Preserving a Lasting Legacy 

The 22 Founders were innovators and visionaries — creating an organization at a time when women and Black people were significantly disenfranchised. Through grit and determination, these women persevered and found unique ways to uplift their voices and the voices of others, including through fine arts. Howard alumna Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie (M.Div. ’93), initiated in the Baltimore Alumnae Chapter in 1980, shared a poem that inspired the organization’s founders, including her grandmother Vashti Turley Murphy.  

“My grandmother had a poem that she recited… ‘Be strong. We’re not here to drift a dream there are miles to go, loads to lift. Be strong,’” said Murphy McKenzie. “That poem served these women, my grandmother, and the other cofounders in a day where women were not expected to be college educated. Their options were limited to fields that were applicable for women, but yet they were strong facing the atrocities of their time.”  

Music has also been treasured inspiration woven into the fabric of this organization’s incredible legacy.  

As a classically trained sopranist, Dr. Janeula Burt (B.A. ’86), who was initiated into the Alpha Chapter in spring 1986 and selected as a song leader, was inspired by members of Delta Sigma Theta the first time she heard them singing on the Yard. She reflected on the historical significance of music for the sorority. 

 “When they sang for Homecoming, I was like ‘oh my God, I love the harmony,’” said Burt. “They are so beautiful to me. A lot of the founders and a lot of subsequent sorors were fine arts majors. The intricacies of our music in the way that we sing comes from [Howard’s] College of Fine Arts and people being trained. Roberta Flack (B.M.E. ’58, D.Mus. ’75), was initiated into the Alpha Chapter in spring 1955 as one of the song leaders.” 

Commitment to Public Service  

Since Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.’s participation in the Women’s Suffrage March of 1913 in Washington D.C., the organization has been a trailblazer of social change domestically and internationally. The sorority strategically executes its public service mission through its five-point programmatic thrust: economic development, international awareness and involvement, physical and mental health, and political awareness and involvement.  

“The great legacy that Delta has when we think about it literally from the very beginning has been around social action,” said Allen-Herring. “When we think about what the issues were of the day and what the issues are now today, there is a bridge that Delta has brought many, many communities over; many of those who have been voiceless, those who have been traditionally disfranchised, those who simply needed someone to speak up for them, to see them and why they matter.” 

Courtney Wilborn (B.A. ’26) is a finance major at Howard and a spring ’24 initiate of the Alpha Chapter. She points out that her chapter is very active on the Yard with community service projects and that chapter members enjoy providing consistent programming and participation. Wilborn, whose mother, Monica Lewis (B.A. ‘96), was initiated into the Alpha Chapter in 1994, understands the importance of continuing to engage in public service 112 years after the founders set the standard. 

“I knew that Howard University was about truth and service,” said Wilborn. “And when trying to find what I wanted to do, I wanted to look for an organization that actually did service, or that actually did make general impacts on our campus and outside our campus. And that's where Alpha Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. fit into place. But it is really just an amazing feeling to be a neophyte of the founders.”  

As a senior honors biology major with a chemistry and Spanish double minor, and a spring ’24 initiate of the Alpha Chapter, Grace Delpit (B.S. ’26) noted that one of her favorite annual community service events is block clean-up, which she finds necessary for D.C. and surrounding communities.

“Doing something as easy as getting together, going outside in the early morning, and cleaning up the city is just something that’s so wholesome but so impactful.” said Delprit, who is also the incoming president of Alpha Chapter. 

Global Reach and Connection in Communities 

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. extends its reach further into the communities with the support of 1,050 chapters worldwide. This year’s host chapters, the Washington D.C. Alumnae Chapter and the Federal City Alumnae Chapter, played a significant role in volunteering their time and expertise to support planning efforts for the convention. This week, both chapters sponsored an Impact Day, where they packed over 3,000 kits to support period poverty for local organizations in D.C., Haiti, and Kenya. 

The Washington D.C. Alumnae Chapter (WDCAC) was charted on Feb. 3, 1921, by nine women — two of which were original founders Eliza Pearl Shippen and Florence Letcher Toms. 

WDCAC member A. Chevelle Foster (B.S. ’93), initiated into Alpha Chapter in spring 1991, shared her chapters unique bond with Howard. 

“The Washington D.C. chapter has been very connected with Howard University, and it’s been a deep and enduring sort of relationship that’s been in existence from the very beginning,” said Foster, noting her excitement at being able to carry on in that established tradition. “It’s exciting that we were able to continue it on.” 

The first president of the Federal City Alumnae Chapter Austine Fowler, initiated in 1955 at Miner Teachers College, says Delta motivated her and she continues to give back to her community on a consistent basis. She currently volunteers at her alma mater, Dunbar High School. She encourages her sorority sisters to continue to do the work. 

Federal City Alumnae past president Phoebe Boykins Dixon (B.A. ’69), initiated into Alpha Chapter in spring 1967, and Alpha Chapter president from 1968-1969, sees the difference her chapter is making in the community and finds the organization to be a training ground for elevation and constant learning.

Howard’s Impact Goes Forward with Fortitude 

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority’s rich legacy continues to illuminate around the globe, as shown this week when nearly 20,000 members were welcomed to the convention. Howard has served as a catalyst for change by encouraging students to think above and beyond, unveiling spectacular ideas that are still making significant impact to this day.  

“When you think about Howard University and Delta, Howard University was a training ground where opportunities were so that you can develop your gifts without having to explain or having your melanin or even your womanhood challenged,” explained Murphy McKenzie. 

During this week’s convention, members will fellowship and exchange ideas that will continue to propel the organization forward to exciting new levels while continuing to make a difference in communities around the world. 

“The Delta of today will ensure that we meet this moment and ensure that those voices are still heard, that those who traditionally have been unseen are still seen, and that the rich legacy and the women who are members of our great sisterhood are not only inspired but encouraged to continue to keep the fight going,” said Allen-Herring. “This is our 1913 and 2025 moment — all in one.”