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Organization History

At the birth of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. in 1913 at Howard University, the founders envisioned an organization of college women committed to serious endeavors and community service. These students demonstrated a vital concern for de-emphasizing the social aspect of sorority life. Their ideals have withstood the test of time. Surviving on the strength of its sisterhood, today Delta Sigma Theta is a non-profit organization providing programs and services to improve society.  

 

Commencing a long tradition of public service, the founders of Delta Sigma Theta represented Howard University in the women’s suffrage march of 1913. This historic act, which took place only a few months after the sorority’s inception, was the first of many dedicated service projects. Over the years, the sorority’s commitment to public service has persisted.  

 

Current National Projects include School America, Delta Habitat for Humanity and the DST-NAACP Partnership for Change. Since 1930, Delta Sigma Theta’s record of incorporation had been filed in the Congressional Library in Washington, D.C. Today, the sorority stands more than 200,000 strong with more than 870 chapters world-wide including chapters in Liberia, the Virgin Islands, Germany and Japan.

Our 22 Illustrious Founders

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 C. Jones

Jimmie Bugg Middleton
Pauline Oberdofer 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

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