Founding History

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.

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National Executive Board

• Louise A. Rice, 23rd National President
• Cynthia Butler-Blucher, National First Vice President
• Ashley Allison, National Second Vice President
• Dr. Doris McEwen Walker, National Secretary
• Denise E. Gilmore, National Treasurer
• Devarieste Curry Esq., National Legal/Counsel Advisor
• Gwendolyn E. Boyd, Immediate Past National President

Click here for more information regarding the National Executive Board and it structure.

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Regional Information

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:

• Central
• Eastern
• Far West
• Midwest
• South Altantic
• Southern
• Southwest

For more information regarding Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. please consult the National website.



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