabazz Delta Academy Program.[62] Delta GEMS wurde geschaffen, um die Träume und Ziele gefährdeter afroamerikanischer Mädchen im Alter von 14 bis 18 Jahren zu unterstützen.[62] Ziele für Delta GEMS sind:

Akademische Exzellenz vermitteln Werkzeuge bereitstellen, die es den Mädchen ermöglichen, ihre Fähigkeiten zu schärfen und zu verbessern, um akademischen Erfolg zu erzielen Mädchen bei der Festlegung und Planung geeigneter Ziele für ihre Zukunft in der High School und darüber hinaus zu unterstützen Mitfühlende, fürsorgliche und gemeinschaftsorientierte junge Frauen durch aktives Schaffen zu schaffen Beteiligung an gemeinnützigen Gelegenheiten.[62]

Das Rahmenwerk von Delta GEMS besteht aus fünf Hauptkomponenten (Stipendium, Schwesternschaft, „Zeig mir das Geld“, Dienst und Unendlich vollständig), die einen Fahrplan für die College- und Karriereplanung bilden.[62] Themen innerhalb der fünf Hauptkomponenten bieten interaktive Lektionen und Aktivitäten, die Gelegenheiten für individuelles Wachstum bieten.[62] Delta GEMS wird wie die Delta Academy von den Kapiteln von Delta Sigma Theta implementiert.[62]

Lawrys Delta GEMS Collegiate Challenge [ bearbeiten ]

Lawry’s Foods ging eine Partnerschaft mit Delta Sigma Theta ein, um das National Collegiate Public Service Caddy and Grant Recognition Program zu schaffen.[63] Die Collegiate Challenge würdigt und belohnt ein Delta-College-Chapter in jeder Region von Delta für die hervorragende Umsetzung des Delta-GEMS-Programms.[63] Regionale Gewinner erhalten 1.000 US-Dollar und der Gewinner des Hauptpreises erhält 5.000 US-Dollar.[64] Im Jahr 2006 wurden Kollegialkapitel gebeten, mit anderen Kollegiatkapiteln, Alumnae-Kapiteln oder Gemeinschaftsorganisationen in ihrer Gemeinde zusammenzuarbeiten.[64]

Maryland Educational Opportunity Center (MEOC) [ bearbeiten ]

Das Maryland Educational Opportunity Center wurde 1979 gegründet und mit einem Sonderzuschuss von 450.000 US-Dollar geschaffen – dem größten Zuschuss, der vom Ministerium für Gesundheit, Bildung und Soziales der Vereinigten Staaten vergeben wurde.[65] MEOC ist ein kostenloses Programm in Baltimore, das Informationen und Beratungsdienste für Erwachsene und Jugendliche bereitstellt, die daran interessiert sind, ein College oder eine Berufs-/Fachschule zu besuchen.[66] Das Programm mit sieben Beratungszentren wird von Delta Sigma Theta gesponsert und von der Bundesregierung finanziert.[65] Das MEOC ist ein föderales TRIO-Programm und eines von 130 Educational Opportunity Centers (EOC) im Land.[65] Von 1979 bis 2006 hat MEOC mehr als 78.000 Menschen betreut. Nearly 20,000 participants were enrolled in postsecondary institutions.[67]

Empowering Males to Build Opportunities for Developing Independence (EMBODI) [ edit ]

The EMBODI (Empowering Males to Build Opportunities for Developing Independence) program is designed to refocus the efforts of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., with the support and action of other major organizations, on the plight of African-American males. Both informal and empirical data suggests that the vast majority of African-American males continues to be in crisis and is not reaching its fullest potential educationally, socially and emotionally. EMBODI is designed to address these issues through dialogue, and recommendations for change and action. EMBODI will include a program format and information template. The delivery options may include a town hall meeting, workshops, and/or teen leadership summits.[68]

$1 million endowed scholarship at Howard University [ edit ]

In honor of the 22 Founders, in January 2003, members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., as a part of the four-day celebration of the Sorority’s 90th anniversary, then National President Gwendolyn Boyd, presented Howard University President H. Patrick Swygert with a check for $1 million as an endowed scholarship, completely paid in full.[69]

Distinguished Professor Endowed Chair [ edit ]

The Distinguished Professor Endowed Chair Award, established in 1977 at the 34th National Convention as a perpetual trust fund, confirms and extends the Sorority’s longstanding commitment to educational excellence through quality instruction at historically Black colleges and universities. Delta Sigma Theta’s purpose it to support and sustain these historical institutions, supply assistance to enable the expansion of educational opportunities, and to give long overdue recognition to distinguished Black instructors and professors. Biennially, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. makes a grant to a historically Black college or university that provides support for a professor of distinction to be in residence.[70]

Physical and mental health [ edit ]

The Total Woman: Mind, Body, and Spirit Lifestyle Change Initiative [ edit ]

The Total Woman: Mind, Body, and Spirit Lifestyle Change Initiative impacts the well-being of sorority members and members’ families and communities at-large. The Lifestyle Change initiative was started in 2004 by the Health Taskforce, providing physical and mental health expertise.[71] Some of the program’s goals are to educate on the importance and benefits of lifestyle changes affecting longevity, morbidity, and mortality; to identify organizational alliances that work towards address pertinent health issues; and to develop and implement health-focused programs.[71]

Through the Initiative, the sorority is working to combat the high incidence of women’s obesity. The program’s first component is a challenge to chapter members to achieve and maintain healthier weights.[71]

50 Million Pound Challenge Partnership [ edit ]

In 2006, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, in collaboration with Dr. Ian K. Smith and State Farm Insurance, began a partnership, encouraging members to become healthier by exercising and eating properly.[72] Members joined with others in the African-American community to reverse the deadly effects of obesity.[73] At the 2008 National Convention in Orlando, Florida, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority was presented with an award for the most weight lost by any sorority or fraternity.[73]

American Heart Association Partnership “Go Red for Women” Campaign [ edit ]

Heart disease is the leading killer of women and of women of color in the United States.[71] Delta Sigma Theta Sorority was the first sorority to join the American Heart Association’s “Go Red for Women” campaign as an organizational alliance working to educate women on heart disease.[74]

Political awareness and involvement [ edit ]

Delta Days in the Nation’s Capital [ edit ]

In 1989, the National Social Action Commission instituted Delta Days in the Nation’s Capital. Delta Days is an annual legislative conference to increase sorority members’ involvement in the national public policy-making process.[75] The annual conference includes legislative briefings, issue forums, and developing advocacy skills.[75] Featured speakers include key policy makers, members of the United States Congress, staff members, and national policy experts.

In 2009, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority celebrated the twentieth anniversary of Delta Days in the Nation’s Capital. The theme was “Advocacy in Action: Strengthening Our Legacy”.[75] Topics included empowering membership to be effective social action advocates in the areas of quality education, affordable health care, Census 2010, and economic viability.[75] An orientation for first-time attendees providing “how to’s” on navigating the legislative process, legislative letter writing, congressional testimony, resolution writing, and coalition building was provided.[75]

In addition to Delta Days in the Nation’s Capital, each state organizes annual events in which members discuss and advocate state and local issues with their state legislative bodies.

Delta Days at the United Nations [ edit ]

On March 27, 2003, Delta Sigma Theta became a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) with special consultative status at the United Nations.[76] National President Gwendolyn Boyd accepted the credentials on behalf of the sorority, before 150 UN members from across the world, in a presentation by Hanifa Mezoui, Chief NGO Secretary in the Department of Economic and Social Affairs of the UN (ECOSOC).[76] Delta Sigma Theta was welcomed to the United Nations by Assistant Secretary General for External Affairs, Gillian Sorensen, who advised the sorority, “[to] use your NGO status to monitor the status of women and children in the world and bind together with other NGOs to insure that the UN honors its commitments.”[76] Delta Sigma Theta was granted Special Consultative Status as an NGO to the Economic and Social Council of the UN as a result of volunteer services and humanitarian efforts around the world.[77] Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is the first African American Sorority, and one of only three African-American organizations with the NGO special consultative status with the United Nations, the other two African American organizations with this status are the National Council of Negro Women, Inc. and The Links, Incorporated.[78]

Both other organizations have significant ties to Delta Sigma Theta. National Council of Negro Women, Inc. was founded by Delta member Mary McLeod Bethune, and headed by many Delta members including Delta 10th National President, Dorothy Irene Height for more than five decades, and currently by Delta member Ingrid Saunders Jones.[79] The Links co-founder and first president, Sarah Strickland Scott was a member of Delta Sigma Theta,[80] and several national presidents of the Links are also Delta members including Immediate Past National President Margot James Copeland.[81]

Voting rights [ edit ]

The sorority made a commitment to creating programs advocating:

As part of their advocacy for voting rights, Delta Sigma Theta has partnered with VoteRiders, an organization that seeks to assist eligible voters in exercising their right to vote.[83]

Notable political Deltas [ edit ]

International awareness and involvement [ edit ]

World AIDS Day [ edit ]

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority supported the World AIDS campaign in observance of World AIDS Day, on December 1, 2008. With the slogan “Stop AIDS! Keep the Promise”, Delta Sigma Theta promotes workshops, programs, and information dissemination. Individual chapters and members continue increasing awareness of HIV/AIDS in the community[89]

Mary Help of the Sick Mission Hospital (formerly Thika Memorial Hospital) [ edit ]

Concerns about inadequate prenatal and maternity care for women in Africa prompted Delta Sigma Theta to invest in health care for women in Kenya.[90] In 1955, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority established a maternity wing and health services in Thika Town. The sorority began planning for a larger facility in the early 1960s, and financed construction of Thika Maternity Hospital. The first hospital to open after Kenya gained independence in 1963, it is now known as Mary Help of the Sick Mission Hospital. Missionary Sisters of the Holy Rosary operate the facility.[90]

In 1985, Delta Sigma Theta members visited the hospital. They were able to see the positive results of an increased population and improved infant mortality rate in and around Thika. In response, the sorority donated another $20,000, to establish two additional maternity wards and an administrative office.[90]

Mary Help of the Sick Mission Hospital now has 121 beds, and provides affordable prenatal and postnatal care, nutritional education, child immunization, and family planning. The hospital gives prenatal care, including lab work, blood tests, and examinations for 200 women each day. The facility also has a special-care nursery for newborn babies. The hospital serves to educate nurses and midwives. Over 66 students are trained each year.[90]

Summit VI: Health Issues Impacting Women of African Descent [ edit ]

In April 2006, Delta Sigma Theta commemorated 25 years of providing summit programs with an International Awareness Program: “Summit VI: Health Issues Impacting Women of African Descent”.[64] Held in Jamaica, the health issues summit heightened awareness of increases in diabetes, heart disease and obesity among African-American women.[91] The conference included various formats for a variety of health care experts to disseminate information, such as workshops, panels, and town hall formats.

controversy[edit]

Embezzlement [ edit ]

On April 20, 2021, former executive director Jeanine Henderson Arnett and her husband, Diallo Arnett pleaded guilty in Federal court to embezzling more than $150,000 from Delta Sigma Theta. Due to the gravity of the crime, Jeanine Henderson Arnett was expelled from the organization when the sorority discovered the misappropriated money, and reported the crime.

News reports indicate that the couple spent the money on items like designer Coach handbags, rental cars, real estate, Amazon purchases and other expenses between 2017 and 2019. Federal prosecutors also determined that over $14,000 had been transferred to their personal bank account. Channing Phillips, acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, said in a press release: “While Delta Sigma Theta and its members were committed to a mission of public service, the defendants were committed to a mission of personal benefit, stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars to use for their own pleasure.”[citation needed]

Sentencing is scheduled for July 29, 2021. The bank fraud charge carries a statutory penalty of up to 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $1M, or up to double the amount stolen. The couple has agreed to pay full restitution.[92][93]

North Texas rapist [ edit ]

In October 2011, a serial rapist in the Dallas area was reported to be targeting Delta Sigma Theta alumnae, attacking four alumnae in their mid-50s to mid-60s over an eleven-month period.[94] The sorority issued a release advising its members not to identify their affiliation with the sorority via their cars, key chains, clothing, or Facebook postings.[94]

The case was featured on the December 9, 2011, episode of America’s Most Wanted. A suspect has been identified and arrested.[95][96]

Notable hazing events [ edit ]

At Western Illinois University in January 1999, a Delta pledge was hospitalized due to torn skin on her lower back and buttock from severe beatings by Delta women. She sued the sorority for an undisclosed amount.[97]

At Norfolk State University in February 1999, a Delta pledge was hospitalized in an Intensive Care Unit after a series of physical beatings and strenuous activities. Nine sorority members, two of whom were about to graduate, were expelled from the university in May.[98][99]

At McNeese State University in September 2006, the sorority was found guilty of severely hazing pledges. 11 members involved were each fined $1,000 and the chapter was fined $1,000 by the sorority’s headquarters. The university banned the sorority from campus for four years.[100]

At the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, April 2009, one Delta was arrested on two counts of simple battery and several other Deltas were disciplined for the physical and mental abuse of pledges. One pledge was admitted to the hospital due to internal bleeding and stomach pains she developed because of physical abuse by members of the sorority.[101]

At Northern Kentucky University in 2009, the chapter was suspended from campus for beating three pledges repeatedly and severely with paddles.[102]

At the University of Tampa in 2010, three high-ranking Deltas of the university’s chapter had a complaint filed against them by the university in a circuit court for hazing pledges. These three Deltas forced pledges to run long distances, do push-ups, squats, eat garlic wrapped in Big Red gum and drink hot sauce, hold a match between their fingers while reciting a pledge, had rocks and grass thrown at them and paddled them. The Deltas accused of hazing filed a petition against the university stating they were unfairly targeted as black women because all-white fraternities on campus engaged in similar hazing rituals, including tasering pledges, but were collectively sanctioned and given probation for one semester. The Hillsborough County Circuit Court dismissed their petition stating that the university was not at fault.[103]

At East Carolina University, November 2010, Delta pledges Victoria Carter and Briana Gather died in a traffic accident around 6:30 am on the way to a hair appointment that had been set up to prepare for initiation. Gather and Carter had undergone a number of grueling hazing activities that week, including the “Delta TV”, in which the pledges were forced to get into and hold a push-up position, do “wall sits” and maintain that stance for a long period of time, and do the “Delta Chair”: standing on one leg and holding heavy bricks over their heads. The pledges also wore “Delta Lipstick”: hot sauce rubbed on their lips, and ate a “Delta Apple”, a large raw onion; they were also asked to eat large amounts of cottage cheese, and drink buttermilk. The driver of the vehicle, a fellow pledge who survived, pleaded guilty to misdemeanor death by motor vehicle. According to the lawsuit filed by the family, she was suffering from “excessive and overwhelming fatigue, exhaustion and sleep deprivation and fell asleep behind the wheel” due to the pledging exercises. The night and morning hours prior to the accident, the pledges had been practicing the “probate death march”, an aspect of the initiation ceremony. They did not have the opportunity to sleep as a result of the long hours of practice. Members of the sorority were also accused of lying and attempting to destroy all evidence of hazing throughout the investigation process in the lawsuit filed.[104][105]

In 2010, the sorority was banned from Winston-Salem State University for ten years following a hazing investigation, however, the suspension was lifted five years after the initial ruling. The sorority was previously suspended for endangering pledges and other hazing activity.[106]

In 2011, Emory University suspended Delta Sigma Theta for four years due to hazing violations.[107]

At Baylor University in 2012, the sorority was placed on suspension by the university for a few years due to reports of hazing. Delta Sigma Theta and Alpha Kappa Alpha were the only sororities on campus suspended for hazing between 2010 and 2015.[108]

At Florida A&M University in 2013, it was anonymously reported a Delta pledge lost consciousness one night after being forced to do squats for a long period of time. Women pledging were physically and verbally punished if any forgot information they were asked to remember about each of their 54 “line sisters.” Members of the sorority initially denied all hazing allegations but a thorough investigation led to the sorority being placed on suspension until at least June 2016 and the 2013 pledge line was dropped.[109][110]

At Ohio State University in 2013, the university banned Delta Sigma Theta from campus until at least fall 2016. The sorority was found guilty of hazing and violating the university’s codes of conduct.[111]

The chapter at Louisiana State University (LSU) was banned from campus for several years (ended July 2019) for repeated hazing violations and putting eggs, whipped cream and syrup in their pledges’ hair.[112] The banning of sororities at LSU is rare; the banning of fraternities is more common.[113]

Sorority Sisters TV show [ edit ]

In December 2014, VH1 debuted a reality TV show named Sorority Sisters that followed the personal and professional lives of several alumnae members of National Pan-Hellenic Council sororities in Atlanta, Georgia. Five members of the cast were Deltas that complained about death threats and harassment they received from those displeased with their appearance on the show. In January 2015, the highest leadership of Delta Sigma Theta Inc. expelled the five cast members from the sorority. The expelled members maintain their innocence and feel like they were mistreated by their former sorority. The Delta cast members were the only cast members that had their sorority memberships permanently revoked.[114] Two cast members of Alpha Kappa Alpha had their memberships temporarily suspended.[115] Cast members having Zeta Phi Beta or Sigma Gamma Rho memberships never had them jeopardized.[116] The show was cancelled before the last three scheduled episodes aired.[117]

In January 2018, one of the expelled members filed a lawsuit against Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. In her lawsuit it states the sorority never reprimanded members that she alleged publicly harassed her and sent death threats, never expelled a celebrity sorority member who starred in similar shows on VH1, she never claimed on the show to represent the sorority, and she lost many paid opportunities due to the sorority involvement in vilifying the show and getting it cancelled. As the plaintiff in the lawsuit, she is seeking to be compensated for lost wages and for mental and emotional abuse.[118]

Golden Anniversary [ edit ]

In 1963 the Sorority’s Golden 50th Anniversary was celebrated, the same year as the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. Delta Sigma Theta 10th National President Dorothy Height was one of the driving forces behind the march and was sole woman to have been seated on the Speakers’ Platform.[119] Delta members were also present at the march in large numbers.

At the Golden Anniversary Luncheon held January 12, 1963, President John F. Kennedy addressed the membership and congratulated the sorority on their anniversary and explained the necessity for all Americans to have equal opportunities for education.[120] Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson and Supreme Court Justice William O. Douglas also addressed the membership during the Golden Anniversary Celebration in 1963 at a reception held January 13. [121] In addition, Founders Osceola McCarthy Adams, Winona Cargile Alexander, Ethel Cuff Black, Bertha Pitts Campbell, Myra Davis Hemmings, Jimmie Bugg Middleton, Eliza Pearl Shippen, Florence Letcher Toms, Wertie Blackwell Weaver, and Madree Penn White were also in attendance.[121] Soror Mary Elizabeth Vrooman wrote Shaped to its Purpose, a 50-year history of Delta Sigma Theta, which was published in 1965.[121]

50th Anniversary 1963

Centennial Celebration [ edit ]

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. began its year-long centennial celebration January 1, 2013. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. kicked off its centennial year by being the first Black Greek Lettered Organization to participate in the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California, on New Years Day with a float entitled “Transforming Communities through Sisterhood and Service.”[122] Then National President Cynthia M.A. Butler-McIntyre accepted a proclamation presented by Local Officials in Pasadena in honor of the Sorority’s 100 years of public service.[122] On Thursday January 10, 2013, hundreds of members of Delta Sigma Theta gathered in New York City in Times Square for appearances on the Today Show and Good Morning America,[123] followed by a massive caravan to Washington, D.C., which included busses bearing the Centennial logo.

During January 11–13, 2013, more than 12,000 members of Delta Sigma Theta convened in Washington, D.C., at Howard University to participate in a range of activities which included twenty-two distinct service activities Friday January 12, 2013, and many galas and activities honoring the Sorority’s accomplishments.[124] March 1–5, 2013, thousands of members of Delta Sigma Theta participated in the Delta Days at the Nation’s Capital.[125] This is an annual event in which members of Delta Sigma Theta converge on Washington, D.C. to discuss with members of Congress pertinent issues that affect women and the Black Community. On March 3, 2013, during the Delta Days at the Nation’s capital event, Delta Sigma Theta organized a re-enactment of the Woman Suffrage Parade of 1913.[125] The women’s suffrage march originally took place March 3, 1913.[126] Delta Sigma Theta was the only Black Women’s organization to participate in the original march. March 8, 2013, Delta Sigma Theta participated in its tenth annual Delta Day at the United Nations to celebrate “A decade of commitment to global advocacy and protecting the rights of women and girls.”

On June 15, 2013, the Cynthia M.A. Butler-McIntyre Campus of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Elementary School opened in Cherette, Haiti.[127] By rebuilding an improved school with larger classrooms and implementing new technologies and unlimited access to clean water, promotes academic excellence in the remote village of Cherette, located 96 miles southwest of Port-au-Prince.[128] The Delta Research & Educational Foundation will support the elementary school by providing funds earmarked to support initiatives to provide clean water for Haitians impacted by the earthquake of January 2010.[128] The site of the school will afford members an opportunity to engage in an enhanced learning environment and promote educational advancement throughout the community of Cherette while experiencing a hands-on global service learning experience. The school project involves the construction of an administrative office building and six classrooms.[128] In recognition of the Delta Research & Educational Foundation’s grant in support of clean water at the school site, the Chérette school administration will name the school Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Elementary School, The Cynthia M. A. Butler-McIntyre Campus.[128] Designated areas of the school will be named in honor of the seven living Past National Presidents: Frankie Muse Freeman, Esq., Dr. Thelma T. Dailey, Mona Humphries Bailey, Dr. Bertha M. Roddey, Congresswoman Marcia L. Fudge, Rev. Gwendolyn E. Boyd and Dr. Louise A. Rice.[128]

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. during the week of July 11–17, 2013, in Washington, D.C., celebrated its Centennial Convention.[129] More than 40,000 registered and countless unregistered members participated in activities which included multiple service activities, and recognition for the many achievements the Sorority accumulated over the past 100 years. As part of the yearlong celebration, a 22-city tour of the Delta Torch, which symbolizes the “passion and commitment to the organization’s global reach”, which kicked off in Los Angeles – with Delta’s historic participation in the 2013 Tournament of Roses Parade – and continued through Seattle, Dallas, Little Rock, Detroit, Atlanta, Charlotte, New York City and Baltimore and International chapters in Japan and Bermuda. The tour culminated in Washington, D.C., at the 51st national convention July 11, 2013, when it was passed to national president, signifying the start of the convention. During the Centennial Convention, the Mayor of Washington D.C., honored the work of Delta Sigma Theta by honorarily renaming the 1700 block of New Hampshire Ave NW in Washington, D.C. “Delta Sigma Theta Way”.[130]

President Obama meeting with Delta leaders

Throughout 2013 Delta Sigma Theta was honored in many ways by outside individuals and organizations, including being highlighted in a Wal-Mart commercial,[131] Being honored by an NBA team, the Cleveland Cavaliers[132] Being featured in large national periodicals and various news channels including CNN, MSNBC, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and The Washington Post among others, their accomplishments[133] were praised by National Leaders such as Attorney General, and Delta husband, Eric Holder who stated, “As I look around this crowd today, I’m certain that – if you continue to hold fast to the values, the ideals, and the extraordinary history, that have been entrusted to you – then yours will be a future defined by continued progress, and limitless possibilities.”[134] and Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton who stated, “Delta means change and Deltas are called to serve… Wherever you see women advancing, you see Deltas!”.[135] Both the American and Canadian Falls in Niagara Falls on February 22, 2013,[136] and the White House on January 13, 2013,[137] were illuminated with red lighting in honor of the Sorority’s Centennial celebration. And President Barack Obama invited Delta Leadership to the White House, and personally addressed them in the oval office,[138] President Obama also addressed attendees via video at the Centennial celebration closing gala.[137] In Andrew Rankin Memorial Chapel on the Campus of Howard University a Delta Sigma Theta themed window was dedicated to the sorority.[139] In addition, on August 28, 2013, members of Delta Sigma Theta participated in the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington.

See also[edit]

The founding of Delta Sigma Theta

On January 13, 1913, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. was founded by twenty-two women at Howard University in Washington, D.C. founded. Some of these women were already members of the Alpha Chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) sorority, including Alpha Kappa Alpha’s Elected Officers: Myra Davis Hemmings, President; Ethel Cuff Black, Vice President; Edith Motte Young, secretary; Jessie McGuire Dent, Corresponding Secretary; Winona Cargile Alexander, administrator; Frederica Chase Dodd, Sergeant-at-Arms; and Pauline Oberdorfer Minor, Treasurer.

The twenty-two founders of Delta Sigma Theta (DST) were not pleased with Alpha Kappa Alpha’s lack of progress to go beyond organizing the affairs of campus society at Howard, and wanted to reorganize the sorority to address issues such as public service and women’s empowerment. These new members wanted to create a national organization, expand the sorority’s activities, and eventually change the sorority’s name to reflect this new purpose. They also wanted to change the symbols, change the sorority colors, and be more politically oriented. In 1912 they voted to change the name Alpha Kappa Alpha to Delta Sigma Theta. This new name was intended to reflect the group’s desire to change the group’s direction towards social activism and greater public service; instead of continuing to focus on social activities.

The big push caused conflicts between graduate members, who wanted to keep the previous name and functional status quo, and the new Alpha chapter members, who voted for the name change. After a graduate member of the Alpha chapter gave a deadline for the new members to stop Alpha Kappa Alpha’s reorganization, the twenty-two women of Alpha Kappa Alpha split and formed the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority on January 13, 1913. On January 20, November 1930, the organization’s grand chapter was incorporated nationally after Delta became the first sorority composed of undergraduate African American women to apply to the trustees of any university for the right to become a incorporated body.

Delta Sigma Theta today

Today, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is one of four collegiate sororities for African American women and the largest Greek-letter African American sorority in the world. Since its inception, more than 350,000 women of all races and ethnic backgrounds have been members of Delta Sigma Theta. The sorority currently has 1,000 collegiate and alumnae chapters in the United States, Canada, Japan (Tokyo and Okinawa), Germany, the Virgin Islands, Bermuda, the Bahamas, Jamaica and the Republic of Korea.

Delta Sigma Theta’s charitable, social and philanthropic projects revolve around the “Five Point Boost”. The five points include: economic development, educational development, international awareness and engagement, physical and mental health, and political awareness and engagement.

Delta Sigma Theta Founder Soror

Strength is the official symbol of Delta. The replica of the sculpture is located on the Howard University campus in Washington, D.C. She symbolizes strength, courage, hope, wisdom, beauty and femininity. Her features show courage and determination.

The outstretched hands represent the retreat of love as well as the surrender of one’s self to others. The statue is shown pushed forward, the tension on her thigh representative of her strength. Fortitude is designed to inspire women to push forward with determination to meet life’s challenges.

Delta Sigma Theta – ΔΣΘ

Chapter Name: Zeta Alpha

National Founding Place: Howard University in Washington, D.C.

National Founding Date: January 13, 1913

Local Date of Incorporation: April 22, 1967

Nickname: Deltas, DST

Symbol: Lady Fortitude, Elephant, Pyramid

Colours: purple and cream

Motto: Intelligence is the torch of wisdom

National Philanthropy:

College GPA requirement: 2.75

National website: www.deltasigmatheta.org

Instagram: @zetaalpha_dst

Facebook: The Zeta Alpha Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Chapter President Name: Christina Stevenson

Chapter Presidents email: [email protected]

SUMMARY OF THE ANTI-HAZING POLICY

Anyone interested in learning more about Delta’s anti-hazing policy may contact Delta’s Director of Membership.

general overview

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated (“Delta”) has a zero tolerance policy for bullying. Policy is embodied in numerous Delta documents distributed to members, including the Constitution and By-Laws; the code of conduct; the Administrative Procedures Manual for Admission of Memberships; and the “No Hazing” contract members must sign. The Policy is also included in documents distributed to applicants/prospective members, including the Applicant’s Rights and Responsibilities Statement (“No Harassment Agreement”), which all applicants are required to sign. The Directive expressly prohibits all acts and forms of harassment before, during and after the accession process. The prohibition includes all activities of bullying, whether physical, mental or emotional, including but not limited to pre-initiation and/or underground activities (which is anything in addition to or contrary to authorized activities); paddle; beating; hit; blindfold; urge Sleep deprivation; Put clothes on; pulling hair; requirement of consumption of alcohol or drugs; Forcing or encouraging the consumption of food that an applicant/prospective member finds objectionable; Shouting; humiliating; harassing; belittle curse; any morally degrading, illegal or indecent act; Requiring applicants/prospective members or newly inducted members to do chores or homework for members or to “run errands”.

Any Delta member who participates in, or is aware of, any form of harassment or allegations of harassment and fails to report it will be subject to sanctions as summarized below and detailed in Delta’s Code of Conduct. All applicants/prospects who consent to the harassment, who engage in it by being harassed, or who are aware of it but do not report it will be disqualified from Delta membership.

Reports are to be made in the following order: to the Chapter President; the chapter advisers; and the Regional Director and Regional Representative; and/or to Delta’s National First Vice President and Executive Director. All reports of hazing must be sufficiently detailed for those to whom the report is made to take action. If a member or applicant/prospect reports bullying and does not receive a positive response, they should immediately escalate the report to the next level. Anyone reporting hazing always has the opportunity to contact the National First Vice President and/or Executive Director directly at any time.

National policy is exclusive

Anyone interested in becoming a member of Delta is hereby informed that Delta has not approved any practices inconsistent with the policies summarized above. The sorority does not condone, condone, condone, or tolerate any act or form of harassment, including, but not limited to, activities of the character set forth above. There is absolutely no obligation that anyone participating in or being initiated into membership submits to any form of harassment. To reiterate, to become a Delta member must not and no one may engage in any form of bullying. This includes participation in “chapter traditions” or “chapter practices” that some chapters or individual members purport to implement on Delta’s behalf. Delta has not approved such “chapter traditions” or “chapter practices,” and no chapter or individual member has the authority to amend, change, or overrule Delta’s membership policy. To become a member of Delta, no one has to or may participate in such traditions or practices.

Delta disclaims responsibility or liability for any damage, claim or injury related to or resulting from the conduct of any individual, group or association purporting to be performing unauthorized acts on Delta’s behalf.

Penalties for hazing

Delta imposes sanctions on all members, locals, and applicants/prospects engaged in any form of harassment, including knowing about harassment or allegations of harassment and failing to report it to the local president; the chapter advisers; the regional director; and/or the National First Vice President; and the executive director of Delta. The type of sanctions applicable to chapters and members will depend on the nature of the violation and the history of such prior violations.

For chapters, the range of sanctions includes any of the following: denial of the right to admit members; suspension for a certain period of time; and revocation of the chapter charter. With regard to individual members, the range of sanctions includes suspension and/or expulsion. Suspension automatically includes denial of the right to participate in Delta activities at the local, regional or national level, including the right to wear accessories during the suspension. Expulsion means that Delta has revoked all rights and privileges of membership, including but not limited to the right to attend or participate in “Delta only” events; a woman’s right to represent herself as a member of Delta; the right to carry paraphernalia; and the right to refer to members of Delta as “Sorors.” Both a chapter and an individual may be fined where appropriate.

In relation to applicants/prospective members, the sanction is denial of membership in the sorority.

Delta posts on its website the names of local chapters that have been placed in suspended status or whose charters have been revoked. Delta also publishes the names of Members who have been suspended or banned and prospective Members who have been banned from membership.

Because bullying is a criminal offense in 44 states, Delta will report bullying to law enforcement. Delta will not defend a member who is accused of harassment.

I will strive to achieve the highest educational, moral, and spiritual efficiency that I can achieve. I will never lower my goals for any temporary advantage that might be gained. I will keep my health, because no matter how great a person’s mental and moral strength, physical weakness prevents anything else from being achieved.

Symbols of ΔΣΘ The official flower of

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

The American Violets must be picked one at a time, you cannot grab a handful without damaging some of them.

They cannot be roughly picked in a hurry. The violet is not the kind of flower that shows its full beauty on its own, but is natural

gregarious and looks best in communal groups. However, like Deltas, the Violets can stand alone and

still reflect beauty. Although at first glance violets look the same

but if you look closely, you will notice the many subtle, charming

and individual characteristics that make everyone distinctly different

from his sisters. Despite the violet’s seemingly fragile beauty, it is still sturdy and strong, yielding a long stalk when pulled. Finally, like deltas, even the all-pass violet has allotted time to boom

retains the dignity and coloring that characterizes its exclusive culture.

Sister Marie Johnson

Hartford Alumnae Chapter The official symbol of

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Strength The replica of the sculpture is located on the Howard University campus in Washington, D.C. She symbolizes strength, courage, hope, wisdom, beauty and femininity. Her features show courage and determination.

The outstretched hands represent the retreat of love as well as the surrender of one’s self to others. The statue is shown pushed forward, the tension on her thigh representative of her strength. Fortitude is designed to inspire women to push forward with determination to meet life’s challenges. The Elephant, a Delta Tradition I bet you’re wondering why Delta collects elephants. Although no one seems really sure, Delta has turned it into a hobby. Delta collects elephants in the form of jewelry, pots, stuffed animals, statues, fridge magnets, or just about anything you can name. Many deltas collect elephants because one of our founding sisters loved just that. When she died her elephant collection was donated to the Grand Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. where they are on display in our archives. Today, most deltas collect elephants in their honor. The elephant symbolizes strength and determination. The raised torso represents lofty goals. The right foot forward represents forward motion.

Historically African American sorority

This article is about the African American Service Sisterhood, founded in 1913. For the professional pharmaceutical fraternity, see Delta Sigma Theta (professional)

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (ΔΣΘ) is a historically African American fraternity. The organization was founded by college-educated women dedicated to public service, with a focus on programs to support the African American community. Delta Sigma Theta was developed on January 13, 1913 by twenty-two women at Howard University in Washington, D.C. founded. Membership is open to any woman who meets the requirements, regardless of religion, race or nationality. Women can apply through undergraduate chapters at a college or university, or through an alumnae chapter after earning a college degree.

The sorority is one of the largest chartered sororities in the United States and has more than 350,000 inductee members who are college educated women.[5] The sorority currently has over 1,000 chapters in the Bahamas, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Bermuda, Canada, England, Germany, Jamaica, Japan, West Africa and South Africa, South Korea and the United States. Delta Sigma Theta is also a member of the umbrella organization National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) – an organization of nine international black Greek letter sororities and fraternities. The current (28th) National President and CEO is Elsie Cooke-Holmes.

The first public act of Delta Sigma Theta sorority was their student participation in the Women’s Suffrage March in Washington, D.C., in the collegiate department of Howard University on March 3, 1913.[6] Since its inception, Delta Sigma Theta has developed programs to improve political, educational, social and economic conditions, particularly in black communities. The sorority works with community organizations and businesses to achieve its program goals.

The sisterhood reached its centenary and was the first black Greek letter organization to participate in the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California on January 1, 2013 with a float titled “Transforming Communities through Sisterhood and Service”.

history [edit]

The African violet is one of the recognized symbols of Delta Sigma Theta.

On January 13, 1913, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated was founded at Howard University by twenty-two women, some of whom had previously been initiated into the Alpha Chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority. Some of these initiates wanted to change the sisterhood’s name, color, and symbols to reflect a new purpose. In 1912 they proposed a vote to change the organization’s name. This new name was intended to reflect the group’s desire to change the direction of the group.[8] The members of the new organization attempted to move toward social activism and greater public service.[9] According to Delta Sigma Theta historian Paula Giddings, since Alpha Kappa Alpha was not formed, the 22 young women were concerned that there was no “legal entity”. In the absence of a charter, there was also no power to form other chapters, which limited their scope for expanding their scope.[8]

During the June meeting where the changes were discussed, former President Nellie Quander disagreed with the proposed changes and gave women a deadline to stop efforts to rename the sorority if they wanted to retain membership.[10 ] Subsequently, at another meeting later in the year, the initiates and a select group of women voted unanimously to reorganize. [11] On January 13, 1913, the younger students named the sorority and decided to reorganize and incorporate at that meeting.[12]

Thus Delta Sigma Theta Sorority was founded on January 13, 1913.[9][13] The alpha chapter of the new sorority was recorded on February 18, 1913. On January 20, 1930, the organization’s Grand Chapter was formed nationally.

Development of infrastructure and programming: 1914–1930[ edit ]

Immediately upon inception, Delta Sigma Theta members quickly mobilized to build and develop infrastructure and implement programming. One of the first duties was to take an oath written by Mary Church Terrell in 1914. In the early years, individual chapters introduced different programs to meet the needs of their local communities. The 1920’s began a decade of significant development within Delta Sigma Theta. The organization began to develop consistency in programming and communication between the chapters of the sorority. In 1920, May Week was devised to encourage black women to attend college, and the official publication of sorority was established as “The Delta”. Also in 1920, the Omega Chapter was formed to recognize deceased Sorors, and Sadie T.M. Alexander was elected the first Honorary Grand President of Delta Sigma Theta. The official Delta Sigma Theta anthem, written by Florence Cole Talbert and Alice Dunbar Nelson, was adopted in 1924. Regions were founded in 1925, and Jabberwock was founded as a fundraiser for scholarships. The Scholarship and Standards Committee was formed in 1929 and the organization was incorporated as a permanent body on January 20, 1930.

Program expansion: 1931–1955 [ edit ]

The inclusion of the Sisterhood allowed Delta Sigma Theta to enhance chapter expansion. Prior to incorporation as a perpetual body, new chapters had to search locally for individual charters. However, with the incorporation of the national organization, it became easier for the regional leadership to set up chapters. The National Library Project was established in 1937 to provide access to books to black people in rural southern areas where libraries either did not exist or were inaccessible to black people. The National Victory Book Drive was held in 1943 to provide books to soldiers. In 1945, Delta Sigma Theta donated its first $1,000 to the United Negro College Fund. Also in 1945, Delta Sigma Theta, along with Alpha Phi Alpha, Alpha Kappa Alpha, Kappa Alpha Psi, Zeta Phi Beta, and Sigma Gamma Rho, formed the American Council on Human Rights, which aimed to “mobilize the influence and resources of its members in the Struggle for justice and equal opportunity for all U.S. citizens.” While there were many struggles for minorities and women in the United States, the Delta leadership also recognized the great struggle facing others of African descent around the world, which in 1950 led to the founding of the first overseas association in Port-au-Prince, Haiti With the program expanding greatly and the number of chapters and members increasing, Delta Sigma Theta leadership recognized that there needed to be a central location where all the attributes and Records could be accommodated, and in 1953 Delta had the inauguration of its first National Headquarters.To continue helping people in need To help overseas, Delta established the maternity ward at Thika Memorial Hospital in 1955.

Other Women’s and Civil Rights Programs: 1956–1970[ edit ]

Delta had previously moved toward some consistency of programming between chapters with two international programs overseas. Entering its fifth decade of existence, the organization wanted to ensure that all chapters would focus their programs on a central national theme. So the Five Point Thrust was introduced in 1956 by the 10th National President Dorothy Heights. The five point thrust are the five areas under which all delta programming falls; The areas of focus are educational development, economic development, physical and mental health, political awareness and engagement, and international awareness and engagement. In 1960, Delta co-sponsored the conference of the National Organization of Women for Equality in Education. In 1963, when Delta celebrated its 50th anniversary, it participated in the March on Washington and established the Social Action Commission at the 27th National Convention. In 1966 Delta Teen Lift was formed and the board of directors of Delta Sigma Theta was received by President Lyndon B. Johnson at the White House in 1967 to discuss community issues and concerns. In 1968 the Unmarried Mothers Program was established and in 1970 Delta sponsored the East African International Women’s Seminar in Nairobi, Kenya.

Other majors Education: 1971–1975[ edit ]

While many steps were taken in the 1950s and 1960s to outlaw de jure segregation and discriminatory practices in schools and public housing, many de facto discriminatory practices persisted. Delta understood the importance of education and the importance of educating communities to eliminate discrimination. In 1971, Delta and the Congressional Black Caucus jointly sponsored National Policy Conferences on Education for Blacks that focused on inequalities and deficiencies in schools with large black populations. The Right to Read program was introduced in 1973 to help the functionally illiterate. In 1975, Delta established Life Development Centers to focus on problems faced by individuals from early childhood through the elderly.

Call to Action in Support of Women and Mothers: 1976–1999[ edit ]

In 1979, the Fortitude sculpture was unveiled on the Howard University campus. “Fortitude” was originally surveyed as part of the Smithsonian’s 1993 Save Outdoor Sculpture survey.[15] The sculpture features a figure of a woman cut from a thin piece of metal. She “wears” a sleeveless dress, high heels, and has short, straight hair. She runs; with her proper left arm swinging above her head and her proper right arm behind her.[16] The sculpture was unveiled on April 28, 1979 at 3:15 p.m. by members of Delta Sigma Theta to honor the Founders of the Service Sorority. The sculpture is said to “symbolize the attributes of strength, courage, hope, wisdom, beauty and femininity as represented by the 22 founders of Delta Sigma Theta”.[16]

In the early 1980s, the sorority began holding “summits” focused on various issues within the African American community. Delta felt the need to draw attention to issues affecting minorities and women that have been largely ignored in the United States. In 1981, Delta hosted the I Summit, which focused on issues affecting American women. Summit II, a call to action in support of single parents, took place in 1984. The Delta Research and Education Foundation sponsored an international conference in Nassau, Bahamas in 1987 entitled “Woman to Woman: Single Parenting from a Global Perspective”. In 1989, the School America program was created.

Expanding the Scope of National and International Programs: 1990–2002 [ edit ]

Given the significant scope and depth of the existing program, Delta members felt the need to establish a program that would increase the scope and reach of sorority activities. The first Delta Days in the Capital of Nations took place in Washington, D.C. in 1990. instead of. At the event, Delta members met with congressmen to discuss policies affecting minorities and women. In 1992, Delta Sigma Theta was the first African American organization to partner with Habitat for Humanity and has built hundreds of homes for those in need. Delta held its 1993 Summit III, which prepared young men for manhood, in response to alarming dropout and incarceration rates among young men. And in 1996, Delta traveled to Ghana in partnership with Habitat for Humanity and built 40 homes. Delta took over the Adelaide Tambo School for the Disabled in South Africa. In the same year, Delta received $1.6 million from the NSF for the SEE [Science and Everyday Experiences] project and traveled to Swaziland, South Africa to lay the foundation for the Delta Home, which would house children, who were orphaned by HIV/AIDS due to the death of their parents and dedicated the computer training center in Lesotho. In 2002, Delta became the second African-American organization after NCNW to receive Special Consultative NGO status at the United Nations.

Founder[edit]

19 founders in 1913

The 22 founders of the Delta Sigma Theta sorority are:

National Presidents[ edit ]

Participation in the women’s election march in 1913

The first public act of the Delta founders was the women’s election march.

Less than two months after the sorority’s founding, the founders of Delta Sigma Theta began their political activism by taking part in the historic 1913 Women’s Election March on Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, D.C. on March 3, 1913. participated.[17] The sorority believed that black women needed the right to vote to protect themselves from sexual exploitation, promote a quality education, help in the labor market, and strengthen their race.[18]

Black women protesters have faced racism, not only from people opposed to women’s disenfranchisement, but also from demonstration organizers who reluctantly advocated black women’s suffrage.[18] Since the 1890s, white Democrats in the former Confederation’s Southern states had ratified new state constitutional amendments and passed legislation that stripped most blacks and many poor whites of the right to vote. Black women marching for the right to vote reminded many that black men had also been disenfranchised. Also, Washington in those years was effectively a segregated city in public areas. A few years later, Terrell confided in NAACP representative Walter White her feelings about the National American Woman Suffrage Association and suffragette leader Alice Paul. Terrell questioned Paul’s loyalty to black women’s rights, saying, “If [Paul] and other white suffragist leaders could get the Anthony Amendment through without disenfranchising African-American women, they would.” [19] [20] [21] Founder of Delta, Florence Letcher Toms commented, “We marched that day so that women could come to themselves because we believed that women not only needed an education, they needed a broader one horizon in which they can use this training. And the right to vote would give them that privilege.”[22]

extension [edit]

The young women sought to expand the sorority after its formation. However, they wanted to ensure that all new chapters maintained the same high scholastic and other standards of their members and that they would be properly initiated. The sorority was first expanded with a second chapter, Beta, founded on February 5, 1914 at Wilberforce University. The third chapter, Gamma, was founded in 1918 at the University of Pennsylvania. Shortly thereafter, Delta Chapter (April 4, 1919) at the University of Iowa and Epsilon Chapter at Ohio State University (November 19, 1919) were organized.[24]

Beta Chapter members in 1922

The women were also quick to recognize that membership continued beyond the undergraduate level and responded to the need for alumnae chapters. The first graduate chapters were approved in 1920 at the Second National Graduate Assembly in New York City and Washington, DC.[25] Delta Sigma Theta also attempted to expand west of the Rocky Mountains with the formation of the Kappa Chapter at the University of California in February 1921. Delta Sigma Theta became the first black Greek letter organization established on the Pacific Coast. In 1930 the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Grand Chapter was incorporated as a standing body, eliminating the need for each individual chapter to seek its own charter.[27]

Delta Sigma Theta recognized the need for advocacy in the United States and around the world. There are currently more than 1,000 chapters and 350,000 members.

Extension programs[ edit ]

Delta Sigma Theta Jabberwock[edit]

Delta Jabberwock entrant 1945

Jabberwock, an annual variety show comprised of cultural expression and talent—such as music, sketches, and dance—was initiated by Marion Conover-Hope in Boston, Massachusetts in 1925. Locally produced Jabberwock shows served as fundraisers for many chapters of the sorority.[28] Funds from the programs support scholarships for youth and other public service projects.[29] The program encourages and supports the development of young individual talents.[29] On December 28, 1947, Delta Jabberwock was officially acquired and copyrighted by Delta Sigma Theta.[30]

May week[edit]

May Week was created in 1920 at the second national convention at Wilberforce University. Local chapters began watching it from 1921.[31] The purpose of May Week is to emphasize the importance of higher education in the community, especially for black women.[31] The slogan “Invest in Education” was adopted. One week in May is dedicated to programs that highlight academic and professional achievement.[32]

The National Library Project[ edit ]

The sorority’s first nationwide attempt to provide library services in the rural South was the National Library Project, which it approved in 1937.[33] The program was instituted in 1945 with the goal of establishing a traveling library in the South, where library services were generally unavailable to blacks, both because of segregation and because so many blacks lived in rural areas that had fewer services.[33] The project arose out of concerns that few adequate resources were available beyond those provided by segregated school systems.[33] In 1939 only 94 out of 774 public libraries in the South served blacks.[33] In addition, only 5% of rural Blacks even had access to any public service.[33] The first traveling library was in Franklin County, North Carolina,[34] where 23 book baskets containing 33 books were circulated.[33]

Job Analysis and Opportunity Project [ edit ]

The Job Analysis and Opportunity Project began in 1941.[35] It was intended to provide career, employment advice and professional exposure for black women.[35] The sorority created the program to address concerns that black women were limited in their career choices and that the economy and World War II left them with a lack of education. Some of the project’s goals were to improve working conditions and improve black women’s chances of finding a job.[35]

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority began with a four-point approach to address these concerns:

fact finding;

advising workers on problem solving;

providing guidance and encouragement; and

Assisting in changing the public perception of African American women professionals.[35]

Membership[edit]

Delta Pyramid Club Beta Chapter 1922

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is the largest African American women’s organization in the world, serving more than 350,000 college-educated women worldwide. Delta Sigma Theta has more than 1,000 chapters in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, England, Germany, Korea, Japan, Bermuda, Jamaica, the Virgin Islands, West Africa, South Africa and the Bahamas.

During the membership period, initiates are members of the Pyramid Club. The term soror, which is Latin for “sister,” [36] is used among members of the sorority when referring to and addressing one another. Many Delta women have been recognized as leaders in community activism, athletics, business, education and science, entertainment, media and literature, and government. Its members include educators, politicians, lawyers and experts from the fields of medicine, media and business. They excel in these roles at local, national and international levels.[37] Many Delta members remain active in alumnae chapters after graduating from college, and many join at the alumnae level.[38] Often alumnae and undergraduate chapters work together on large projects for the benefit of their community.[39]

National Headquarters[ edit ]

In 1953, Delta Sigma Theta was the first African American organization to purchase a national headquarters at 1814 M St. NW in Washington, DC. In 1972, the sorority moved its headquarters to New Hampshire Ave. NW in Dupont Circle. The sorority’s headquarters are currently located at 1701, 1703, 1705, 1707, and 1709 New Hampshire Avenue, N.W. in the historic district of Dupont Circle.[40] In addition to serving as the national headquarters, the buildings house the Delta Research and Education Foundation (DREF), national personnel and records, and equipment systems necessary to conduct Delta Sigma Theta’s operations.

Regions[ edit ]

The seven regions of Delta Sigma Theta

In 1925 the sorority began to organize its chapters into geographic regions. Four regions were originally created: Eastern, Midwest, Far West, and Southern.[42] Seven years later, the Central Region was established.[43] In 1960 the Mid-Atlantic region was created.[44] North and South Carolina left the Southern Region to become part of the new South Atlantic Region.[44]

Each of the seven regions is governed by a regional director and a collegiate regional representative who provides a voice for the collegiate-based members of the sorority.[45] Regional conferences are held every two years, alternating with the years that national conventions are held.

programs[edit]

Symbol of the Torch of Delta Sigma Theta

Delta Sigma Theta has provided assistance in addressing the challenges faced by people in the United States and internationally. Over the years, the sorority has established programs to provide and enhance education, health care, international development, and to strengthen the African American family. Delta Sigma Theta provides public service initiatives through the five-point Thrust program.[46]

Five Point Thrust[ edit ]

Delta Sigma Theta uses the Five Point Programmatic Push as its organizational structure when creating programs that benefit the African American community. The Five Point Programmatic Push established in 1955.

Economic development; educational development; International awareness and engagement; physical and mental health; and Political Awareness and Engagement.

The development and implementation of each program is collaborative and coordinated by committees, the national board and national headquarters staff. Leaders from the Program Planning and Development Committee, Social Action Commission, Arts and Literature Commission, Information and Communications Committee, Membership Services Committee, and regional officers also participate in developing programs to achieve the five points of the program.[ 46]

Economic development[edit]

The Delta Challenge: Delta’s Home Ownership Initiative [ edit ]

In 2003, the Delta Challenge: DST Homeownership Initiative was created to support sorority members, family members, friends and the general public to own their homes and invest in home ownership. The program is a resource for individuals seeking information about home ownership; a desire to find a credit agent who is a Delta Challenge partner; information about mortgage insurance or other benefits; or who has questions about real estate or related financial topics.[47] In three years, the program has helped more than 400 families buy homes.[47] The DST Homeownership Initiative is a partnership between the 950 chapters of Delta Sigma Theta, Chase Bank and Genworth Financial.[47]

The national directors of the DST Homeownership Initiative are Lori Jones Gibbs and Lynn Richardson.[48] Gibbs is vice president of affordable housing and industrial affairs at Genworth Financial,[48] and Richardson is vice president of national strategic partnerships at Chase Bank.[49]

The Delta Challenge provides mortgage loans, insurance, and rebates to fellow homebuyers through the Delta Chase Initiative.[50] The Delta Chase initiative resulted in more than 100,000 consumer touchpoints worldwide and $35 million in closures for Chase, a staggering 389% increase from closures over the past three years.[49]

Delta Sigma Theta and Habitat for Humanity[edit]

Delta Sigma Theta was the first African American national organization to partner with Habitat for Humanity International in 1992 during the administration of national president Bertha Roddey. Habitat for Humanity builds and rehabilitates homes with the help of select homeowners, volunteer work, managerial expertise, and tax-deductible donations of money and supplies.[52] Houses are sold to families at no profit and interest-free fixed-term mortgages are issued.[52] Between 1992-1994, Delta Sigma Theta and Habitat for Humanity built 22 homes across the United States.[51] In 1996, sorority members and supporters traveled to Ghana where they built forty Delta Habitat for Humanity homes.[52]

Financial Strength: Smart women get rich

Financial Fortitude was designed to help sorority members and local communities achieve personal wealth and financial security.[53] Financial Fortitude was founded as a result of rising unemployment, Social Security debt and the widening gap between wealth and poverty. Financial Fortitude helps participants set and define goals, develop a financial plan to achieve goals, and put their plan into action. The workshops focus on topics such as debt management and reduction, retirement, financing college, investing, insurance, real estate and home ownership, saving and entrepreneurship.[53]

Delta Towers I[ edit ]

In 1979, Delta Sigma Theta’s Washington DC Alumnae Chapter and Delta’s Housing Corporation designed and built Delta Towers as a ten-story, multi-million dollar building. Delta Towers were ready for occupancy in 1980.[54] Delta Sigma Theta established Delta Towers in northeast Washington, D.C. Delta Towers is an apartment building for the elderly and disabled.[55] Delta Towers was the first retirement center founded by one of the African American sororities or fraternities in the United States.[56] While many African American sororities and fraternities later established or plan to establish retirement centers, Delta Sigma Theta once again remains at the forefront in setting the standard for others to follow.[57] Delta Towers currently has 150 self-contained residential apartments.[54] Due to the success of Delta Towers, the chapter and housing association build a second apartment building, Delta Towers II, near the first.[54]

Delta Towers II[ edit ]

The Delta Housing Corporation of Washington D.C. Alumnae Chapter plans to build Delta Towers II. Delta Towers II will provide 150 additional safe and affordable homes for low- to middle-income seniors.[58] Delta Towers II will feature a senior wellness center, commercial office and retail services on the ground floor, and a community room.[58] Together, Delta Towers I and Delta Towers II will provide 300 affordable senior housing (affordable for households earning 60% or less of the area’s median income).[58] Construction of Delta Towers II began in March 2009.[58]

Delta and Hurricane Katrina[ edit ]

The Sorority formed the Delta Hurricane Katrina Relief Task Force to address the needs of Gulf Coast residents affected by the national disaster. The Hurricane Relief Task Force is responsible for developing strategies to address the many difficulties affecting people displaced by Hurricane Katrina in terms of housing, health and well-being, and emotional and financial needs. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. made a major commitment to three historically black colleges and universities affected by Hurricane Katrina. A total of $700,000 was awarded to Dillard, Xavier and Southern Universities over a four-year period, and a total of more than $1.2 million was pledged to agencies, organizations, members and other residents of affected Gulf areas.[59]

Educational development[edit]

dr Betty Shabazz Delta Academy[edit]

The Delta Academy by Dr. Betty Shabazz (“Capturing Tomorrow’s Dreams, Preparing Young Women for the 21st Century”) is aimed at girls aged 11-14 who are interested in leadership development.[60] The program is in honor of the sorority member, the late Dr. Betty Shabazz, wife of Malcolm X. It targets girls who demonstrate the potential for success but may not have support systems or access to financial resources.[61] Participants are exposed to math, science, technology and non-traditional careers.[60] Delta Academy sessions may also include service learning activities, field trips, and book clubs.[60]

The symbol of Delta Academy is the dream catcher. In Native American culture, the dream catcher possesses the power to capture bad dreams and entangle them in a web. The good dreams enter the person through the open center of the dream hoop.[60]

Delta GEMS: Growing Successfully and Empowering Me [ edit ]

Delta GEMS is a result and a continuation of the Dr. Betty Shabazz Delta Academy Program.[62] Delta GEMS was created to support the dreams and aspirations of at-risk African American girls ages 14-18.[62] Goals for Delta GEMS are:

Instill Academic Excellence Provide tools that enable girls to sharpen and improve their skills to achieve academic success Assist girls in setting and planning appropriate goals for their future in high school and beyond Be compassionate, caring, and community-focused creating participation in charitable opportunities by young women.[62]

The Delta GEMS framework consists of five major components (scholarship, sorority, show me the money, service, and infinitely complete) that provide a roadmap for college and career planning.[62] Themes within the five major components provide interactive lessons and activities that provide opportunities for individual growth.[62] Delta GEMS, like Delta Academy, is implemented by the chapters of Delta Sigma Theta.[62]

Lawry’s Delta GEMS Collegiate Challenge [ edit ]

Lawry’s Foods partnered with Delta Sigma Theta to create the National Collegiate Public Service Caddy and Grant Recognition Program.[63] The Collegiate Challenge recognizes and rewards a Delta collegiate chapter in each Delta region for outstanding implementation of the Delta GEMS program.[63] Regional winners will receive $1,000 and the grand prize winner will receive $5,000.[64] In 2006, collegiate chapters were asked to collaborate with other collegiate chapters, alumnae chapters, or community organizations in their ward.[64]

Maryland Educational Opportunity Center (MEOC) [ edit ]

The Maryland Educational Opportunity Center was founded in 1979 and created with a $450,000 special grant – the largest grant awarded by the United States Department of Health, Education and Human Services.[65] MEOC is a free program in Baltimore that provides information and counseling services to adults and youth interested in entering college or vocational school.[66] The seven counseling center program is sponsored by Delta Sigma Theta and funded by the federal government.[65] The MEOC is a federal TRIO program and one of 130 Educational Opportunity Centers (EOC) in the country.[65] From 1979 to 2006, MEOC served more than 78,000 people. Nearly 20,000 participants were enrolled in post-secondary institutions.[67]

Empowering Men to Create Opportunities to Develop Independence (EMBODI) [ edit ]

The EMBODI (Empowering Males to Build Opportunities for Developing Independence) program was designed to realign the efforts of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. with the support and action of other major organizations to address the plight of African American men. Both informal and empirical evidence suggests that the vast majority of African American men remain in a crisis and are not fulfilling their full educational, social, and emotional potential. EMBODI aims to address these issues through dialogue and recommendations for change and action. EMBODI will contain a program format and an information template. Offering options may include a town hall meeting, workshops, and/or teen leadership summits.[68]

$1 million grant at Howard University [ edit ]

In honor of the 22 founders, members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. presented then-National President Gwendolyn Boyd to Howard University President H. Patrick Swygert with a check in January 2003 as part of the four-day celebration of the 90th anniversary of sorority over $1 million in endowment grant, paid in full.[69]

Distinguished Professor Endowed Chair[ edit ]

The Distinguished Professor Endowed Chair Award, established as a perpetual trust fund in 1977 at the 34th National Convention, affirms and expands Sorority’s longstanding commitment to excellence in education through quality teaching at historically black colleges and universities. Delta Sigma Theta’s goal is to support and preserve these historic institutions, provide support to enable the expansion of educational opportunities, and give long-overdue recognition to distinguished Black instructors and professors. Every two years, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. awards a scholarship to a historically black college or university that supports a distinguished professor’s residency.[70]

Physical and mental health[edit]

The Total Woman: Mind, Body and Spirit Lifestyle Change Initiative[ edit ]

The Total Woman: Mind, Body, and Spirit Lifestyle Change Initiative impacts the well-being of sorority members and members’ families and communities at large. The Lifestyle Change Initiative was launched in 2004 by the Health Taskforce, which provides expertise on physical and mental health.[71] Some of the goals of the program are to educate about the importance and benefits of lifestyle changes that affect longevity, morbidity and mortality; identify organizational alliances working to address relevant health issues; and to develop and implement health-oriented programs.[71]

Through the initiative, the sorority works to combat the prevalence of obesity among women. The first component of the program is a challenge for chapter members to achieve and maintain healthier weights.[71]

£50m Challenge Partnership[ edit ]

In 2006, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority began in collaboration with Dr. Ian K. Smith and State Farm Insurance partnered to encourage members to become healthier through exercise and proper nutrition.[72] Members joined others in the African American community in reversing the deadly effects of obesity.[73] At the 2008 National Convention in Orlando, Florida, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority was recognized for the greatest weight loss by a sorority or fraternity.[73]

American Heart Association Partnership “Go Red for Women” Campaign [ edit ]

Heart disease is the leading cause of death among women and women of color in the United States.[71] Delta Sigma Theta Sorority was the first sorority to join the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women campaign as an organizational coalition working to educate women about heart disease.[74]

Political awareness and engagement[edit]

Delta Days in the Nation’s Capital [ edit ]

In 1989, the National Social Action Commission established Delta Days in the nation’s capital. Delta Days is an annual legislative conference to increase sorority member participation in the national public policy-making process.[75] The annual conference includes legislative briefings, themed forums and advocacy skills development.[75] Keynote speakers include key policymakers, members of the United States Congress, staff and national policy experts.

In 2009, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority celebrated the twentieth anniversary of Delta Days in the nation’s capital. The theme was “Advocacy in Action: Strengthening Our Legacy”.[75] Topics included empowering members to be effective advocates for social action in the areas of quality education, affordable health care, the 2010 census and economic viability.[75] A guide was provided for first-time participants, providing guidance on navigating the legislative process, drafting legislation, testifying before Congress, writing resolutions, and forming coalitions.[75]

In addition to Delta Days in the nation’s capital, each state organizes annual events where members discuss and represent state and local issues with their legislatures.

Delta Days at the United Nations[ edit ]

On March 27, 2003, Delta Sigma Theta became a non-governmental organization (NGO) with special consultative status to the United Nations.[76] National President Gwendolyn Boyd accepted the credentials on behalf of the Sisterhood in front of 150 UN members from around the world in a presentation by Hanifa Mezoui, Chief NGO Secretary at the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (ECOSOC).[76] Delta Sigma Theta was welcomed to the United Nations by Deputy Secretary General for Foreign Affairs Gillian Sorensen, who advised the sorority to “use their NGO status to monitor the status of women and children in the world and engage with others to unite NGOs to ensure the UN lives up to its obligations.”[76] Delta Sigma Theta has been granted Special Consultative Status as an NGO to the UN Economic and Social Council as a result of volunteer service and humanitarian efforts around the world.[77] Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is the first African American sorority and one of only three African American organizations with NGO Special Consultative Status with the United Nations, the other two African American organizations with that status are the National Council of Negro Women, Inc. and The Links, Incorporated.[78]

The other two organizations have significant ties to Delta Sigma Theta. National Council of Negro Women, Inc. was founded by Delta member Mary McLeod Bethune and is directed by many Delta members, including Dorothy Irene Height, Delta’s 10th national president for more than five decades, and currently by Delta member Ingrid Saunders Jones.[79] The left’s co-founder and first president, Sarah Strickland Scott, was a member of Delta Sigma Theta,[80] and several national presidents of the Left are also Delta members, including former national president Margot James Copeland.[81]

Voting rights[edit]

The sorority is committed to creating programs dedicated to:

As part of its advocacy for voting rights, Delta Sigma Theta has partnered with VoteRiders, an organization dedicated to helping eligible voters exercise their voting rights.[83]

Notable political deltas

International awareness and engagement[ edit ]

World AIDS Day[edit]

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority supported the World AIDS Campaign to commemorate World AIDS Day on December 1, 2008. With the slogan “Stop AIDS! Keep the Promise” Delta Sigma Theta sponsors workshops, programs and information dissemination. Individual chapters and members continue to raise awareness of HIV/AIDS in the community[89]

Mary Help of the Sick Mission Hospital (formerly Thika Memorial Hospital) [ edit ]

Concerns about inadequate pregnancy and maternity care for women in Africa prompted Delta Sigma Theta to invest in women’s health care in Kenya.[90] In 1955, the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority established a maternity ward and health services in Thika Town. The sisterhood began planning a larger facility in the early 1960s and funded the construction of the Thika maternity hospital. The first hospital to open after Kenya’s independence in 1963 is now known as the Mary Help of the Sick Mission Hospital. Missionary Sisters of the Holy Rosary run the facility.[90]

In 1985, members of Delta Sigma Theta visited the hospital. They could see the positive results of an increased population and an improved infant mortality rate in and around Thika. In response, the sorority donated an additional $20,000 to establish two additional maternity wards and an administrative office.[90]

Mary Help of the Sick Mission Hospital now has 121 beds and offers affordable prenatal and postnatal care, nutrition education, child immunization and family planning. The hospital provides 200 women with prenatal care every day, including laboratory work, blood tests and examinations. The facility also has a dedicated nursery for newborns. The hospital is used to train nurses and midwives. Over 66 students are trained each year.[90]

Summit VI: Health issues affecting women of African descent [ edit ]

In April 2006, Delta Sigma Theta celebrated 25 years of providing Summit programs with an international awareness program: “Summit VI: Health Issues Affecting Women of African Descent”.[64] The Jamaica Health Summit raised awareness of the rise in diabetes, heart disease and obesity among African American women.[91] The conference included various formats for a variety of health professionals to disseminate information, such as workshops, panels and town hall formats.

controversy[edit]

embezzlement [edit]

On April 20, 2021, former CEO Jeanine Henderson Arnett and her husband Diallo Arnett pleaded guilty in federal court to embezzling more than $150,000 from Delta Sigma Theta. Due to the seriousness of the crime, Jeanine Henderson Arnett was expelled from the organization when the sorority discovered the embezzled money and reported the crime.

According to news reports, the couple spent the money between 2017 and 2019 on items such as Designer Coach handbags, car rentals, real estate, Amazon purchases, and other expenses. Federal prosecutors also found that over $14,000 had been transferred to her personal bank account. Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Channing Phillips said in a press release, “While Delta Sigma Theta and its members were committed to a mission of public service, the defendants were committed to a mission of personal benefit and stole hundreds of thousands of dollars, which they can use for their own amusement.” [citation needed]

Sentencing is scheduled for July 29, 2021. The bank fraud charge carries the statutory penalty of up to 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $1 million, or up to double the amount stolen. The couple have agreed to pay full compensation.[92][93]

North Texas Rapists[ edit ]

In October 2011, it was reported that a serial rapist in the Dallas area targeted Delta Sigma Theta graduates and assaulted four graduates between the ages of their 50s and 60s over a period of 11 months.[94] The sorority issued a press release advising its members not to identify their affiliation with the sorority through their cars, key fobs, clothing, or Facebook posts.[94]

The case was featured on the December 9, 2011 episode of America’s Most Wanted. A suspect was identified and arrested.[95][96]

Notable hazing events[ edit ]

At Western Illinois University, a Delta conscript was hospitalized in January 1999 due to lacerations on her lower back and buttocks from severe beatings by Delta women. She sued the sorority for an undisclosed amount.[97]

At Norfolk State University, a Delta conscript was admitted to an intensive care unit in February 1999 after a series of physical beatings and strenuous activities. Nine sorority members, two of whom were about to graduate, were expelled from the university in May.[98][99]

At McNeese State University, the sorority was found guilty in September 2006 of heavily concealing promises. 11 members involved were each fined $1,000 and the chapter was fined $1,000 by sorority headquarters. The university banned the sorority from campus for four years.[100]

At the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, a Delta was arrested for double assault in April 2009, and several other Deltas were fined for physical and mental abuse of promises. A pawn was hospitalized with internal bleeding and abdominal pain she developed from being physically abused by sorority members.[101]

At Northern Kentucky University, the chapter was suspended from campus in 2009 for repeating three promises and violently hitting them with paddles.

At the University of Tampa, a 2010 lien harassment complaint was filed by the university in a district court against three senior Deltas of the university’s chapter. These three deltas made promises to run long distances, do push-ups, do squats, eat garlic wrapped in Big Red gum and drink hot sauce, hold a match between their fingers while reciting a promise they were made with Stones and grass were thrown and they paddled. The Deltas accused of bullying filed a petition against the university, saying they had been unfairly targeted as black women because all-white fraternities on campus performed similar bullying rituals, including verbal abuse, but were punished collectively and for were sentenced to one semester probation. The Hillsborough County Circuit Court denied her application, arguing that the university was not at fault.[103]

At East Carolina University, November 2010, Delta promises that Victoria Carter and Briana Gather died in a traffic accident at approximately 6:30 am on the way to a hair appointment set up in preparation for the initiation. Gather and Carter had undergone a series of grueling bullying activities this week, including “Delta TV,” which forced the pledges to get into and hold a push-up position, do “wall sits,” and hold that posture for a long time maintain time and do the “Delta Chair”: stand on one leg and hold heavy bricks over your head. The promises also carried “Delta Lipstick”: hot sauce rubbed on lips and ate a “Delta apple”, a large raw onion; They were also asked to eat large amounts of cottage cheese and drink buttermilk. The driver of the vehicle, a fellow pawn who survived, pleaded guilty to the offense of death by motor vehicle. According to the lawsuit filed by the family, she suffered from “excessive and overwhelming fatigue, exhaustion and sleep deprivation and fell asleep behind the wheel” as a result of the pawn exercises. In the night and morning hours before the accident, the Vows had practiced the “Bequest Death March,” an aspect of the initiation ceremony. Because of the long hours of practice, they didn’t have a chance to sleep. Members of the sorority have also been accused of lying and attempting to destroy all evidence of pre-trial harassment in the filed lawsuit.[104][105]

In 2010, the sorority was banned from Winston-Salem State University for ten years following a bullying investigation, but the suspension was lifted five years after the original verdict. The sorority was previously suspended for jeopardizing promises and other vexatious activities.[106]

In 2011, Emory University suspended Delta Sigma Theta for four years for bullying violations.

At Baylor University, the sorority was suspended by the university for a number of years in 2012 following reports of harassment. Delta Sigma Theta and Alpha Kappa Alpha were the only on-campus sororities to be suspended for hazing between 2010 and 2015.

At Florida A&M University, it was reported anonymously in 2013 that a Delta Pledge passed out one night after being forced to squat for a long time. Promising women were punished physically and verbally if they forgot information about each of their 54 “sisters of the line” to remember. Members of the sorority initially denied any allegations of bullying, but a thorough investigation resulted in the sorority being suspended until at least June 2016 and the 2013 line of commitments being dropped.

At Ohio State University, in 2013 the university banned Delta Sigma Theta from campus until at least the fall of 2016. The sorority was found guilty of bullying and violating the university’s codes of conduct.[111]

The chapter at Louisiana State University (LSU) was banned from campus for several years (late July 2019) for repeated bullying violations and putting eggs, whipped cream, and syrup in the hair of its promises.[112] The ban on sororities at LSU is rare; the ban on fraternities is more common.[113]

Sorority Sisters TV show[edit]

In December 2014, VH1 debuted a reality television show called Sorority Sisters, which followed the personal and professional lives of several alumnae members of the National Pan-Hellenic Council sororities in Atlanta, Georgia. Five members of the cast were Deltas who complained about death threats and harassment they received from those unhappy with their performance on the show. In January 2015, the top leadership of Delta Sigma Theta Inc. expelled the five cast members from the sorority. The expelled members maintain their innocence and feel abused by their former sorority. The Delta cast members were the only cast members to have their sorority membership permanently revoked.[114] Two Alpha Kappa Alpha cast members had temporarily suspended their membership. Cast members with Zeta Phi Beta or Sigma Gamma Rho memberships were never at risk. The show was canceled before the final three scheduled episodes aired.

In January 2018, one of the expelled members filed a lawsuit against Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. Her lawsuit states the sorority has never reprimanded members for allegedly publicly harassing them and sending death threats, and never expelled a prominent sorority member who starred in similar shows on VH1, she alleged on the show never the sorority to represent and she lost many paid opportunities because the sorority was involved in vilifying the show and having it cancel. As a plaintiff in the process, she is demanding compensation for lost wages and for mental and emotional abuse.[118]

Golden Jubilee[edit]

1963 marked the golden 50th anniversary of sorority, the same year as the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. Delta Sigma Theta 10th National President Dorothy Height was one of the driving forces behind the march and was the only woman seated on the speaker’s platform.[119] Delta members also attended the march in large numbers.

At the Golden Anniversary luncheon held on January 12, 1963, President John F. Kennedy addressed the members and congratulated the sorority on their anniversary and declared the need for all Americans to have equal educational opportunities.[120] Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson and Supreme Court Justice William O. Douglas also spoke about membership during the 1963 Golden Anniversary celebrations at a January 13 reception. [121] Also in attendance were founders Osceola McCarthy Adams, Winona Cargile Alexander and Ethel Cuff Black, Bertha Pitts Campbell, Myra Davis Hemmings, Jimmie Bugg Middleton, Eliza Pearl Shippen, Florence Letcher Toms, Wertie Blackwell Weaver, and Madree Penn White.[ 121] Soror Mary Elizabeth Vrooman wrote Shaped to its Purpose, a 50-year history of Delta Sigma Theta, published in 1965.[121]

50th anniversary in 1963

Centenary [edit]

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. began its one-year centennial celebration on January 1, 2013. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. kicked off its centennial year by becoming the first black Greek letter organization to participate in the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California. on New Year’s Day with a float titled “Transforming Communities through Sisterhood and Service.” [122] Then National President Cynthia M.A. Butler-McIntyre accepted a proclamation presented by local officials in Pasadena in honor of the sisterhood’s 100th anniversary became. [122] On Thursday, January 10, 2013, hundreds of Delta Sigma Theta members gathered in New York City in Times Square for appearances on The Today Show and Good Morning America,[123] followed by a huge caravan to Washington , D.C., including buses the Centennial logo.

From January 11-13, 2013, more than 12,000 Delta Sigma Theta members gathered in Washington, D.C. at Howard University to participate in a variety of activities, including twenty-two different service activities on Friday, January 12, 2013 and many galas and activities honoring the achievements of the sorority.[124] From March 1-5, 2013, thousands of Delta Sigma Theta members attended Delta Days in the nation’s capital.[125] This is an annual event where members of Delta Sigma Theta in Washington, D.C. come together to discuss relevant issues affecting women and the black community with members of Congress. On March 3, 2013, Delta Sigma Theta organized a re-enactment of the 1913 Women’s Election Parade during Delta Days at the nation’s capital event.[125] The March for Women’s Suffrage originally took place on March 3, 1913.[126] Delta Sigma Theta was the only black women’s organization to take part in the original march. On March 8, 2013, Delta Sigma Theta attended its tenth annual Delta Day at the United Nations to celebrate “a decade of commitment to global advocacy and protecting the rights of women and girls.”

On June 15, 2013, the Cynthia MA Butler-McIntyre campus of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Elementary School opened in Cherette, Haiti. By rebuilding an improved school with larger classrooms and implementing new technology and unlimited access to clean water, academic excellence is being promoted in the remote village of Cherette, 96 miles southwest of Port-au-Prince.[128] The Delta Research & Educational Foundation will support the elementary school by providing funds earmarked to support initiatives to provide clean water to Haitians affected by the January 2010 earthquake.[128] Der Standort der Schule bietet Mitgliedern die Möglichkeit, sich in einer verbesserten Lernumgebung zu engagieren und den Bildungsfortschritt in der gesamten Gemeinde Cherette zu fördern, während sie gleichzeitig eine praktische Lernerfahrung im globalen Dienst erleben. Das Schulprojekt umfasst den Bau eines Verwaltungsgebäudes und von sechs Klassenzimmern.[128] In Anerkennung des Zuschusses der Delta Research & Educational Foundation zur Unterstützung von sauberem Wasser auf dem Schulgelände wird die Chérette-Schulverwaltung die Schule Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Elementary School, The Cynthia M. A. Butler-McIntyre Campus nennen. Bestimmte Bereiche der Schule werden zu Ehren der sieben lebenden Past National Presidents benannt: Frankie Muse Freeman, Esq., Dr. Thelma T. Dailey, Mona Humphries Bailey, Dr. Bertha M. Roddey, Kongressabgeordnete Marcia L. Fudge, Rev B. Gwendolyn E. Boyd und Dr. Louise A. Rice.[128]

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. feierte in der Woche vom 11. bis 17. Juli 2013 in Washington, DC, ihre Hundertjahrfeier.[129] Mehr als 40.000 registrierte und unzählige nicht registrierte Mitglieder nahmen an Aktivitäten teil, die mehrere Serviceaktivitäten und Anerkennung für die vielen Errungenschaften beinhalteten, die die Sorority in den letzten 100 Jahren angesammelt hat. Als Teil der einjährigen Feierlichkeiten fand eine 22-Städte-Tour der Delta-Fackel statt, die die „Leidenschaft und das Engagement für die globale Reichweite der Organisation“ symbolisiert, die in Los Angeles begann – mit Deltas historischer Teilnahme an der Tournament of Roses Parade 2013 – und weiter durch Seattle, Dallas, Little Rock, Detroit, Atlanta, Charlotte, New York City und Baltimore und internationale Kapitel in Japan und Bermuda. Die Tour fand ihren Höhepunkt in Washington, D.C., auf der 51. National Convention am 11. Juli 2013, als sie an den nationalen Präsidenten übergeben wurde, was den Beginn der Convention bedeutete. Während der Centennial Convention ehrte der Bürgermeister von Washington D.C. die Arbeit von Delta Sigma Theta, indem er den 1700 Block der New Hampshire Ave NW in Washington, D.C. ehrenhalber in „Delta Sigma Theta Way“ umbenannte.[130]

Präsident Obama trifft sich mit Delta-Führern

Im Laufe des Jahres 2013 wurde Delta Sigma Theta in vielerlei Hinsicht von externen Personen und Organisationen geehrt, einschließlich der Hervorhebung in einem Wal-Mart-Werbespot, der Ehrung durch ein NBA-Team, den Cleveland Cavaliers, [132] der in großen nationalen Zeitschriften und anderen vorgestellt wurde Nachrichtensender wie CNN, MSNBC, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal und The Washington Post unter anderem, wurden ihre Errungenschaften[133] von nationalen Führern wie dem Generalstaatsanwalt und dem Delta-Ehemann Eric Holder gelobt, der erklärte: „As Wenn ich mich heute in dieser Menge umschaue, bin ich mir sicher, dass – wenn Sie weiterhin an den Werten, Idealen und der außergewöhnlichen Geschichte festhalten, die Ihnen anvertraut wurden – Ihre Zukunft von kontinuierlichem Fortschritt geprägt sein wird, und unbegrenzte Möglichkeiten.“[134] und die ehemalige Außenministerin Hillary Clinton, die sagte: „Delta bedeutet Veränderung und Deltas sind zum Dienen berufen … Wo immer Sie Frauen aufsteigen sehen, sehen Sie Deltas!“[135] Sowohl die amerikanischen als auch die kanadischen Wasserfälle in Niagara Falls am 22. Februar 2013[136] und das Weiße Haus am 13. Januar 2013[137] wurden zu Ehren der hundertjährigen Feier der Sorority mit rotem Licht beleuchtet. Und Präsident Barack Obama lud Delta Leadership ins Weiße Haus ein und sprach sie persönlich im Oval Office an.[138] Präsident Obama wandte sich auch per Video an die Teilnehmer der Abschlussgala zur Hundertjahrfeier.[137] In der Andrew-Rankin-Gedächtniskapelle auf dem Campus der Howard University wurde der Schwesternschaft ein Delta-Sigma-Theta-Fenster gewidmet. Darüber hinaus nahmen Mitglieder von Delta Sigma Theta am 28. August 2013 am 50. Jahrestag des Marsches auf Washington teil.

See also[edit]