On this day, 101 years ago, twenty-two collegiate women took a leap of faith and founded Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. on the campus of Howard University. While I am not here to give you a history lesson, I would like to share with you MY experience in Delta.
Osceola McCarthy 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 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 and Edith Motte Young.
You see, these were not ordinary women. These were women who were determined to persevere and defy the stigma of African American women in the early to middle 1900's. These were women who were not afraid to step outside of their comfort zones and commit themselves to a greater cause. Keep in mind, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. is founded on Christian principles. We truly believe that in order to be the change we wish to see in the world, we must stand firm on the Word of God. It was only by the grace of God that these twenty-two dynamic women were able to use their "collective strength to promote academic excellence; to provide scholarships; to provide support to the undeserved; educate and stimulate participation in the establishment of positive public policy; and to highlight issues and provide solutions for problems in their communities." On today I salute the twenty-two. I am forever grateful for their courage and commitment to serving others.
On March 30, 2008 I was afforded the opportunity to become a member of the Nu Beta Chapter (Mississippi State University) of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Words can not express the joy I felt while being inducted into this sisterhood. You see, these women are not my friends, associates or acquaintances-they are my sisters. When I celebrate, they celebrate with me. When I hurt, they sympathize with me. If there is ever anything I need, these ladies are always just a phone call away.
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| We celebrate birthdays together |
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We celebrate achievements...
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| Most importantly, we GRADUATE! |
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| We invest in the lives of our future... |
When I started college in 2006, I often wondered if I would find friends that were as "weird" as me. Oh yes, in the spring of 2008, I found thirteen (13) ladies that were just as peculiar as NaToya Hill...and we are okay with that! I think there is a common misconception of sororities and I often find myself defending my reasons for joining. I have finally realized that my decision is just that-my decision. I know what my sorority stands for, and those are the same morals and values that were instilled in me at an early age. To be willing and able to devote myself to a cause greater than me, is incredible. I served my community long before Delta, but I must admit, it feels better serving with a group of like minded individuals. Delta Sigma Theta will always be near and dear to my heart. It's not a college "thing", it's a lifetime commitment.
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| We attend National Conventions... |
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| We fulfill our duty as God's children--we serve |
On today, I celebrate the dynamic women that have paved the way for myself and sorors around the world. I thank God for giving my twenty-two founders a vision to not only discuss issues affecting their communities, but the vision to act. Sorors, let us take today to reflect upon the principles of our illustrious sisterhood.
To learn more about Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. please click
here .
Thank God for the 22
RAEofsunshine
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