About Us

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. was founded on January 13, 1913, by 22 collegiate women at Howard University. These students wanted to use their collective strength to promote academic excellence and to provide assistance to those in need. In March of 1913, the Founders of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. performed their first public act. They participated in the Women’s Suffrage March in Washington, D.C., demonstrating the Sorority's enduring commitment to social action and civic engagement. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. was incorporated in 1930

The 22 Founders

Osceola Macarthy Adams


Marguerite Young Alexander


Winona Cargile Alexander


Ethel Cuff Black


Bertha Pitts Campbell


Zephyr Chisom Carter

Purpose

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, is a private, not-for-profit organization whose purpose is to provide assistance and support through established programs in local communities throughout the world. The sorority currently has 1,000 collegiate and alumnae chapters located in the United States, Canada, Japan (Tokyo and Okinawa), Germany, the Virgin Islands, Bermuda, the Bahamas, Jamaica, West Africa, Southern Africa, the United Arab Emirates, and the Republic of Korea. More than 10,000 members typically attend Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated’s biennial national conventions, and each of the seven regional conferences (held during years when there is no national convention) typically hosts thousands of members. During the Centennial Celebration, the 51st National Convention, held in the District of Columbia, more than 38,000 members registered and attended.

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Edna Brown Coleman


Jessie McGuire Dent

Frederica Chase Dodd


Myra Davis Hemmings


Olive C. Jones


Jimmie Bugg Middleton

Pauline Oberdorfer Minor


Vashti Turley Murphy


Naomi Sewell Richardson


Mamie Reddy Rose


Eliza Pearl Shippen

Florence Letcher Toms


Ethel Carr Watson


Wertie Blackwell Weaver


Madree Penn White


Edith Motte Young

Slidell Alumnae Chapter

Chartered in 1996

Thirteen visionary women sought to establish a chapter in St. Tammany Parish dedicated to addressing the unique needs of Slidell and its surrounding communities, while also answering the call to reclaim inactive Sorors interested in becoming active within a local chapter. Since its chartering on March 10, 1996, Slidell Alumnae Chapter has organized and implemented impactful service initiatives aligned with Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.’s Five-Point Programmatic Thrust. Over the years, the Chapter has partnered with local Divine Nine organizations, community leaders, businesses, schools, and nonprofit organizations to deliver exceptional programs and meaningful community engagement.

Slidell Alumnae has earned numerous State, Regional, and National awards in recognition of its excellence in programming and sisterhood. At the 54th National Convention, the Chapter received the National Membership Services Reclamation Award for the Southwest Region, along with first-place Southwest Region Membership Services “Joy in Our Sisterhood” and Reclamation Awards. During the 47th Regional Conference, Slidell Alumnae was named Chapter of the Year and earned first-place awards in Exemplary Social Action Impact, Exemplary Program Planning & Development (Economic Development), and Membership Services “Joy in Our Sisterhood.”

The Chapter also received second place for Membership Services “Virtual Sisterhood Month” and won the National Membership Services Reclamation Video Challenge for the Southwest Region. At the 48th Regional Conference, Slidell Alumnae earned first place in Excellence in Programming (Economic Development), second place in Distinguished Social Action and Membership Services “Sustaining Our Sisterhood,” and third place in Exemplary Educational Programming. In 2023, the Chapter placed third for Outstanding Programming & Planning in Educational Development at the Louisiana–Jamaica State Meeting. In 2026 at the 50th Southwest Regional Conference provided an opportunity to celebrate service, strengthen sisterhood, and showcase the work of chapters across the region. Slidell Alumnae Chapter was honored with multiple regional awards recognizing the impact of its programs and its continued commitment to excellence in the communities it serves.

Among its most successful community initiatives, Slidell Alumnae—through strategic partnerships—installed several Little Libraries throughout its service area to promote literacy and access to education. The Chapter continues to grow and remain actively engaged in the St. Tammany Parish community, embodying the sisterhood, service, love, and camaraderie envisioned by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.’s twenty-two illustrious Founders.

Explore the five areas below to see how we put that commitment into action throughout Slidell.

Our work is guided by

Delta's Five-Point Programmatic Thrust

Whether we're awarding scholarships, hosting health fairs, registering voters, or mentoring the next generation of leaders, every initiative we take on traces back to these five pillars.

Intelligence is the Torch of Wisdom.