What is the mission statement?
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is an organization of college educated women committed to constructive development of its members and to public service with a primary focus on the black community.
What Convention was the Grand Chapter established?
First national convention
What was the purpose of the National Vigilance Committee?
To keep in touch with the political and civic activities of the country as they affected the negro race in general
What are the 9 Jewels?
Compassion, Courtesy, Dedication, Fellowship, Fidelity, Honesty, Justice, Purity, and Temperance.
Delta Sigma Theta was incorporated in what year?
1913
Who is the Jewel Compassion dedicated to?
Founders of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.
Which Honorary Member wrote the Delta Oath?
Mary Church Terrell
What 3 chapters were in attendance at the First National Convention?
Alpha- Howard University; Gamma- University of Pennsylvania; Epsilon- Ohio State University
What components make up the Minerva Circle of Identity?
Sisterhood, Black, College, Women, Public Service
Who designed the Sorority Crest?
F. Ailene Marks and Jeannette Tripplet Jones
On what university campus was Delta Sigma Theta founded?
Howard University
Who are the writers of the Delta Hymn?
Alice Dunbar Nelson and Florence Cole Tolbert
What were the first two graduate (now called alumnae) chapters authorized by Delta Sigma Theta?
New York City and Washington D.C.
What was the purpose of Jubilee Year, established in 1929?
To get inactive members to become more active and re dedicate to Delta.
What were the first four funds established under the first national president, Sadie Tanner Mossell Alexander?
Housing Fund, Sinking Fund, Scholarship fund, College Tuition Fund
How many principles provide the overall framework for all of the initiation activities?
9
Who was the first Honorary Member of Delta Sigma Theta?
Nannie H. Burroughs
At what convention was Mary McLeod Bethune initiated?
Fifth Convention
The jewels representing the 9 Cardinal Virtues are located on which Greek letter on the Delta Pin?
The Sigma
Osceola McArthy Adams
Founder who selected Delta Mottoes; an acclaimed actress and Directress of the America Negro Theatre
Marguerite Young Alexander
Born in Illinois; constant supporter of Alpha Chapter
Winona Cargile Alexander
First Custodian (Historian) of the Alpha Chapter; was the first black social worker with New York City and New York County Charities
Ethel Cuff Black
First Vice President of the Alpha Chapter; first black teacher in Richmond County, NY; Charter member of the Queens Alumnae Chapter
Bertha Pitts Campbell
The only Black student enrolled at her school; was the valedictorian of the class of 1908
Zephyr Chisholm Carter
Born in El Paso, TX; Alpha Chapter's first Reporter; featured in the Crisis Magazine in 1913
Edna Brown Coleman
President and valedictorian of there graduating class; married a founder of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc.
Jessie McGuire Dent
First corresponding secretary; instrumental in integrating the Galveston Public School System
Fredericka Chase Dodd
First Sergeant-at-Arms of the Alpha Chapter; charter member of the Delta Alumnae Chapter
Myra Davis Hemmings
First president of Alpha Chapter; was an active member of the NAACP and the National Council of Negro Women
Olive C. Jones
Accomplished pianist who taught school in Washington, D.C.
Jimmie Bigg Middleton
President and National Treasurer of the National Association of College Women; Dean of Girls at the Black High School in Raleigh, N.C.
Pauline Oberdorfer Minor
First Treasurer of Alpha Chapter; author of "Get off the Judgement Seat
Vashti Turley Murphy
Mother of 5 daughters, four of whom became Deltas; member of the Baltimore Branch of the National Association of College Women
Naomi Sewell Richardson
Last surviving founder in 1993; the first black graduate of Washingtonville High School; married a member of Alpha Phi Alpha
Mammie Reddy Rose
First founder to enter into the Omega Omega Chapter
Eliza Pearl Shippen
Graduated Magna Cum Laude from Howard University; received her M.A. and Ph.D
Florence Letcher Toms
Presented First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt to parents at the John Wesley AME Zion Church in 1945; had interactions with multiple presidents including William H. Taft and John F. Kennedy
Ethel Carr Watson
Teacher for more than 30 years than began a career in dramatics
Wertie Blackwell Weaver
Author of Valley of the Poor about poor blacks in the South
Madree Penn White
Accomplished linguist who spoke German, French, Greek and Latin; designed ceremony for inducting Honorary Members; first woman of the campus paper, The Howard University Journal
Edith Motte Young
Served as the Recording Secretary of the Alpha Chapter; taught at Claffin College in Orangeburge, S.C.
Current National President
Dr. Paulette C. Walker
Current National First Vice President
Beverly E. Smith
Current Second Vice President
Brittani N. Blackwell
Current National Secretary
Cheryl Heckmon
Current National Treasurer
Terri E. Rivalte
Current National Executive Director
Roseline McKinney
What are 3 of the current National Committees?
Rituals and Ceremonies Committee; Social Action Committee; Constitution and Bylaws Committee
Immediate Past National President
Cynthia M.A. McIntyre
What are the location of four of the International Chapters of the Sorority?
Virgin Islands; Japan; South Korea; England; Germany; Bahamas
What are five of the seven regions of the sorority?
Central, Eastern, Southern, Southwest, Midwest
In which region is the chapter that you are seeking membership?
BLAZIN' Southwest Region
Who is the Regional Director?
Mae Francis Rowlett
Who is the Regional Representative?
Tiffani Kidd
Alice Dunbar Nelson (Honorary Member)
First woman to serve on the Delaware State Republican Committee
Ethel L. Payne (Honorary Member)
First Black woman journalist to cover international affairs
Mary E. Vroman (Honorary Member)
First Black Woman accepted membership in the Screen Writer's Guild
Soledad O'Brian (Honorary Member)
Anchor and correspondant, CNN
Daisy Bates (Honorary Member)
Advisor to Little Rock 9
Economic Development
Job Opportunity Project
Delta Habitat for Humanity
Financial Fortitude
Education Development
Delta Teen Lift
Delta Read to Write
Delta Academy
Delta Gems
National Library Project
Bookmobile Project
International Awareness and Involvement
International Day of Service
The Delta House ( Mbabane, Swaziland)
Thika Memorial Hospital (Nairobi, Kenya)
Physical and Mental Health
Summit V
Lifestyle Change Initiative
Healthy Lifestyle (The Total Woman: Mind, Body, and Spirit)
Political Awareness and Involvement
Social Action
Voter Education
Voter Registration
What all is included in the crest?
Shield bearing the torch, sword, staff, wreath, Minerva, and the Greek Letters of DST
What is the definition of Compassion?
Compassion is the essence of the human spirit.
What is the definition of Courtesy? Who is it dedicated to?
Courtesy springs from a genuine respect for the feelings others and the consideration for the inherent dignity of every living person. It is dedicated to the mothers of Delta Sigma Theta.
What is the definition of Dedication? Who is it dedicated to?
Dedication to a noble cause is one of society's highest callings and an act of consecration. It is dedicated to Delta presidents, past and present
What is the definition of Fellowship? Who is it dedicated to?
Fellowship is the common spirit of sisterhood. It is dedicated to the many chapters of Delta Sigma Theta
What is the definition of Fidelity? Who is it dedicated to?
Fidelity is the steadfast devotion and faithful commitment we give to purposes larger than ourselves, and a disciplined devotion, which involves us in those experiences that are the very essence of an organization. It is dedicated to the honorary members
What is the definition of Honesty? Who is it dedicated to?
Honesty is the first requisite in keeping peace with ourselves and meriting the trust of others. It is dedicated to the National Officers, past and present.
What is the definition of Justice? Who is it dedicated to?
Justice is the firm and continuous obligation to render to everyone, regardless of race, creed, color, or sex, that which is his or her due. It is dedicated to our ancestors, born slaves or freed to stuggle, leaving a legacy of achievement of overcoming o
What is the definition of Purity? Who is it dedicated to?
Purity of character, mind and conduct is the supreme goal of human life. This jewel is dedicated to the deceased Sorors of Delta Sigma Theta.
What is the definition of Temperance? Who is dedicated to?
Temperance is the self-restraint in conduct. This jewel is dedicated to the national staff.
What were some notable things that happened between 1913-1935?
1913- Delta's Alpha Chapter was granted a certificate of incorporation
1919- First national convention, held Dec. 27-30 in Washington D.C.
1920-Graduate chapters formed; May Week established
1923-Honorary Member Mary McLeod Bethune Initiated
1924-Delta Hy
What officers are appointed for National Convention only?
Chaplain, Parliamentarian, and Sergeant-at-Arms
What is the theme of the current biennium?
A Sisterhood Called to Serve: Transforming lives, impacting communities
What are the goals of the Dr. Betty Shabazz Academy and the Dr. Jeanne L. Noble Delta GEMS institute?
Delta Academy: to enhance learning and interest in science, math, and technology, as well as prepare young girls for leadership in the 21st century
Delta GEMS: for at-risk adolescent girls and help them succeed academically as well as assist with proper g
Describe the function and purpose, noting at least one current emphasis of the the Social Action Commission
The Social Action Committee monitors legislation at the federal, state, and local levels. 100 years ago, it was Women's Suffrage. Today, one current emphasis is voter registration.
What is the mission of the Delta Research and Education Fund currently named the Delta Foundation?
It serves identify solutions for issues that affect African American women and their families nationally and globally through funding and support of national programs.
What is the Distinguished Professor Endowed Chair and how do local chapters participate in the program?
Endowments are given to Black Colleges/Universities through a grant for a professor of distinction for a two-year period. Local chapters recommend sites and donate funds.
What is the Life Development Center?
Housing for elderly, provides programs for youth and community. Programs that are held foster the 5 point thrust ie Job Fairs (economic), Library services(educational), Poltical awareness(political), Mental health counseling (physical and mental health),
Traditional Delta programs
May Week
Founders Day
Jabberwock