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National History

History in the Making

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority was founded on January 13, 1913 by 22 collegiate women at Howard University. These students wanted to use their collective strength to de-emphasize the social aspect of sorority life. Instead they were interested in promoting high academic standards, social welfare, cultural enrichment, Christian principles, and providing assistance to persons in need. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., is a private, non-profit organization whose purpose is to provide programs and services to promote human welfare.

The sorority's major programs are based upon the organization's

Five Point Program Thrust
  • Economic Development
  • Education Development
  • International Awareness and Involvement
  • Physical and Mental Health
  • Political Awareness and Involvement

    FOUNDERS OF DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY INCORPORATED

    • Osceola Macarthy Adams
    • Marguerite Young Alexander
    • Winona Cargile Alexander
    • Ethel Cuff Black
    • Bertha Pitts Campbell
    • Zephyr Chisom Carter
    • Edna Brown Coleman
    • Jessie McGuire Dent
    • Frederica Chase Dodd
    • Myra Davis Hemmings
    • Olive Clare Jones
    • Jimmie Bugg Middleton
    • Pauline Oberdorfer Minor
    • Vashti Turley Murphy
    • Naomi Sewell Richardson
    • Mamie Reddy Rose
    • Eliza Pearl Shippen
    • Florence Letcher Toms
    • Ethel Carr Watson
    • Wertie Blackwell Weaver
    • Madree Penn White
    • Edith Motte Young

    National Presidents of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated

    • Sadie T.M. Alexander 1919-1923
    • Dorothy Pelham Beckley 1923-1926
    • Ethel LaMay Calimese 1926-1929
    • Anna Johnson Jullian 1929-1931
    • Gladys Byram Sheppard 1931-1933
    • Jeanette Triplett Jones 1933-1935
    • Vivian Osborne Marsh 1935-1939
    • Elsie Austin 1939-1944
    • Mae Wright Downs Peck Williams 1944-1947
    • Dorothy Irene Height 1947-1956
    • Dorothy P. Harrison 1956-1958
    • Jeanne L. Noble 1958-1963
    • Geraldine Pittman Woods 1963-1937
    • Frankie M. Freeman 1967-1971
    • Lillian Pierce Benbow 1971-1975
    • Thelma Thomas Daley 1975-1979
    • Mona Humphries Bailey 1979-1983
    • Hortense Golden Canady 1983-1988
    • Yvonne Kennedy 1988-1992
    • Bertha Maxwell Roddy 1992-1996
    • Marcia L. Fudge 1996-2000
    • Gwendolyn E. Boyd 2000-current

    Through sisterhood, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated has withstood the test of time. With membership of over 250,000 predominately African-American, college-educated women, the sorority currently has 900-plus chapters located in the United States, Japan, Germany, Bermuda, Haiti, Liberia, Bahamas, Republic of Korea and the Virgin Islands. This deep and abiding bond, based on love and respect has sustained the organization. The challenges and successes of over eighty-seven years inspire members today, and assure them that the organization will continue making history through every member's unique contribution of skill and spirit.

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