Delta Sigma Theta Sorority History Study Notes

Key Contributions:
- First National Handbook released.
- Revised printed release of the National Constitution.
- Awarded the Silver Loving Cup for outstanding chapter performance in interpreting national programs.
Membership Growth:
- Under her leadership, membership in the Sorority increased with:
- Eight undergraduate chapters established.
- One mixed chapter and four graduate chapters increased.
Focus on Community Engagement:
- Renewed memberships in national organizations for the betterment of African Americans.
- Contributions made to various social service programs and projects.
Significant Outcomes of Presidency:
1. Established the Office of Executive Secretary.
2. National Headquarters established in Washington, DC.
3. Edna Johnson (Morris) became Grand Secretary Emeritus, recognized for over 10 years of service as Secretary of Delta Sigma Theta.

Key Contributions:
- Authorized the revision of the Sorority Ritual.
- National Library Project initiated to provide access to educational materials in underserved communities.
- Advocated for civil rights, particularly against lynching legislation.
Ritual Revision:
- In 1935, Edna Johnson Morris chaired the committee for the Ritual revision.
- Officially ratified at the 1939 Grand Chapter Convention, recognized as a critical document for the Sorority.
National Library Project:
- Led by Anne Duncan, the project provided traveling library services to underprivileged areas, starting in North Carolina.
Civil Rights Engagement:
- Lobbied with NAACP for anti-lynching legislation.
- Worked to educate Black college students on racism issues and engaged community support for young people.
Notable Presence at 1939 Convention:
- Founders present included Frederica Chase Dodd, Naomi Sewell Richardson, and Mary Church Terrell.
- These women were honored in speeches and discussions at the closing banquet.

Key Contributions:
- First Black woman to graduate from the University of Cincinnati Law School.
- Endorsed the "JOB ANALYSIS" as a national project.
- Focused on purchasing war bonds and addressing discrimination in armed forces.
JOB ANALYSIS Project:
- Under Dorothy Height, aimed to improve job access for Negro women.
- Included job opportunity investigations and increasing representation on public boards.
War Efforts:
- Approved the purchase of $5,000 in U.S. War Bonds, marking a significant financial milestone for a national organization of African American women.
- Delta actively worked against discrimination in the military during World War II.
Victory Book Drive:
- Conducted a national book drive to supply servicemen with books, particularly popular during the Delta May Week celebrations.

Key Focus Areas:
- Advocated for voting rights, equal rights for women and minorities, and fair employment practices.
- Involved in purchasing war bonds and ambulances during WWII.
Educational Initiatives:
- Emphasized the importance of education; encouraged youth to achieve high school and college degrees.
- Significant involvement in founding Roosevelt College in Chicago in 1945, promoting democracy in education.
Library Accessibility:
- Researched library facility needs and implemented rotating library services in underserved areas, initiating library access in Franklin County, NC on December 8, 1945.
Financial Contributions:
- Supported the NAACP, Urban League, and other organizations aimed at improving the lives of African Americans.
- Funded three ambulances at $2000 each and supported cultural events to promote talented young women.

Throughout their tenures, the presidents emphasized:
- The necessity of civil rights advocacy, community service, and educational access.
- The importance of establishing reputable organizational structures, such as National Headquarters and the Office of Executive Secretary to enhance operational effectiveness.
- A commitment to philanthropic efforts reflecting deep ethical values aimed at uplifting the African American community and promoting equal rights.