History of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

 

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is a, non-profit organization whose purpose is to provide assistance and support through established programs in local communities throughout the world.

Founded on January 13, 1913 by twenty-two collegiate women at Howard University, the Sorority is currently a sisterhood of more than 200,000 predominately Black college educated women.

This includes over 1,000 chapters located in the United States, England, Japan (Tokyo and Okinawa), Germany, the Virgin Islands, Bermuda, the Bahamas, and the Republic of Korea.

The major programs of the sorority are based upon the organization’s Five-Point Programmatic

Thrust:

1. Economic Development

2. Physical and Mental Health

3. Educational Development

4. Political Awareness and Involvement

5. International Awareness and Involvement

For more information, visit our national website at www.deltasigmatheta.org


 

History of the BHSJ Chapter

 

The Benton Harbor-St Joseph Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. was chartered on October 21, 1967 and celebrates 50 years of public service to this community this year (2017).  The chapter was chartered by twelve (12) dynamic women:

Ester Dade Clay*

Kathleen Joyner*

Julie Lutrell

Ruth Madison*

Dorothy E. Pool Maxwell

Dorothy Posey*

Iris Woodbury-Salters

Alice Shurn*

Linda Taylor

Sue Taylor*

Charlene Tynes

Mary Woodford*

*Deceased

**Active Local Chapter Member

 For more information, please contact the sorority at harbordeltas@yahoo.com

 

Message From The President

TraciJettresize.jpg

Thank you for your interest in Benton Harbor-St. Joseph Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

As I think about our illustrious sorority, I realize there is much to be thankful for. Our Founders courage, wisdom, determination and principles represent the ultimate example of the power of unified, strong, intelligent black women. Their unwavering loyalty to the idea of service is all the more relevant today - especially in a community such as ours, where families are facing unprecedented hardships and challenges

For many decades, the women of our chapter have made a positive impact in this region. Today, we boast a membership of 27 dedicated women who are involved in the sorority's Five-Point Programmatic Thrust of Educational Development, Economic Development, Physical and Mental Health, Political Awareness and Involvement, and International Awareness and Involvement.

Locally, we award scholarships, support the Emergency Shelter Organization, Crop Walk and provide many other services in the Benton Harbor and St. Joseph communities.

We Deltas are a vital force in these communities through our community outreach and volunteerism, as we have for many decades. I look forward to partnering with you to help bring about a new era of excellence for the people of Southwest Michigan.

Sincerely,

Traci Jett


Executive Board

Patricia Brown-May
President

Candyce Partee Stewart
1st Vice President

Dorothy Parker
2nd Vice President

Zaundra Lipscomb
Recording Secretary

Lisa Peeples-Hurst
Treasurer

Debra Stigall
Financial Secretary

Ashley Spratling
Corresponding Secretary

Brenda Terrell
Sergeant at Arms

Barbara Hall
Chaplain

Traci Robinson
Historian

Anja Holmes
Ritual & Ceremonies

Debra Stigall
Audit Chair

Mabel Mayfield
Nominating Chair


COMMITTEES

 

Standing Committees

  • INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION 

  • FINANCE 

    • FINANCIAL FORTITUDE

  • MEMBERSHIP

    • DELTA DEARS

  • SCHOLARSHIP

  • SOCIAL ACTION

  • ARTS & LETTERS

  • HOSPITALITY

  • POLICIES & PROCEDURES

  • PROGRAM PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT

Special Committees

  • COMMUNITY SERVICE

  • DELTA GEMS

  • DELTA ACADEMY 

  • WAYS AND MEANS 

  • TECHNOLOGY 

  • EMERGENCY RESPONSE


Past Presidents

Dorothy Posey

1967-1969

Charlene Tynes

1969-1971

Sheila Dukes

1971-1973

Barbara Peeples

1973-1975

Hazel Whitfield

1975-1977

Gladys Peeples-Burks

1977-1979

Geneva Isom

1979-1981

Saundra K. Rutter

1981-1983

Barbara Peeples

1983-1985

Joyce Jones

1985-1987

Merna Llorens

1987-1989

Betty Colombel

1989-1991

Joyce Jones-Johnson

1991-1993

Doris Gearring

1993-1995

Barbara Peeples

1995-1997

Joyce Johnson

1997-1999

Merna Llorens

1999-2001

Lisa Peeples-Hurst

2001-2003

Dorothy D. Parker

2003-2005

Lisa Peeples-Hurst

2005-2007

Ganella Anderson

2007-2009

Ganella Anderson

2009-2011

Dalana Brand

2011-2013

Dalana Brand

2013-2015

Dorothy D. Parker

2015-2017

Traci Jett

2017-2019