Delta Sigma Theta Overview

These flashcards cover essential information about Delta Sigma Theta, including its history, values, notable members, and programming initiatives.

When was Delta Sigma Theta founded?

January 13, 1913

Where was Delta Sigma Theta founded?

Howard University, Washington D.C.

How many founders does DST have?

22

When was DST incorporated?

January 20, 1930

What was DST's first public act?

Women's Suffrage March

What are DST’s colors?

Crimson & Cream

What does Crimson represent in DST?

Courage, Strength, Power

What does Cream represent?

Purity, Peace, Wisdom

What is the official flower of DST?

African Violet

What does the African Violet symbolize?

Femininity and Growth

What is Delta Sigma Theta’s motto?

Intelligence is the Torch of Wisdom

Who is the official symbol of DST?

Lady Fortitude

What does Lady Fortitude represent?

Strength, Courage, Hope, Wisdom

What is the unofficial mascot of DST?

The Elephant

What organization is DST a part of?

National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC)

What community focus guides DST programming?

Five-Point Programmatic Thrust

Name all five thrusts.

Economic Development, Educational Development, International Awareness & Involvement, Physical & Mental Health, Political Awareness & Involvement

What are the core values of DST?

Sisterhood, Scholarship, Service, Social Action

Why did DST founders separate from AKA?

To focus more on social action and political involvement

Date of the Women’s Suffrage March participation?

March 3, 1913

Where did DST make its first public appearance?

Women's Suffrage March in Washington D.C.

What symbol is associated with Florence Letcher Toms?

Elephant

Which founder sued for equal teacher salaries?

Jessie McGuire Dent

Which founder was the first Black social worker in NYC?

Winona Cargile Alexander

Which founder earned the first PhD of Black women in U.S.?

Sadie Tanner Mossell Alexander

Which founder was heavily involved in women's suffrage lobbying?

Jimmie Bugg Middleton

What is the Beta Alpha chapter’s nickname?

The BADST

When was Beta Alpha chartered?

January 30, 1937

What school is Beta Alpha located at?

Florida A&M University

What does the elephant trunk-up symbolize?

Strength, high moral values, luck

What does DST focus on academically?

Scholarship & educational development

What symbol represents emotional strength for DST?

Lady Fortitude

Name 1 famous DST member in politics.

Shirley Chisholm

Name 1 famous DST member in acting.

Angela Bassett

What group of 9 Black fraternities & sororities is DST part of?

The Divine Nine

What does Social Action mean in DST?

Advocacy for change, community activism

What does Service represent in DST values?

Helping communities, giving back

What flower is used to represent femininity & growth?

African Violet

What do Crimson & Cream together symbolize?

Courage, purity, empowerment

Which value centers on helping others?

Service

Which founder helped develop early rituals?

Edna Brown Coleman

Which founder was an actress and drama teacher?

Osceola Macarthy Adams

Who was last surviving founder of DST?

Naomi Sewell Richardson

Which founder was a musician and composer?

Pauline Oberdorfer Minor

Which founder marched again in 1981 at age 92?

Bertha Pitts Campbell

Which founder was a NAACP participant and musician?

Zephyr Chisom Carter

Which founder was key in academic development?

Edith Motte Young

Which founder was a social worker and first sergeant-at-arms?

Frederica Chase Dodd

What four traits define Lady Fortitude?

Strength, Courage, Hope, Wisdom

DST programming promotes what 2 main goals?

Uplift & empowerment through service and education

What type of organization is Delta Sigma Theta?

A public service sorority

What are the three fundamental virtues of DST colors?

Courage, Strength, Purity

What does political awareness thrust involve?

Voting rights, policy engagement, civic action

What does educational development thrust focus on?

Academic programs, scholarships, youth development

What does international awareness thrust involve?

Global service, humanitarian outreach

What does economic development thrust address?

Financial literacy, economic empowerment, business support

What does physical & mental health thrust include?

Health advocacy, wellness education, mental health support

What two values represent the foundation of DST’s mission?

Scholarship & Service

What is the name of DST’s official publication?

The Delta Journal

Who represents strength and femininity visually in DST?

Lady Fortitude

Why is March 3, 1913 important?

DST marched in Women's Suffrage Parade

Name a famous political Delta.

Patricia Roberts Harris / Shirley Chisholm

Name a famous entertainment Delta.

Angela Bassett / K. Michelle

Which symbol is iconic in DST homes and memorabilia?

Elephant trunk-up

The African Violet symbolizes what two ideas?

Femininity & Growth

Sisterhood in DST represents what?

Unity, support, bond among women

Scholarship in DST promotes what?

Education achievement & academic success

Service in DST means what?

Helping communities through action

Social Action involves what?

Advocacy, social change, activism

The Five Thrusts belong under what DST category?

Programmatic Initiatives

Where was the first chapter founded?

Howard University

Which chapter was chartered at FAMU?

Beta Alpha Chapter

When was Beta Alpha founded?

January 30, 1937

Beta Alpha campus identity phrase?

The BADST

What does Fortitude symbolize for Deltas daily?

Endurance & moral strength

What do Delta founders represent as a collective?

Leadership & advocacy

Why was DST created over AKA?

To center social activism & public service

What does NPHC stand for?

National Pan-Hellenic Council

What is DST a member organization of?

The Divine Nine

How many divine 9 organizations exist?

Nine

Which thrust covers wellness?

Physical & Mental Health

Which thrust covers voter registration drives?

Political Awareness & Involvement

Which thrust covers youth education?

Educational Development

Which thrust supports global service projects?

International Awareness & Involvement

Which thrust promotes financial empowerment?

Economic Development

What is DST's main purpose?

Public service and community uplift

DST principles promote what type of leadership?

Socially conscious & community centered

What defines a true Delta Woman?

Servant leadership & commitment

Finish: Intelligence is the ____ of Wisdom.

Torch

DST colors are used to represent what two contrasts?

Strength vs. purity

Founding city of DST?

Washington, D.C.

What type of flower represents DST?

African Violet

The elephant trunk-up displays what message?

Persistence, luck, strength

Why is Fortitude shown as a woman?

Represents powerful Black womanhood

Public service is driven by what thrust model?

Five-Point Programmatic Thrust

What does sisterhood maintain within the sorority?

Unity & support

Why is Scholarship important to DST?

It advances education & black excellence

Who is Angela Bassett to DST?

A famous actress and Delta member

Who is Shirley Chisholm to DST?

First Black woman elected to U.S. Congress

The Five Thrusts guide what?

DST’s community programming