Gloria Dulan-Wilson Blog/ECLECTICALLY BLACK NEWS: HAPPY 107 DELTAVERSARY TO MY DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORS EVERYWHERE

By Gloria Dulan-Wilson

Hello All:

Today in January 13, 2020, the 107th Anniversary of the Founding of

DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY, INC.

I am so grateful that 107 years ago 22 beautiful, intelligent, conscientious, dedicated Black women came together in Washington, DC to form a sorority dedicated to social services and the upliftment of Black people. On January 13, 1913 DELTA SIGMA SORORITY was officially formed on the campus of Howard University. And here we are 107 years later continuing the legacy of a Sisterhood Called to Serve. It's in our very DNA, because it was in their DNA, and we continue to attract the brightest and the best who are also devoted to the betterment of our people.

Delta Sigma Theta participated in the first women's march on March 3, 1913, when they joined in the Suffragette's March for women's right to vote in Washington, DC. The first time Black and white women worked together - something that didn't happen again for decades.

I am so grateful to be a member of such a Sorority that has wonderful luminaries, including:

Ruby Dee, Ida B. Wells-Barnett, Mary McLeon Bethune, Dorothy Irene Height, Dr. E. Faye Williams, Mara Brock Akil, April Ryan, Kim Coles, Aretha Franklin, Betty Shabazz, Congresswoman Marcia Fudge, Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke, Cicely Tyson, Roberta Flack, T'keya Crystal Keymah, Joyce Dinkins (First Lady of NYC, wife of Mayor David Dinkins), Patricia Roberts Harris, Elizabeth Catlett, Myrlie Evers-Williams, Alexis Herman, Congresswoman Carrie Meek, Mary Church Terrell, Congresswoman Barbara Jordan, Tina Allen, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Keshia Knight-Pulliam, Nancy Wilson, Angela Bassett, Nikki Giovanni, the late Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs-Jones, NY Assemblywoman Annette M. Robinson, Phylicia Fant, Cherise Lillie, Camille Cosby, Dr. Julianne Malveaux, Johnetta Cole, Keisha Lance-Bottoms (Mayor of Atlanta), Susan Taylor, A. Shaunise Washington, among so many, many, many others. The list is monumental, ever expanding, and as we continue to grow and expand, it will do so as well.

On April 18, 1983, I Pledged Delta Sigma Theta, and fulfilled a lifelong dream. Growing up in Oklahoma City, OK, almost all my teachers and positive influencers from Kindergarten through High School through college were Deltas. And I absolutely admired them, even though, at that time, I was not even aware of the Sorority itself, I was aware of the wonderful qualities they displayed. They have inspired me throughout my life, through challenges and victories. And when I discover that someone I admire is also a Soror, it basically comes as no surprise - because they almost always epitomize the qualities and standards we aspire to that were codified by our illustrious beautiful Founders.

We have accomplished much and have so much more to do - as we continue to carry forward the vision of our wonderful founders.

So I want to wish to all my Sorors

HAPPY 107th DELTAVERSARY