History of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated
The inception of Delta Sigma Theta occurred on January 13, 1913 at Howard University in Washington, DC. Our Founders envisioned an organization of college women pledged to serious endeavor and community service. These twenty-two women who formed the first chapter set high scholastic achievement as their standard for membership. Their ideas of scholarship and service have withstood the test of time. Today, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated is an organization dedicated to public service.
To further its public service goals, Delta
Sigma Theta operates under the Five Point Program Thrust:
- Economic Development
- Educational Development
- International Awareness and Involvement
- Physical and Mental Health
- Political Awareness and Involvement
Currently, there are over 225,000 members and 915 chapters across the United States and in Germany, Japan, Bermuda, Haiti, Liberia, the Bahamas and other international countries.
For an in depth history of Delta Sigma Theta you may read: In Search of Sisterhood:DELTA SIGMA THETA and the Challenge of the Black Sorority Movement by Paula Giddings, 1988, William
Morrow and Co., Inc.
History of Kappa Chapter
On February 21, 1921, Kappa chapter was established on the campus of the University of California, Berkeley. Kappa chapter is noted for being the FIRST Black Greek lettered organization located West of the Rocky Mountains. Today, Kappa chapter continues to uphold and maintain its distinguished reputation through their tireless acts of public service.
Kappa chapter's involvement surrounding the Five Point Thrust has included various programs and services such as Political Forums, Clinical Depression Tabling, Study Abroad Forums, Habitat for Humanity, the Delta Money Guide, the Vivian Osborne Marsh Scholarship and the Naomi Sewell Richardson Scholarship.
