This is a guest post by Diane Lucas. Diane is an attorney in New York.
I am a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., a dynamic organization dedicated to sisterhood, scholarship and service. As my sorority sisters and I celebrate Founders Day today, I take the time to reflect on the importance of Delta in American history, as well as its current impact on our society. Ninety-eight years ago today, 22 women who were students at Howard University were moved to create Delta Sigma Theta. They wanted a sisterhood that would address the oppression that plagued women and African Americans. Delta was unique in that it rejected the focus on socializing in fraternal organizations. Rather, Delta’s Founders were called to political and social action. They pooled their collective strength to promote equality; support the under-served; educate and stimulate participation in the establishment of positive public policy; promote academic excellence; and highlight issues and provide solutions for problems in their communities. True to their mission, the first public act performed by Delta’s Founders involved their participation in the Women’s Suffrage March in Washington D.C., March 1913.
The mission the Founders of Delta Sigma Theta set forth in 1913 is still incredibly relevant today. Deltas throughout the world serve communities in need, particularly those of color. Deltas lobby to U.S. legislators annually to create ongoing legislative solutions; work to uphold voting rights; promote mental and physical health; encourage financial fortitude; mentor youth to promote academic achievement and self esteem; provide vital economic and health resources to women in East, West and Southern Africa; and work with the United Nations as an NGO to provide analysis and expertise in monitoring and implementing international agreements on issues of mutual concern. The work we do as Deltas is important because we serve as sisters. Deltas support each other in our work as Deltas, but also in our personal, social and professional development.
Delta is a sisterhood of more than 200,000 predominately black college-educated women, throughout the world. Deltas are strong, intelligent, passionate and motivated women. Delta’s membership includes leaders in community activism, athletics, business, education and scholarship, entertainment, media and literature, as well as in government. Deltas are a driving force in our society. I am inspired by some of our well known members such as the late Dorothy Irene Height; the Honorable Ann Claire Williams (U.S. Court of Appeals judge); Lena Horne, Marian Wright Edelman (president and founder of the Children’s Defense Fund); Aretha Franklin; Shirley Chisholm (first black woman elected to Congress); Ruby Dee Davis; and Carol Moseley Braun (former presidential candidate). On a daily basis, I am inspired and motivated by the intelligence, resilience and talent of my sorority sisters I serve with in my local chapter. They are a diverse group of black women, working for a common purpose. I would not have the fortune of knowing many of these women, but for our service in Delta. They hail from many professional backgrounds — they are teachers, doctors, writers, lawyers, motivational speakers, actors, mothers, and advocates. Many of my sorority sisters have lived in other parts of the country or are first or second generational Americans. We work together; fellowship; and challenge each others’ viewpoints. Our diverse backgrounds enables us to address issues in the communities we serve from a unique, multi-disciplined perspective.
Today, I am incredibly grateful that 98 years ago, those 22 women decided to stand together to fight for equality, suffrage and respect — battles that seemed insurmountable. They remind me everyday of the power of like-minded people coming together to achieve the impossible.