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It’s Our Anniversary!

January 13, 2013 By Michelle Matthews-Calloway 4 Comments

100 years ago today, 22 women at Howard University founded the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Photo courtesy of Centennial Treasures

I’m proud and happy to say that I am a member of this illustrious sorority.

Along with 16 other young women, I pledged at the Beta Alpha Chapter, on the campus of Florida A & M University (go Rattlers!). Because of the influence of two of my teachers, I left for college fully intending to pledge a different sorority – the pink and green one. 

However, when I arrived at FAMU, the Deltas were holding voter registration drives, health fairs, visiting orphanages and nursing homes, painting the houses of senior citizens, volunteering as drivers for Meals on Wheels, and a multitude of other community service projects. These young women were engaged in the activities that spoke to my heart. They were involved in their community, and more important, they were making a difference. They were bold and fearless. 

In contrast, the pink and green sorority’s level of community engagement was negligible.

Little did I know at the time, the very things that attracted me to Delta Sigma Theta (and turned me off from  the pink and green one) reflect the basis of why the sorority was founded:

The genesis of Delta, and the root of the AKA-Delta rivalry, was on Oct. 11, 1912, when 22 women were initiated into AKA, then the only black women’s sorority. Of those 22, seven were elected officers, including Myra Davis Hemmings, who became chapter president. Almost immediately after taking office, the newcomers voiced their displeasure with the direction the organization was heading.

They thought AKA was too focused on social activities instead of social activism. They voted to reconstruct AKA from within — the name, colors, symbols, everything had to go, they said. AKA incorporator Nellie Quander rejected this notion and gave the women a deadline to end their plans. Instead, the 22 decided to separate and formed Delta Sigma Theta. (Source: The Washington Post)

Don’t get me wrong; I have respect for all sororities and their members. Delta Sigma Theta is the sorority that had a mission that spoke to me – and I’ve been wearing crimson and cream ever since.   

Today’s Founder’s Day festivities included ecumenical services at churches across the country. I was especially blessed today because my Alumane Chapter held its services at the Greater Mt. Zion Baptist church, pastored by none other than my brother. 

Some of the highlights from the church service:

Crowley Alumnae Chapter President Soror Cynthia Dominick addresses the congregation

Delta Sigma Theta Crowley Alumnae Chapter President Cynthia Dominick and Rev. Keith Matthews, Pastor of Greater Mt. Zion Baptist Church

 

First Lady Annie L. Matthews, Soror Dominick, and Rev. Keith Matthews

After church, it was time to have some fun:

Some of the Crowley Alumnae Chapter Sorors gather at Fezzo’s Seafood and Steakhouse Restaurant

All in all, today was a wonderful day. I look forward to attending the 51st National Convention in Washington, DC, in July.

(Pssst! Wanna see a vintage photo from when I pledged?)

Join in the Fray: Are you in a sorority or fraternity? If so, give it a shout out!

I’m blogging every day in the month of January in Blogher’s NaBloPoMo Challenge. Thanks for reading, and feel free to comment!

Copyright © 2013 Michelle Matthews Calloway, ASwirlGirl, All rights reserved.

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Filed Under: Announcements, Series, Special, Uncategorized Tagged With: AKA, Black, Black. White, BlogHer, community, community service, crimson and cream, dating, Delta Sigma Theta, DST, fraternity, health fair, interracial, interracial dating, interracial marriage, interracial relationships, NaBloPoMo, nursing home, orphanage, pledge, sorority, swirling

About Michelle Matthews-Calloway

I'm a native Louisianan currently living in Dallas, TX. I have a B.S. degree in marketing, an MBA and a PhD in higher education administration. I love writing and research, and also thoroughly enjoy reading and working out.

I am passionate about cultural/ethnic diversity and interracial relationships; so much so that my dissertation focused on these concepts. I'm a widow, and I started dating interracially a few years after my husband passed away. In addition to blogging about interracial relationships and social issues, we also provide a podcast available on iTunes, Google Play, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Sound Cloud and Stitcher.

You can also find me on Twitter or Instagram @ASwirlGirl.

Do you love vintage photos and history with your pop culture? Them come and join me and Podcast Co-Host Adrienne London Leach on Facebook at Facebook.com/TheSwirlWorld. If you love our military, come and show our warriors some love at Facebook.com/Military Swirl.

In The Swirl World we celebrate and elevate Black Women - mind, body, soul and spirit!™

Comments

  1. TheSwirlWorld says

    January 14, 2013 at 3:23 PM

    Rev. Matthews, the pleasure was OURS! At the luncheon the Sorors kept talking about how much they enjoyed your sermon and the service. Some were surprised to know you are an Alpha. 🙂

  2. Keith Matthews says

    January 14, 2013 at 3:15 PM

    Thanks for choosing our ministry to visit for your 100th anniversary celebration! Didn’t know of y’alls (dis)association with AKA; bet their version is different (wink, wink). Thank you again for your presence and your generous contribution, and we will continue to support your efforts in nay way we can.

    Keith Matthews
    Alpha Phi Alpha, Inc.
    Zeta Xi Chapter, Spring ’81

  3. TheSwirlWorld says

    January 13, 2013 at 7:34 PM

    Soror Sheiree, we choose the BEST! OO-OOP! 😉

  4. Sheriee Parnell says

    January 13, 2013 at 7:15 PM

    I am so proud to be apart of such an ILLUSTRIOUS sorority!!!!! OO-OOP my Soror!!!! 100 years strong and still on top.

    Sheriee
    *Kappa Alpha Chapter Spring 2011*

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