The Phoenix Metropolitan Alumnae Chapter
Phoenix, AZ
History of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.
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. The first public act performed by the Delta Founders involved their participation in the Women's Suffrage March in Washington D.C., March 1913. Delta Sigma Theta was incorporated in 1930.
Our National Headquarters is located at 1703-1709 New Hampshire Avenue, N.W. Washington, D.C.. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. was the first African-American organization to purchase property for its headquarters operation.
To learn more about Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, please visit our National Website at www.deltasigmatheta.org.
FOUNDERS OF DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY INC.
(First Row)
Winona Cargile Alexander, Madree Penn White, Wertie Blackwell Weaver, Vashti Turley Murphy, Ethel Cuff Black, Frederica Chase Dodd
(Second Row)
Osceola Macarthy Adams, Pauline Oberdorfer Minor, Edna Brown Coleman, Edith Mott Young, Marguerite Young Alexander, Naomi Sewell Richardson, Eliza P. Shippen
(Third Row)
Zephyr Chisom Carter, Myra Davis Hemmings, Mamie Reddy Rose, Bertha Pitts Campbell, Florence Letcher Toms, Olive Jones, Jessie McGuire Dent, Jimmie Bugg Middleton, Ethel Carr Watson
The original artwork is a life sized painting on canvas created by artist Tarleton Blackwell. The original hangs in the National Headquarters Office in Washington, D.C.
Beta Theta, a mixed collegiate and alumnae chapter, was chartered on May 22, 1937. The chapter was eventually phased out with the formation of an alumnae chapter. On May 11, 1972, The Phoenix Metropolitan Alumnae chapter was founded. On May 12, 1972, Phoenix Metropolitan Alumnae Chapter established the Iota Kappa Chapter which continues to exist on the campus of ASU.
The Phoenix Metropolitan Alumnae Chapter has over 90 members and continues to grow. Public service offered by its members provides opportunities for people of diverse backgrounds to share common experiences. The talent, professionalism and networking techniques of this chapter continue to make it one of the most well-respected organizations in the Valley of the Sun.
We honor the 30 charter members of the Phoenix Metropolitan Alumnae Chapter: Mildred Bennett*, Mary Butler, Jerrye Champion, Lois Coles, Karen Conway, Linda Craig*, Lois S. Daniels, Mavis Edwards, Irma Goooch*, Georgie Goode, Mary Greenfield*, Beatrice Grevenberg*, Evelyn Hardiman, Kathleen Jordan, Bettie Kellum, Irene McClellan King*, Alma Martin*, Wanda Matthews, V'Esser McDonald, Thomasine Miller, Cleo Moorehead*, Mable Murrell*, Eleanor Ragsdale*, Odessa Reed*, Wilma R. Rose*, Inez Rosser*, Arlena Seneca*, Arnette Ward, Evelyn Warren*, Oliva Wormley*.
Phoenix Metropolitan Alumnae Chapter Presidents 2010-Present Traci Williams 2006-2008 Sabrina Pope 2004-2006 Dawn Strobert 2002-2004 Racquel Robinson 1998-2002 Theressa Jackson 1996-1998 Jeanne Jones 1992-1996 Delores “Dee” Brinkley 1990-1992 Toni Bland 1988-1990 Carolyn Bristo 1986-1988 Jacqueline Haynes 1984-1986 Marilyn Sanders 1982-1984 Lucy Connor 1980-1982 Eleanor Ragsdale 1972-1976 Jerrye Champion
These dynamic leaders have shaped the course of our chapter, and we thank them and appreciate them for their service, and the legacy they have left for us to follow:
1970-1972 Bettie Kellum