Delta Sigma Theta: The Ultimate Guide

Posted by Onassis Krown on April 16, 2025

Everything You Need to Know About Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, is more than a Greek-letter organization. It is a legacy of sisterhood, scholarship, service, and social activism that has empowered generations of Black women and communities worldwide. Founded in the early 20th century amidst a racially and gender-biased society, Delta Sigma Theta (DST) has grown into one of the most influential and impactful organizations in the African American community and beyond.

This ultimate guide explores everything you need to know about Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.—its history, principles, symbols, major initiatives, impact, and continuing relevance in today’s world.

A Powerful Beginning: The Founding of Delta Sigma Theta

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. was founded on January 13, 1913, by 22 collegiate women at Howard University in Washington, D.C. These visionary women were committed to the ideals of scholarship, public service, and sisterhood. At a time when African American women faced extraordinary social and institutional barriers, these founders dared to challenge the status quo.

Originally members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, the first African American sorority, these 22 women chose to establish a new organization that they believed better represented their political ideals and social justice aspirations.

Delta Sigma Theta made its first public act just two months after its founding: participation in the Women’s Suffrage March in Washington, D.C., on March 3, 1913. Marching alongside thousands of women demanding the right to vote, the Deltas took a bold step into the national spotlight, showing from the beginning their commitment to advocacy and social change.

The Founders: The 22 Visionary Women

The 22 founders of Delta Sigma Theta were trailblazers who represented intelligence, resilience, and leadership. Among them were:

Otelia Cromwell, the first African American woman to graduate from Smith College.
Myra Davis Hemmings, the sorority’s first president.
Osceola Macarthy Adams, a Broadway actress and one of the first Black women to direct a play on Broadway.

Each woman brought her unique gifts, ambitions, and dedication to justice, forming the backbone of an organization that would change the world.

Core Values and Principles

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. was built on five essential tenets that continue to shape its work and mission:

Sisterhood – A profound bond among members that offers lifelong support and empowerment.
Scholarship – Encouragement of academic excellence and lifelong learning.
Service – A dedication to public service, especially within the African American community.
Social Action – Engagement in civic activism and advocacy for equality.
Spiritual Development – Though non-religious, Delta emphasizes strong moral and ethical behavior.

The Five-Point Programmatic Thrust

Since its inception, Delta Sigma Theta has used a framework known as the Five-Point Programmatic Thrust to implement its mission through programs and initiatives. These five points serve as a guidepost for every chapter's activities and community engagement:

1. Educational Development

Delta Sigma Theta is committed to the academic success and lifelong learning of African American youth. Signature programs include:

Delta GEMS (Growing and Empowering Myself Successfully) – A mentoring program for young women aged 14-18.
Dr. Betty Shabazz Delta Academy – Designed for girls ages 11-14 to support early self-awareness, academic excellence, and leadership skills.
EMBODI (Empowering Males to Build Opportunities for Developing Independence) – Created to support the growth and success of young African American males.

2. Economic Development

The sorority supports financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and homeownership through workshops and resources. Members address wealth disparities and empower communities through initiatives like:

Homebuyer education seminars.
Investment clubs.
Entrepreneurship expos and business incubators.

3. International Awareness and Involvement

Delta Sigma Theta is globally engaged. It has supported international projects such as:

The Delta House/Vashti Village in Swaziland – A facility for children orphaned by AIDS.
Water well projects in Haiti and Ghana.
Collaborations with global NGOs to combat poverty, human trafficking, and maternal health challenges.

4. Physical and Mental Health

Deltas promote holistic health through educational programs and public service initiatives that address:

Heart disease prevention (Go Red for Women).
Mental health awareness and self-care.
Breast cancer awareness campaigns.
Healthy lifestyle and nutrition workshops.

5. Political Awareness and Involvement

From the sorority’s early involvement in the suffrage movement to present-day activism, Delta has always emphasized civic engagement:

Delta Days at the Nation’s Capital – An annual advocacy event.
Voter registration and education drives.
Participation in civil rights marches, legislation advocacy, and town halls.

Membership: Who Can Join?

Membership in Delta Sigma Theta is a lifelong commitment and is offered through both collegiate and alumnae chapters.

Requirements:

Must be a woman of good character and possess a baccalaureate degree (for alumnae chapters) or be enrolled in an accredited college or university (for collegiate chapters).
Must have a history of community service and academic achievement.
Must complete a membership intake process which includes an educational component and public presentation.

Honorary Membership has also been conferred upon distinguished women who embody the values of Delta, including:

Shirley Chisholm – First Black woman elected to the U.S. Congress.
Aretha Franklin – Iconic singer and activist.
Cicely Tyson – Award-winning actress and humanitarian.

Symbols, Colors, and Traditions

Delta Sigma Theta is rich in symbolism that reflects its ideals:

Colors: Crimson and Cream (or Red and White).
Flower: African Violet.
Symbol: The Fortitude sculpture represents strength, courage, hope, wisdom, and femininity.
Jewel: The pyramid, often representing the Delta’s three principles: mind, body, and spirit.

Members affectionately refer to each other as "Sorors", and they greet each other with OO-OOP!, the sorority’s signature call.

National Conventions and Delta Sigma Theta’s Structure

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority is led by a National President and governed by a National Executive Board. The organization holds biennial national conventions where sorors from all over the world gather to conduct business, attend workshops, and reaffirm their commitment.

Some notable conventions include:

The 1963 convention in Washington, D.C., which emphasized civil rights.
The centennial celebration in 2013, where over 40,000 members converged on the nation's capital.

The sorority is divided into seven regions, and each region hosts regular meetings and conferences to maintain engagement and leadership development.

A Legacy of Social Activism and Public Policy

Delta Sigma Theta has never shied away from taking a stand on the most pressing issues of the day. The sorority has fought for:

Voting rights
Civil rights
Women’s reproductive rights
Educational equity
Police reform and accountability
Gun control and community safety

They’ve partnered with organizations like the NAACP, National Urban League, and National Council of Negro Women to magnify their efforts.

Prominent Members of Delta Sigma Theta

Delta Sigma Theta’s sisterhood includes a who’s who of Black excellence across many fields:

Politics and Government

Barbara Jordan – First Southern African-American woman elected to the House of Representatives.
Loretta Lynch – Former U.S. Attorney General.
Keisha Lance Bottoms – Former mayor of Atlanta.

Arts and Entertainment

Angela Bassett – Award-winning actress.
Keshia Knight Pulliam – Actress and philanthropist.
Sheryl Lee Ralph – Actress, singer, and activist.

Academia and Education

Dr. Johnetta B. Cole – President emerita of Spelman College and Bennett College.
Dr. Nikki Giovanni – Poet and professor.

Philanthropy and Partnerships

The Delta Research and Educational Foundation (DREF) serves as the philanthropic arm of the organization. It funds research, education, and scholarships, including:

National scholarships for high school and college students.
Grants for community service projects.
Studies on issues affecting Black women and girls.

DST also partners with corporate and governmental institutions to amplify its reach—collaborating on everything from STEM education to maternal health initiatives.

A Global Force for Good

With over 1,000 chapters across the United States, the Caribbean, Africa, Europe, and Asia, Delta Sigma Theta is a truly global organization. Each chapter is deeply embedded in its community, developing tailored programs to address local issues.

Whether it’s building schools in Africa, organizing disaster relief after hurricanes, or hosting health fairs in underserved communities, DST continues to live its motto: "Intelligence is the Torch of Wisdom."

Relevance in the Modern Era

In the face of modern-day challenges—racial injustice, educational disparities, economic inequality—Delta Sigma Theta remains as relevant and necessary as ever.

Through social media campaigns, webinars, and coalition building, the sorority continues to lead conversations and actions that uplift and inspire. The emergence of younger members with fresh ideas, combined with the wisdom of seasoned sorors, ensures the organization stays dynamic and future-ready.

DST has also embraced technology and digital engagement to connect across distances, especially in times like the COVID-19 pandemic. Virtual events, digital advocacy, and global Zoom conferences have expanded their reach even further.

Final Thoughts: A Legacy That Lives On

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is more than a group or club—it is a movement, a family, and a lifelong commitment to excellence. It represents the unyielding strength of Black womanhood and the enduring power of collective action.

The 22 women who met on the campus of Howard University could hardly have imagined the global impact their sisterhood would have. Yet, through every scholarship awarded, every youth mentored, and every voice raised for justice, the torch they lit continues to shine bright.

Whether you are a member, a prospective applicant, or an admirer, there’s no denying the power, purpose, and prestige of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Long live the legacy. Long live the light. Long live Delta Sigma Theta. OO-OOP!

Lateef Warnick is the founder of Onassis Krown. He currently serves as a Senior Healthcare Consultant in the Jacksonville FL area and is a Certified Life Coach, Marriage Counselor, Keynote Speaker and Author of "Know Thyself," "The Golden Egg" and "Wear Your Krown." He is also a former Naval Officer, Licensed Financial Advisor, Insurance Agent, Realtor, Serial Entrepreneur and musical artist A.L.I.A.S.

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