[47] In three years, the program has helped more than 400 families purchase homes. [67], 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. 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. [70], The Total Woman: Mind, Body, and Spirit Lifestyle Change Initiative impacts the well-being of sorority members and members' families and communities at-large. [91] The conference included various formats for a variety of health care experts to disseminate information, such as workshops, panels, and town hall formats. 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. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. began its year-long centennial celebration January 1, 2013. [47] The program is a resource for individuals seeking information about homeownership; wishing to locate a loan representatives who partners with the Delta Challenge; information about mortgage insurance or other benefits; or who has questions regarding real estate or related financial topics. [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. Rice. Each of the seven regions is led by a regional director and a collegiate regional representative, who provides a voice for the sorority's college-based members. In 1945, Delta Sigma Theta donated its first $1,000 to the United Negro College Fund. The sorority initially expanded with a second chapter, Beta, established at Wilberforce University, February 5, 1914. Also in 1920, Omega Chapter was established to recognize deceased Sorors, and Sadie T.M. [18], Black female marchers were subjected to racism, not only by people who were opposed to the enfranchisement of women, but by march organizers reluctant to advocate suffrage for black women.

In 1992, Delta Sigma Theta became the first African American organization to collaborate with Habitat for Humanity, and has built hundreds of houses for those in need. 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 enfranchising African American women, they would do so. [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. Delta had previously moved toward having some uniformity of programming among chapters, with two international programs abroad. During January 1113, 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.

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. [29] The program encourages and assists in the development of young individual talents. Elementary School opened in Cherette, Haiti. The program's first component is a challenge to chapter members to achieve and maintain healthier weights. The first hospital to open after Kenya gained independence in 1963, it is now known as Mary Help of the Sick Mission Hospital. Prior to incorporation as a perpetual body, new chapters were required to seek individual charters locally. The organization began to develop uniformity in programming and communication between the chapters of the sorority. [49], Delta Sigma Theta was the first national African-American organization to collaborate with Habitat for Humanity International in 1992, during National President Bertha Roddey's administration. Elementary School, The Cynthia M. A. Butler-McIntyre Campus. [10] Subsequently, in another meeting later in the year the initiates and a select group of women unanimously voted to reorganize. In 2009, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority celebrated the twentieth anniversary of Delta Days in the Nation's Capital. Thus, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority was founded on January 13, 1913.

Some of the project's goals were to improve working conditions and to improve black women's opportunities to acquire a job.[35]. However, with the national organization incorporated, chartering chapters became easier on regional leadership. [52] Houses are sold to families without profit, and no-interest mortgages are issued over a fixed period. [109][110], At Ohio State University in 2013, the university banned Delta Sigma Theta from campus until at least fall 2016. [54] Delta Sigma Theta established Delta Towers in the northeast area of Washington, D.C. Delta Towers is an apartment building for elderly and disabled individuals.

[33] Additionally, only 5% of rural blacks had access to any public institution at all. [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. [37]

[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. [124] March 15, 2013, thousands of members of Delta Sigma Theta participated in the Delta Days at the Nation's Capital. [65] The MEOC is a federal TRIO program and one of 130 Educational Opportunity Centers (EOC) in the country. [30], May Week was created at the second national convention in 1920 at Wilberforce University. [107], At Baylor University in 2012, the sorority was placed on suspension by the university for a few years due to reports of hazing. [31] The slogan "Invest in Education" was adopted. "[122] Then National President Cynthia M.A. [56] While, many African-American sororities and fraternities subsequently established, or have plans to establish, retirement centers, Delta Sigma Theta, once again, remains a leader in setting the standard for others to follow. Delta Sigma Theta realized the need for advocacy in the United States, and throughout the world. To provide tools permitting the girls to sharpen and enhance their skills to achieve academic success, To assist girls in setting and planning proper goal for their futures in high school and beyond. Soon after, Delta Chapter was established (April 4, 1919) at the University of Iowa and Epsilon Chapter at The Ohio State University (November 19, 1919). [106], In 2011, Emory University suspended Delta Sigma Theta for four years due to hazing violations. In 1963 the Sorority's Golden 50th Anniversary was celebrated, the same year as the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. Given the great expansion of programming, and the increasing number of chapters and members, Delta Sigma Theta leadership realized there needed to be one central location in which all properties and records could be housed, and in 1953, Delta had the dedication of its first National Headquarters. The first public act of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority was its participation as students in the Women's Suffrage March in Washington, D.C., in the collegiate section of Howard University on March 3, 1913. Some of these initiates wanted to change the sorority's name, color, and symbols to reflect a new purpose. And in 1996, in collaboration with Habitat for Humanity, Delta traveled to Ghana and built 40 homes. [64] Held in Jamaica, the health issues summit heightened awareness of increases in diabetes, heart disease and obesity among African-American women. For the professional pharmaceutical fraternity, see, Development of infrastructure and programming: 19141930, Further programs focused on women's and civil rights: 19561970, Call to action in support of women and mothers: 19761999, Enlarging the scope of national and international programming: 19902002, Participation in the 1913 Women's Suffrage March, The Delta Challenge: Delta Homeownership Initiative, Delta Sigma Theta and Habitat for Humanity, Financial Fortitude: Smart Women Finish Rich, Delta GEMS: Growing and Empowering Myself Successfully, Maryland Educational Opportunity Center (MEOC), Empowering Males to Build Opportunities for Developing Independence (EMBODI), $1 million endowed scholarship at Howard University, The Total Woman: Mind, Body, and Spirit Lifestyle Change Initiative, American Heart Association Partnership "Go Red for Women" Campaign, Mary Help of the Sick Mission Hospital (formerly Thika Memorial Hospital), Summit VI: Health Issues Impacting Women of African Descent, Shaped to Its Purpose: Delta Sigma Theta--the First Fifty Years by, National American Woman Suffrage Association, United States Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, Felony disenfranchisement in the United States, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, Learn how and when to remove this template message, List of social fraternities and sororities, List of Delta Sigma Theta National Conventions, "Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated Celebrates Centennial", "The day the Deltas marched into history", "Delta Sigma Theta presents a traveling library to Franklin County:: Library History Collection", "Page not found Sacramento Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc", "The Delta Challenge: DST Homeownership Initiative", "Mid-Atlantic Region, AKA Centennial Regional Tributes", "District Announces Affordable Housing Projects Selected For Underwriting", "Augusta Alumnae Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc", "Internationally Recognized Sorority and LAWRY's Foods Join Forces to Inspire Young African American Girls to Shine", "48th National Post-Convention Supplement, Chapters Honored for Successful Programs", "Cummings Announces $899,775 Education Grant to Benefit First Generation CollegeBound Students", "Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Official Website", "Deltas Give $1 Million to Howard's Capital Campaign", "Delta Sigma Theta Named a Challenge Champion by The 50Million Pound Challenge", "Program Planning and Development Physical & Mental Health", United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs NGO Section, Philadelphia Alumnae Chapter Charter members, "COVID-19 Will Suppress the Vote in November", "Loretta Lynch confirmed as new US attorney general", "Althea Simmons, 66, N.A.A.C.P. [23] The third chapter, Gamma, was established in 1918 at the University of Pennsylvania. 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]. Delta understood the importance of education, and how educating communities would be essential in eradicating discrimination. [33] The project arose from concerns that few adequate resources were available, outside of those provided by segregated school systems. Since there was no charter, there was no authority to form other chapters, thus limiting their ability to enlarge the scope of activity. The night and morning hours prior to the accident, the pledges had been practicing the "probate death march", an aspect of the initiation ceremony. [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. The right to read program was established in 1973 to help the functionally illiterate. [38] Often alumnae and undergraduate chapters will collaborate on large projects to benefit their community. [33] In 1939, only 94 out of 774 public libraries in the South served blacks. As the plaintiff in the lawsuit, she is seeking to be compensated for lost wages and for mental and emotional abuse.[118]. Locally produced Jabberwock shows served as fundraisers for many chapters of the sorority. 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. [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. Lobbyist", Local sorority to hold HIV/AIDS workshops and free onsite screening, Hayward-Tri-City Alumnae Chapter Programs, The embezzlement was reported in the Washington Post, "The Texas Sorority Rapist's Bizarre Obsession", "Police Continue Search for Sorority Rapist", "Texas man suspected in 2011 serial rapes that targeted Delta Sigma Theta sorority sisters", "Former Pledge Sues Sorority Over Hazing", "NKU officials say sorority hazed pledges", "Three Sorority Sisters Suspended for Rush-Hazing Stunts", "Mother of Delta Sigma Theta Pledge Files Wrongful Death Lawsuit", "WSSU suspends sorority for hazing its pledges", "Alpha Phi Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta Removed From Emory University Campus For Hazing Violations", "Baylor University -- Student Policies and Procedures -- Hazing Cases", "Delta Sigma Theta Hazing Investigation Heats Up at FAMU", "Ohio State's Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. suspended until fall 2016", "Which LSU fraternity and sorority chapters are currently in disciplinary hot water? The sorority headquarters is currently located at property located at 1701, 1703, 1705, 1707, and 1709 New Hampshire Avenue, N.W.

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. [7], On January 13, 1913, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated was founded by twenty-two women at Howard University, a few of whom had earlier been initiated into the Alpha chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority. [59], Dr. Betty Shabazz's Delta Academy ("Catching the Dreams of Tomorrow, Preparing Young Women For the 21st Century") is designed for girls ages 11 to 14, who have an interest in developing leadership skills. The sorority was found guilty of hazing and violating the university's codes of conduct. In 1979, the Fortitude sculpture was unveiled on the campus of Howard University. In that same year, Delta received $1.6 million from NSF for project SEE [Science and Everyday Experiences], and traveled to Swaziland, South Africa, to break ground for the Delta house that would be housing for children who became orphans due to their parents dying from HIV/AIDS, and dedicated the computer training center in Lesotho. [57] Delta Towers currently has 150 independent-living residential apartments. [101], At Northern Kentucky University in 2009, the chapter was suspended from campus for beating three pledges repeatedly and severely with paddles. [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. [62] Delta GEMS was created to assist in facilitating the dreams and goals of at-risk, adolescent African-American girls, aged 1418. [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. [65] From 1979 to 2006, MEOC has served more than 78,000 individuals. [90], In 1985, Delta Sigma Theta members visited the hospital. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. made a major commitment to three Historically Black Colleges and Universities that were affected by Hurricane Katrina. 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. The first graduate chapters were authorized in 1920 at the Second National Convention for graduate members in New York City and Washington, D.C.[25] Delta Sigma Theta also sought to expand west of the Rocky Mountains with the chartering 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. [17] The sorority believed that black women needed the right to vote to protect against sexual exploitation, promote quality education, assist in the work force, and empower their race. 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. Delta Towers II will provide 150 additional safe and affordable apartments for low to moderate income senior citizens. Delta GEMS is an outgrowth and continuation of the Dr. Betty Shabazz Delta Academy Program. They did not have the opportunity to sleep as a result of the long hours of practice. There are currently more than 1,000 chapters and 350,000 members. [53], In 1979, Delta Sigma Theta's Washington D.C. Alumnae Chapter and Delta's Housing Corporation planned and constructed Delta Towers as a multimillion-dollar, ten-story building. Mary McLeod Bethune, founder, National Council of Negro Women, Inc. Violet Edwards is the first black woman to be elected to the, This page was last edited on 18 July 2022, at 15:38. [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. [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. [16] The sculpture was unveiled on April 28, 1979, at 3:15p.m. by members of Delta Sigma Theta, to honor the founders of the service sorority. The good dreams pass through the dream hoop's open center into the person.[60]. In 1960, Delta co-sponsored the National Organization of Women for Equality in Education conference. And the right to vote would give them that privilege. Local chapters began to observe it beginning in 1921.

The National Victory Book Drive occurred in 1943 to provide books to servicemen. 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. Butler-McIntyre accepted a proclamation presented by Local Officials in Pasadena in honor of the Sorority's 100 years of public service. [50] The Delta Chase Initiative resulted in more than 100,000 consumer touch points worldwide and $35million in closings for Chase, a staggering 389% increase over those closed over the previous three years. Delta felt the need to bring attention to issues that affect minorities and women that remained largely ignored in the United States. In 1971, Delta and the Congressional Black Caucus co-sponsored National Policy Conferences on Education for Blacks, which focused on disparities and deficiencies in schools with high Black populations. It is for girls who demonstrate the potential for success, but may not have support systems or access to financial resources. Regions were established in 1925, and the Jabberwock was established as the scholarship fundraiser. Leaders belonging to the Program Planning and Development Committee, Social Action Commission, Commission on Arts and Letters, Information and Communications Committee, Membership Services Committee and Regional Officers also participate in developing programming to meet the Five-Point Programmatic Thrust. With the slogan "Stop AIDS! 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.

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. [75] The annual conference includes legislative briefings, issue forums, and developing advocacy skills. Each program's development and implementation operates cooperatively, coordinated by committees, the national executive board, and national headquarters staff. In 1989, the National Social Action Commission instituted Delta Days in the Nation's Capital. [128], Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. during the week of July 1117, 2013, in Washington, D.C., celebrated its Centennial Convention. The Hurricane Relief Task Force is responsible for creating strategies to address the numerous difficulties impacting persons displaced by Hurricane Katrina as it relates to housing, health and wellness, emotional and financial needs. 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. [49], The Delta Challenge offers mortgage loans, insurance, and other home buyers' discounts through The Delta Chase Initiative. 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. In 2002, Delta was the second African American organization, after NCNW, to receive Special Consultative NGO status with the United Nations. [52], Financial Fortitude was designed to help sorority members and local communities to attain personal wealth and financial security. 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. The Hillsborough County Circuit Court dismissed their petition stating that the university was not at fault. [90] In 1955, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority established a maternity wing and health services in Thika Town. The incorporation of the Sorority allowed for Delta Sigma Theta to improve expansion of chapters. The five-point thrust is the five areas under which all Delta programming falls; the thrust are Educational Development, Economic Development, Physical and Mental Health, Political Awareness and Involvement and International Awareness and Involvement. Jabberwock, an annual variety show consisting of cultural expression and talent such as music, skits, and dance was initiated by Marion Conover-Hope in 1925 in Boston, Massachusetts. [98][99], At McNeese State University in September 2006, the sorority was found guilty of severely hazing pledges. Delta Sigma Theta was founded on January 13, 1913, by twenty-two women at Howard University in Washington, D.C. The current (28th) National President and CEO is Elsie Cooke - Holmes. 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. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated is an organization of college educated women committed to the constructive development of its members and to public service with a primary focus on the Black community. In January 2015, the highest leadership of Delta Sigma Theta Inc. expelled the five cast members from the sorority. [61] Participants are exposed to math, science, technology, and non-traditional careers. [58] Together, Delta Towers I and Delta Towers II will offer 300 affordable apartments for senior housing (affordable to households earning 60% or less of the area's median income). One of the first orders of business was to have an oath, which was written by Mary Church Terrell in 1914. The sculpture is described as symbolizing "the attributes of strength, courage, hope, wisdom, beauty and femininity as depicted by the 22 founders of Delta Sigma Theta".[16]. [60] The program is named in honor of sorority member, the late Dr. Betty Shabazz, wife of Malcolm X. [64], The Maryland Educational Opportunity Center was established in 1979 and created with a special service grant of $450,000 the largest grant awarded by the United States Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. In 1963, while celebrating their 50th Anniversary, Delta participated in the March on Washington, and established the Social Action Commission at the 27th National Convention.

[115] Cast members having Zeta Phi Beta or Sigma Gamma Rho memberships never had them jeopardized. Several years later, Terrell confided her feelings about the National American Woman Suffrage Association and suffragist leader Alice Paul to NAACP representative Walter White. [40] In addition to serving as the national headquarters, the buildings house the Delta Research and Education Foundation (DREF), national staff and records, and equipment systems necessary to conduct Delta Sigma Theta's business. The Delta Research and Education Foundation sponsored an international conference in Nassau, Bahamas entitled, "Woman to Woman: Single parenting from a global perspective" in 1987. Delta Sigma Theta has more than 1,000 chapters, located in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, England, Germany, Korea, Japan, Bermuda, Jamaica, Virgin Islands, West Africa, South Africa and Bahamas. [5] The sorority currently has over 1,000 chapters located 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.