Founders

At the birth of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. in 1913 at Howard University, the founders envisioned an organization of college women pledged 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 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. Today, the sorority stands more than 250,000 strong with more than 900 chapters world-wide including chapters in Liberia, the Virgin Islands, Germany and Japan.

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority was founded on January 13, 1913 by twenty-two collegiate women at Howard University. These students wanted to use their collective strength to promote academic excellence and to provide assistance to persons in need. Delta Sigma Theta was incorporated in 1930 and all records of incoroporation are filed in Washington, D.C. at the Congressional Library. Our founding members are:

• Osceola Macarthy Adams
• Marguerite Young Alexander
• Winona Cargile Alexander
• Ethel Cuff Black
• Bertha Pitts Campbell
• Zephyr Chisom Carter
• Edna Brown Coleman
• Frederica Chase Dodd
• Myra Davis Hemmings
• Olive C. Jones
• Jimmy Bugg Middleton
• Pauline Oberdofer Minor
• Naomi Sewell Richardson
• Mamie Reddy Rose
• Eliza Pearl Shippen
• Florence Letcher Toms
• Ethel Carr Watson
• Weartie Blackwell Weaver
• Madree Penn White
• Edith Motte Young

Zeta chapter continues the legacy set forth by an esteemed group of young women. These women were a part of the first African American greek organization at the University of Cincinnati, opening a pathway for black greek-lettered organizations to expand at the University. Our charter members are:

• Blanche Dixon Belsinger
• Ethel LaMay Calimese
• Jennie Austin Fletcher
• Camille Friason Hood
• Edith Howard
• Beatrice Morgan
• Cleo Hall Perry
• Maude Ragan
• Ida Mae Rhodes
• Neola Woodson Robinson
• Martha Hall Ross
• Marie Belsinger Ryder
• Louise Penn Sandifer
• Mary Lou Tate
• LaVerne Friasion Watson
• Mary Halloway Weatherly
• Sara White