On January 13, 1913, on the campus of Howard University, 22 dynamic African-American women founded Delta Sigma Theta
Sorority, Incorporated founded on the principles of sisterhood, scholarship, and service. At its inception, the
founders envisioned an organization of college women pledged to serious endeavor and community service. These
young women wanted to use their collective strength to promote academic excellence and provide assistance to persons
in need. These youthful students demonstrated a vital concern for social welfare, academic excellence, and cultural
enrichment, de-emphasizing the social side of sorority life.
Our courageous founding sorors are:
Osceola Macarthy Adams
Jimmy Bugg Middleton
Marguerite Young Alexander
Pauline Oberdofer Minor
Winona Cargile Alexander
Vashti Turley Murphy
Ethel Cuff Black
Naomi Sewell Richardson
Bertha Pitts Campbell
Mamie Reddy Rose
Zephyr Chisom Carter
Eliza Pearl Shippen
Edna Brown Coleman
Florence Letcher Toms
Jessie McGuire Dent
Ethel Carr Watson
Frederica Chase Dodd
Weartie Blackwell Weaver
Myra Davis Hemmings
Madree Penn White
Olive C. Jones
Edith Motte Young
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.
Our founders had the wisdom and the foresight to know that there was, and would always be, a need for Black women to be
politically aware and involved. The first public act performed by Delta's Founders was the Women's Suffrage March in
Washington, D.C. (it was held on the eve of Woodrow Wilson's inauguration) on March 13, 1913. They were the only group
of black women to participate in the woman's suffrage march only two months after the sorority's inception.
Today, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. remains a service sorority dedicated to public service, and remains at the
forefront of accomplishments for blacks and women. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is unparalleled in terms of
accomplishments as a whole, as well as those of individual members.
With a growing membership of over 250,000 women, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority continues to attract the brightest
college educated women. Delta Sigma Theta has been shaped by its members, who have committed to a lifetime of
public service. The Sorority's initiatives are based on its 5 Point Thrust Program. Delta continues to serve the
community in numerous capacities providing services and programs to promote human welfare. The Sorority's new
initiatives are carried out under the leadership of 23rd National President Louise A. Rice and the National
Executive Board.
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is made up of over 900 chapters world wide. With its growing number of members,
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. has been broken down into 7 regions:
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