PPP Days 3-6

Fourth jewel

• Fellowship

• the common spirit of sisterhood

• dedicated to the many chapters of DST

Fifth jewel

• Fidelity

• the steadfast devotion and faithful commitment we give to purposes larger than ourselves

• dedicated to the Honorary Members

Sixth jewel

• Honesty

• the first requisite in keeping peace with ourselves and meriting the trust of others

• dedicated to the National Officers

7th National President

• Big Sister 7th National President Vivian Osborne Marsh

• 1935-1939 (5 years)

• headed the establishment of the National Library Project (traveling library)

• Made the decision to become actively involved in the Civil rights movement

8th National President

• Big Sister 8th National President Helen Elsie Austin

• 1939-1944 (6 years)

• Endorsed Job Analysis as a national project

• Created the Office of Undergraduate Coordinator (later known as Natl. Second Vice President)

9th National President

• Big Sister 9th National President Mae Wright Downs Peck Williams

• 1944-1947 (4 years)

• Focused on voting rights and equal rights for women

• Purchased war bonds and ambulances

• involved in the founding of Roosevelt College in Chicage

Respect and Recognition for Founders

• Names of Founders should be listed on all Founders Day programs

• pictures of founders limited to official documents, posters, wall hangings

• pictures not for casual use (t-shirts, totes, screen savers)

Respect and Recognition for the International President and Past National Presidents

• Whenever the International President and/or Past National President present at chapter activities, the chapter president must ask them to select how they wish to participate

• When Int. or Past Natl. Presidents enter a Delta assembly, membership remains standing until Presidents are seated

• Intl. President and past National president introduced in ascending order of presidency (membership remains standing until intros are over)

• Membership remains seated during recessional until International President and members of the dais have exited

Respect and Recognition of Honorary Members

• membership stands when they are introduced to a closed (Deltas only) assembly

Respect and Recognition of Regional Officers

• in chapter or regional activities, when regional directors or representatives introduced, membership remains seated

• membership remains seated during recessional until regional director, regional rep, and members of dais exit

Delta DEARS

• concept established by Golden Life Committee in 1982

• special category for all Deltas 62 years or older

• special designation provided for them at regional conference and national convention

DEARS stands for

• Dedicated

• Energetic

• Active

• Respected

• Sorors

The seven official Sorority Songs

1. Beta Hymn

2. Delta Mizpah

3. Delta Prayer

4. Delta Sigma National Hymn

5. Delta Sweetheart Song

6. I Would Be True

7. the Pyramid Hymn

Rules for Delta songs

• Never sung as solos (exception: first four phrases of Delta Sweetheart Song can be sung as a solo)

• songs are never sung as renditions/changed

• Delta Mizpah may be sung or recited at the end of a chapter meeting

When singing Delta Sigma Theta National Hymn

• sorors stand in a circle if possible or stand in place

• cross right arm over left arm

• after finished, sorors drop their arms and hold the hands of the sorors next to them to recite or sing the Delta Mizpah

When singing the Delta Sweetheart Song

• sorors should form a circle, hold hands, and sway to the left starting on the second word (may)

• In repeating song, first four phrases may be sung solo while other sorors hum, then all join in singing

• song may be sung at sorority events and other greek function events

• can also be sung at weddings (Delta bride serenaded as she stands in the circle)

• also can be sung upon any noteworthy accomplishment

Only song where swaying is allowed

the Delta Sweetheart Song

The Sorority Pin

• pin worn over the heart of ONLY a duly initiated member

• pinned on the first outer garment (ex: pin on shirt if wearing shirt and blazer)

The Pyramid Pin

• designed by the Epsilon Chapter (Ohio State University)

• adopted at 2nd National Convention

• worn only during Membership Intake when candidate is a pyramid over the heart

the 3 sides of the pyramid pen represent

mind, body, and spirit

The Fortitude Pin

• replica of the sculpture Fortitude

• commissioned by the Sorority and unveiled at Howard University in 1979 as a tribute to the founders of DST

• may be pinned on clothes or worn as a pendant

The Diamond Jubilee Pin

• given to Deltas who contributed over $1,000 to the Delta Research and Educational Foundation (DREF)

• available only through April 30, 1988

Millennium Pin

• created for recognition of sorors who contributed $2,200 or more to the 1 Million Dollar Howard University Endowment Scholarship

• scholarship presented to Howard University on 90th anniversary of DST

• pin worn as pendant and was available through 2004

Delta Anniversary Pin

• 26th National President Beverly E. Smith announced release of 50-year recognition pin and 25-year recognition pin

25 year Delta Anniversary Pin

silver finish with 9 crystals representing the 9 Cardinal Virtues

50 year Delta Anniversary Pin

gold finish encircled with 22 crystals representing the Founders

The Sorority Flower

the purple violet

The pyramid flower

the peppermint carnation

The Sorority Colors

• official colors: crimson and cream

• for practical purposes, crimson, Delta red, black, deep cream, and white are primary colors

• accent/anchoring colors: deep gold, light gold, rich violet, light cream

• gold may only be used for ceremonial robes worn at National convention or regional conference

The Sorority Stone

• the pearl

• used only in the official sorority pin

• each corner of the sigma contains a pearl dedicated to the founders

The Sorority Seal

circular engraving with “Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Grand Chapter” surrounding the Sorority crest

under sorority crest is the founding year (1913)

The Presidential Seal

• displayed during the Opening Ceremony of the national convention

• when not at convention, displayed in the National president’s Office at National Headquarters

The Sorority Crest

• official coat of arms for DST

• designed by big sister Ailene Marks and Big Sister 6th National President Jeannette Triplett Jones

• appropriate display includes exhibit/display items, paraphernalia, stationery, letterheads

sorority crest includes

• Minerva emblem atop the shield

• shield bearing the torch, sword, staff, and the three Greek letters

• the Laurel Wreath

the sword represents

• truth (part of Minerva’s symbolism)

the staff represents

intelligent leadership

the Laurel Wreath represents

achievement, mark of honor, distinction

The Sorority emblem

the goddess Minerva, Goddess of Wisdom

The Sorority’s Public Motto

“Intelligence is the Torch of Wisdom”

The Pyramid Public Motto

“Scholarship, Fellowship, Service and desire to attain all that would ennoble”

the Banner and Flag

• both the banner and flag are displayed at natl and regional conventions, and at other ritualistic ceremonies

• when not assembled, banner and flag displayed at National Headquarters

Robes

• officers wear appropriate robes with Delta insignia

• Jewels wear crimson and red robes

Sacred Vow

“Membership in Delta Sigma Theta is a Lifetime comittment”

Secrets

• secrets, passwords, and signs are never written (only transmitted orally)

• includes secret motto and handshake

• at time of initiation, chapter president will demonstrate to New members the DST handshake

The Fundamental Principles

• Fundamental Principles are embodied by the Nine Jewels and the Delta Oath

• represented by the white candle used during ritualistic ceremonies, national convention, regional conference, and chapter meetings

Who Speaks for Delta

• International President speaks for Grand Chapter

• regional director speaks for her region

• chapter president speaks for her chapter

Standing Committees

• Membership Services Committee

• Human Resources Committee

• Constitution and Bylaws Committee

• Institutional Research Committee

• Communications and Public Relations Committee

• (DPEC) Distinguished Professor Endowed Chair Committee

• Housing and Property Committee

• Heritage and Archives Committee

• Strategic Partnership Committee

• Strategic Planning Committee

Standing committee members are

Appointed

Regions of the chapters (7)

1. Central

2. Eastern

3. Far West

4. Midwest

5. South Atlantic

6. Southern

7. Southeast

Come Eat Five Million Sear Sucker suits

Eastern Regional Director

• Big Sister Dr. Marie-Carmel Durandisse Pressley

• Current Queens alumnae chapter member

Regional representative

• Amina Cuascut

• Upsilon Phi

Current International President

Big Sister International President Elsie-Cooke Holmes

Traditional Delta Programs

• Founder’s Day (Jan-March)

• May Week (May; education)

• Jabberwock (cultural; the arts)

• Delta Christmas Party (service the community in some way; spirit of giving)

Current National First Vice President

Big Sister Cheryl Turner

National 2nd Vice President

Big Sister Sade Reid

International chapters

• Germany

• Japan

• United Kingdom

• Canada

• Korea

10th National President

• Big Sister 10th National President Dorothy Irene Height

• 1947-1956

• Created Delta Five Point Project (now Five Point Programmatic Thrust)

• Hired First Executive Director

11th President

• Big Sister 11th Vice President Dorothy Penman Harrison

• 1956-1958

• Burned/paid off mortgage on National Headquarters

• First publication of Delta Newsletter

• PEN —→ news

• the pen will burn

12th National President

• Big Sister 12th National President Jeanne L. Noble

• Established Social Action Commission

• Appointed by Presidents Kennedy, Nixon, Lyndon B. Johnson, and Ford to serve on commissions

• Jeanne is a Noble woman, committed. to social action; collaborated with Nixon, who is not noble

First Executive Director

Big Sister Patricia Roberts Harris

pat on the back for executing your job! you’re good at PR Hoe!

Current national Secretary

Big sister Dr. Joi L Moore

its a joi to serve

Current national treasurer

Big Sister Rosalyn L Glenn

Current Eastern Regional Director

• Big Sister Dr. Marie-Carmel Durandisse Pressley

• Queens Alumnae Chapter

Current Eastern Regional Representative

• Amina Cuascut

• Upsilon Phi

13th National President

• Geraldine Pittman Woods

• 1963-1967

• established Delta Teen Lift

• established Delta Research and Educational Foundation (DREF)

• since you’re in a pit(tman), I’m going to lift you up; when you’’re in a pit, you’re adrift

14th National President

• Frankie Muse Freeman, Esq

• 1967-1971

• civil rights attorney

• First woman appointed to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights by Lyndon B. Johnson

• FMF; civil rights through and through

15th National President

• Lillian Pierce Benbow

• 1971-1975

• Established Delta Right to Read Project

• Established Arts and Letters Commission

pierce your mind with books; benbow is a dance (arts and letters)

16th National President

• Thelma Thomas Daley

• Commissioned the Sculpture, Fortitude

• Reaffirmed Delta’s Five Point Programmatic thrust

• lets take (thomas) the train to see the sculpture; Daley I reaffirm the FPPT

How to become an Honorary Member

• women who’ve made extraordinary contributions to their field and have made a national or global impact consistent with the Sorority’s Five Point Programmatic Thrust

• woman either recommended by member or chapters to a Special Committee for Honorary Members

• Honorary Member Selection recommends person to National Board of Directors

• approved by 2/3 vote of Natl. Board of Directors

• honorary member scan o anything but vote and hold elective office

Honorary Members

• Mary McLeod Bethune-

• Angela Bassett- Actress

• Nannie H. Burroughs- Founder of Natl. Training for Women and Girls

• Shirley Caesar- Gospel Singer

• Andra Day- actress and singer-songwriter

• Aretha Franklin- Platinum award winning singer/musician

• Nikki Giovani- Distinguished Professor/renowned poet

• Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson- first Black woman to serve on U.S. supreme court

• Rashida Jones- President of MSNBC

• alice Dunbar Nelson- Poet; American Inter-Racial Peace Committee

• Gabrielle Pelham- Director of music at Howard University

• Mary Church Terrell- Advocate for Human Rights and author of the Delta Oath

• Sheryl Lee Ralph- Emmy Award winning actress and golden globe nominee

• Florence Cole Talbert- Opera singer, composer of Delta Hymn

• Ledisi Young- Grammy award winning recording artist and actress

• JoAnn Browning

designers of sorority crest

Ailene Marks and Big sister 6th Natl. President Jeanette Tripplett Jones

Rap Order for ceremonies

• 1 Rap- attention, be seated, end of ceremony

• 2 raps- affirm the sacred vow , affirm the sacred trust

• 3 raps- stand

The fundamental principles are represented by

white candle used in ceremonies

The torch of wisdom is represented by

red candle used in ceremonies

think fire

Five Point Programmatic Thrust

1. Economic Development

2. Educational Development

3. International Awareness and involvement

4. Physical and Mental Health

5. Political Awareness and Involvement

National Educational Development Programs

• Delta Right to Read Project

• African American Cultural Literacy Project

• Delta Teen Lift

• National Library Project

• The Bookmobile project

• Book Baskets

• Dr. Betty Shabazz Delta Academy

• The Distinguished Professor Endowed Chair (DPEC)

• The Maryland Educational Opportunity Center (MEOC)

• DST Scholarship Fund and College Tuition Loan Fund

National Programs for Economic Development

• The Job Opportunity Project

• Adopt A Black Business

• Delta Habitat for Humanity

• Financial Fortitude

• Delta H.O.M.E (Home Ownership and Maintenance Education)

• the Delta Challenge: Homeownership

National Programs for International Awareness and Involvement

• The Delta House

• Thika Memorial Hospital

• World AIDS Day

• International Day of Service

• Adopt a child/sponser a child

• Mission Trips

• the TREE Project (Training Resources in Early Education)

• The Adelaide Tambo School for the Physically Disabled

National Programs for Physical and Mental Health

• Summit V

• Lifestyle Change Initiative

• Catching, Coping, and Conquering

• The Healthy Weight Program

• My Cry in the Dark

• Lose to Win

• Healthy Lifestyle: The Total Woman: Mind, Body, and Spirit

National Programs for Political Awareness and Involvement

• Delta Days in the Nation’s Capital

• Delta Days at the UN

• Delta Days at state capitals

• Voter Education

• Voter Mobilization

• Voter Registration

Delta Research and Educational Fund (DREF)

• public foundation/separate entity that serves that serves the sorority and other organizations

• has research/study programs to increase international awareness, particularly among African diaspora

Rho Chapter Programs Economic Development

• 1:1 Networking Workshop

• Resume Writing Workshop

• Balling on a Budget

Rho Chapter Programs Educational Development

• Barnumbia Declassfied

• Study with the Deltas

• Adaoha C. Hamilton Scholarship Fundraiser

• Destress before the test

Rho Chapter Programs international Awareness and Involvement

• World AIDS Day

• United in Rhythm: A diaspora dance workshop

• Environmental racism talk

• ENDSARS Q&A

• COVID in the Middle East

Rho Chapter Physical and Mental Health

• Delta Downhome Dinner

• Mothers of Medicine

• Green Ribbon week

• Breast Cancer Walk

• Revolutionizing Reproductive Rights

• United in Rhythm: A Diaspora Workshop

• Self Care 101: 4 Simple Ways to PracticeWell-being in your life

• State of Black Women and Girls’ Holistic Wellness

• Design Your Destiny with the Deltas

• Black Women and Love

• Love Well, Live Well: Self Defense and Wellness Workshop

• Pizza and Paint

Rho chapter programs for Political Awareness and Involvement

• The People’s Space: Navigating Politics and Mental Health

• The History of Voter Disenfranchisement and the Power of Voting

• Big pockets, Bigger Costs: How Companies Profit from ICE’s private detention centers

• Reclaiming My Time: Black Women and Political Power

• Combatting Anti-Blackness in Healthcare and Medicine

• Anti-Blackness in Tech

• The Fight for Indigenous Rights

• What it Means to Be in Law panel

17th National President

• Big Sister 17th National President Mona Humphries Bailey

• 1979-1983

• Implementation of the Capital Fund Drive

• Campaign to “Burn the Mortgage” on NEWLY EXPANDED Headquarters

18th National President

• Hortense Golden Canaday

• 1983-1988

• Established the Delta Leadership Academy

• Publication of the first Delta Doctrine

• h* for power (extra year)

19th National President

• Yvonne Kennedy

• 1988-1982

• Launched “Every Delta in Every House” DelShare Program

• Designated the 1988-1990 biennium as the “Reclamation Era”

G.E.M.S stands for

Growing and Empowering Myself Successfully

Dr. Betty Shabazz Delta Academy vs Dr. Jeanne L. Noble DELTA GEMS

• Academy for girls ages 11-14, GEMS for girls 14-18 (middle schools vs high school)

• Shabazz (Muslim) is strict with the young girls before they get to turn int o gems

EMBODI stands for

Empowering Males to Build Opportunities for Developing Independence

The Delta Oath was written by and who

at the 6th National Convention by Mary Church Terrell

Current Executive Director

Dorcas Washington