DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY, INC
DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY, INC.
A Service Organization Since 1913
CHAPTER HISTORY TEMPLATE
Where there is no history, there can be no future.
Dear Sorors,
As we approach the 100th Anniversary of the founding of our illustrious sisterhood, we are even more aware of the importance of ensuring we have a complete history of Delta Sigma Theta. We are aware of the inconsistencies of how information and records are stored, many cases in which information about the history of chapters is missing and incomplete and in with recent natural disasters, the records and the history of the chapters were destroyed. In an effort to provide a consistent means of collecting and storing information and completing chapter, regional and national history, we have developed a Chapter History Template. This template will allow chapters to gather information about their chapter and have a secure way of keeping and sharing the information.
Please complete the following template with information about your chapter and return the template to the Heritage and Archives Committee no later than April 1, 2010. The committee will be compiling all of the information to be used in creating both regional and national history. We ask that you provide us with the most complete information as possible, researching additional facts to support the stories included in this template. This template is primarily for your chapter’s use however, it will be used to complete the history of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Please save the information collected in both an electronic and written form and update on a yearly basis. Thank you for your willingness to participate in this project. Your chapter may be featured at the upcoming National Convention in New Orleans.
Sandra Kennedy-Owes
Co-Chair, National Heritage and Archives Committee
Judy L. Wright
Co-Chair, National Heritage and Archives Committee
DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY, INC.
A Service Organization Since 1913
CHAPTER HISTORY TEMPLATE
2011-2012
Region: Southern
Chapter: Birmingham Alumnae
Chapter Number: 169
Chapter President: Sarah W. Mitchell
Address: P.O. Box 1842 Birmingham, AL 35201
Name and position of the Soror responsible for compiling information:
President- Sarah W. Mitchell
Historian- Gwendolyn Childress
2011-2012
CHAPTER HISTORY TEMPLATE
Section I: Chapter Information
Name of Chapter: Birmingham Alumnae Original Name of the Chapter: Tau Sigma
Date of Charter: May 28, 1931 Service area of chapter: Jefferson County
(as listed on your charter)
List names of Charter Members and highlight any notable contributions that member may have made to the community or the Sorority.
J. Ollie Diffay Tate
Marion Kennon Bradford
Miriam Price Jones
Preston R. Merry
Wardell Parish Robinson
Carolyn Welton Stewart
Alice McCarroll Wilson
Tell the story about the chartering of the chapter:
National Past President Anna Johnson Julian and National Past Secretary Grace I. Woodson, granted permission to Past Southern Regional Director, Minerva Johnson Hawkins, to charter a chapter of Delta Sigma Theta in Birmingham, Alabama in 1931. The request was made by Soror Ollie Diffay Tate and the chapter was named Tau Sigma. In 1956, when the nomenclature of all graduate chapters was changed, Tau Sigma became Birmingham Alumnae Chapter.
List names of Chapter Presidents, noting term(s) of office and highlight any notable contributions to the community or the Sorority. Also share any major accomplishments during each term and note a theme for their term(s).
|President |Term |Major Accomplishments |Notable Contributions to |
| | | |the Community |
| Ollie Diffay Tate |1931 |Initiated the charter for Birmingham | |
| | |Alumnae Chapter | |
|Marion Kennon Bradford |Unknown |Hosted the Southern Regional | |
| | |Conference | |
| | |Housed Sorors for meetings and | |
| | |activities at her business, Bradford | |
| | |in 1934 Funeral Home | |
|Alice McCarroll Wilson |Unknown |Was presented at the first May | |
| | |Week Celebration, along with | |
| | |Soror Edythe Mae Johnston-Clark, | |
| | |in a piano recital | |
|Jeanne Chandler |Unknown |Presented annual scholarships to | |
| | |Miles College | |
|Mary Cousins Goodson |1940-1941 |Demonstrated patriotism when | |
| | |Pearl Harbor was bombed by many | |
| | |Sorors enlisting in the Women’s | |
| | |Army Corp | |
|Wattie T. Cole Duff |1941-1943 | | |
|Helen George Heath |1941-1944 |Demonstrated her vow to Delta: | |
| | |“Membership in Delta Sigma | |
| | |Theta is a lifetime commitment” | |
| | |Rendered services to Delta Inc, an | |
| | |organization created to promote | |
| | |housing management of the Life | |
| | |Development Center | |
|Evola Lawton Rivers |1944-1945 |Enhanced voter registration | |
|Tony Thrift Thomas |1945-1946 |Volunteered in churches | |
|Myrtle Wright Blissett |1946-1949 |Provided transportation for people | |
| | |to register at the courthouse | |
|Josie Oliver Reid |1949-1951 |Tutored students and prepared | |
| | |students for test | |
|Marguerite Walker Stewart |1951-1953 |Implemented outstanding services | |
| | |in the area of mental health in the | |
| | |city of Birmingham | |
|Lillian Webb Sheehy |1953-1955 |Provided scholarships to six | |
| | |individuals | |
|Margaret Johnson Willis |1955-1957 |Rejected the Ebony Fashion Show | |
| | |because of major success from | |
| | |Jabberwocks | |
|Eliza Lee Penny |1957-1959 |Increased membership by 28 | |
| | |members | |
| | |Attended a convention paying all of | |
| | |her own expenses as a non delegate | |
| | |The first chapter member who paid | |
| | |the Golden Life paid in full | |
| | |membership | |
| | |The first chapter Birmingham | |
| | |Alumnae Chapter President whose | |
| | |legacy/daughter also became a | |
| | |chapter president | |
|Althea Palmer Montgomery |1959-1961 |Conducted voter registration | |
| | |campaigns | |
|Vernese Boulware O’Neal |1961-1963 |Published the chapter’s first news | |
| | |publication, “The Duckling” | |
| | |Presented Jabberwock: “The Big | |
| | |Broadcast” at Parker High School | |
|Bessie Sears Estelle |1963-1967 |Implemented the Chapter’s first |Implemented the first seminar for Social |
| | |scrapbook |Action in education, employment and |
| | |Presented the first Ebony Fashion |voting problems by the Social Action |
| | |Show to the public |Committee |
|Loretta Williams Allen |1967-1969 |Increased membership to 47 | |
| | |members | |
| | |Recognized senior girls from 17 | |
| | |high schools at Miles College | |
| | |Promoted and expanded the Ebony | |
| | |Fashion Show | |
|Eunice Davis Horton |1969-1971 |Assisted with the chartering of an | |
| | |undergraduate chapter, Eta Nu, at | |
| | |Miles College | |
| | |Presented the first dance of the | |
| | |decade at the Tutwiler Hotel Grand | |
| | |Ballroom | |
|Daisy Winston |1971-1973 |Sponsored a successful Fashion | |
| | |Show at the Parliament House | |
|Sarah Price Stewart |1973-1975 |Opened the chapter’s first post | |
| | |office box | |
| | |Became the first chapter to be a | |
| | |life member of the NAACP | |
| | |Formed a housing committee | |
| | |Featured Soror Lillian Benbow as | |
| | |the Founders Day speaker | |
|Elgertha Pruitt Byrd |1975-1977 | |Initiated the first written proposal for |
| | | |Elderly Services for a Comprehensive |
| | | |Senior Citizen |
| | | |Created the first successful health fair |
| | | |during May Week Observance |
| | | |Compiled and produced the first |
| | | |Community Resource Handbook |
|Roy Yvette Grant Clements |1977-1979 |Presented a duo piano recital fea- | |
| | |turing Sorors | |
|Eva Flowers Bell |1979-1981 |Featured Soror Kathleen Wright, | |
| | |Regional Director as the Founders | |
| | |Day Observance speaker | |
| | |Presented the chapter’s first | |
| | |Fortitude Award | |
| | |Conducted a Delta Round Up, | |
| | |which was sponsored by the | |
| | |reclamation and Social and Hospi- | |
| | |tality Committees for the purposes | |
| | |of creating enthusiasm in active | |
| | |Sorors to reclaim | |
|Eunice Davis Horton |1981-1983 |Employed Dr. Gloria Scott, a past |Implemented Summit I, a Career Clinic at |
| | |National Secretary of Delta Sigma |Lawson State Community College, to |
| | |Theta, to Founders Day 1982 |address issues of employment and edu- |
| | |Employed Soror Wynelda B. |cational opportunities |
| | |Moore, Professor of Miles College, |Provided Teen Lift student with an all |
| | |to Founders Day 1983 to show |expense paid trip to the World Fair at |
| | |the value of education in every |Knoxville, TN as a close up and personal |
| | |aspect of a woman’s life, while |Opportunity for exposure and education |
| | |outlining a Chapter strategy for |Visited Tuskegee Institute in 1983 with |
| | |making an impact in education. |a busload of high school students, an im- |
| | |Presented Soror Bessie Hunter |plementation of the national initiative to |
| | |Shelton, a noted soprano with an |support HBCU’s. |
| | |award from Arts and Letters at |Coordinated care fairs at Collegeville |
| | |Sixth Avenue Baptist Church |Community Center and Ruby Hill Nur- |
| | |Dedicated much time and effort to marketing the Ebony Fashion|sing Home for personal screening, health |
| | | |information, and donations of personal |
| | |Show to generate funds needed for |items |
| | |the Chapter’s programmatic |Adopted a child at Children’s Village to |
| | |thrusts. |provide ongoing material and human |
| | |Donated $2,500 to Miles College |needs |
| | |for Scholarship, $1,000 for |Visited and sponsored special events at |
| | |Endowment, and $3,500 to UNCF as well as financial donations |the Civic Center Nursing Home and a |
| | |to Women |King and Queen coronation at Ruby Hill |
| | |Centers and Family Violence | |
| | |Agencies, the Poverty Law Center, | |
| | |and traditional national charities, | |
| | |Red Cross, Ref Feathers, etc. | |
| | |Presented the Fortitude Award to | |
| | |Soror Bessie Sears Estelle | |
| | |Spearheaded Membership | |
| | |Intake in 1982 with 10 candidates concluding the old process | |
| | |where | |
| | |each chapter created its own mate- | |
| | |rials and activities. | |
| | |Began the process of preparing for | |
| | |the Southern Regional Conference slated | |
| | |for Birmingham in 1983 | |
|Betty McGinnis Poole |1983-1985 |Implemented the first new |Hosted the 1984 southern Regional Con- |
| | |Membership Intake Procedure |ference with the challenge of providing |
| | |Invited Soror Marie Baker Wilson, |\seed money, securing reasonable rates at |
| | |a Birmingham Native and an |the best hotel and BJCC, contacting \ |
| | |outstanding municipal official in |officials for greetings, arranging protocol |
| | |Atlanta governance to address the |and media releases, etc |
| | |issues of Change, Challenge, |Collaborated with Birmingham School |
| | |and Choice as Deltas move |System and IBM to sponsor “Educational |
| | |toward the new millennium |Smorgasbord for Youth” |
| | |Inaugurated the Birmingham |Awarded three scholarships to graduating |
| | |Alumnae Chapter’s “Par Ex- |seniors |
| | |cellence” Award to honor out- |Participated in the Alabama Health Fair |
| | |standing contributions of citizens |Program, the largest health screening |
| | |effecting changes in the well being |and health promotion nonprofit health pro- |
| | |of their respective neighborhood |vider in the state |
| | |associations |Participated in “Operation Santa Claus” at |
| | |Showcased outstanding performing |Bryce Hospital with gifts for patients and |
| | |artist, Soror T. Renee’ Crutcher at |volunteer service |
| | |Sixth Avenue Baptist Church |Made substantial donations to UNCF, |
| | |during the 30th Regional Gala |Ronald McDonald House, Southern Poverty |
| | |Presented Soror National President |Law Center, Red Mountain Museum, |
| | |Hortense Golden Canady at Sixth |National Jewish Hospital Research Asthma |
| | |Avenue Baptist Church as keynote |Center, and YMCA Branch at 4th Avenue |
| | |Speaker | |
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|Constance Blaylock Nealey |1985-1987 |Implemented the Educational De- |Participated in Operation Santa Claus, |
| | |velopment thrust through a series of |Alabama Kidney Walk-a-thon, Children’s |
| | |tutorial programs and computer |Hospital and Miracle Network Telethons, |
| | |workshops held at the YMCA and |and the NCNW Radiation |
| | |the Boys Club. |Equipped a play therapy room at Children’s |
| | |Implemented Summit II: A Call to |Hospital and donated supplies to the |
| | |Action in Support of Black Female |Ronald McDonald House |
| | |Heads of Household, which served |Adopted a child at Children’s Village and |
| | |to address the problem of single |the residents at a nursing home and pro- |
| | |parenting with a focus on empower- |vided personal care and courtesies, planned |
| | |ment |special holiday and birthday activities, and |
| | |Implemented the convocation of |visited regularly to read and assist |
| | |black colleges, an educational |Sponsored health clinic and exercise classes |
| | |initiative, served to create an aware- |for senior citizens |
| | |ness of the plight of HBCUs and | |
| | |marshaled support for their survival | |
| | |and perpetuity | |
| | |Presented Soror National Chaplain, | |
| | |Vashti McKenzie, to explore the | |
| | |theme on Equity=Education+4 | |
| | |Employment+Empowerment and to | |
| | |applaud outstanding community | |
| | |individuals in each of these areas | |
| | |pertinent to equity at Founders | |
| | |Day 1986 | |
| | |Collaborated with other human | |
| | |rights groups to symbolize fight for | |
| | |equity among all people at the | |
| | |march on Dr. Martin Luther King’s | |
| | |birthday | |
| | |Spearheaded Delta Day, a recla- | |
| | |mation activity that brought the | |
| | |chapter and collegiate Sorors to- | |
| | |gether to bond through singing | |
| | |Delta songs, stepping, etc | |
|Marilyn Turner Jones |1987-1989 |Restructured and expanded standing |Implemented Summit II: A Call to Action |
| | |committees to accommodate the |in Support of Single Heads of Households |
| | |enormous growth in membership |by the Social Action Committee |
| | |Adopted Rules of Order to replace |A review of Toni Morris in Celebration of |
| | |the Chapter Constitution and By- |Black History, and the sponsorship of a |
| | |laws |National Art Exhibit: From Field to Factory |
| | |Developed and adopted a bound |Founders Day 1989 with Soror Louise A. |
| | |Chapter Financial Handbook with |Rice, Southern Regional Director |
| | |a training component required be- |Founders Day 1989 with National Secre- |
| | |for taking office |tary, Verdell Bellamy |
| | |Financed the attendance of the exe-\ | |
| | |cutive committee to attend the Lea- | |
| | |dership Training Workshop man- | |
| | |dated by National and conducted | |
| | |in Augusta, Georgia | |
| | |Earmarked presidential expense as | |
| | |a line item in the budget to defray | |
| | |the cost of communication, proto- | |
| | |col to Delta dignitaries, and trans- | |
| | |portation per the Chapter’s business | |
| | |Promoted ownership in the | |
| | |chapter’s program and projects by | |
| | |endeavoring to make certain each | |
| | |member was assigned to a | |
| | |committee | |
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|Pearlie Garner Thomas |1989-1991 |Conducted two major fundraising |Launched School America, a national ini- |
| | |projects: Gold C Coupon Books |tiative, in January 1990 with the first Read- |
| | |and the Spring Fling Cabaret |a Thon at Western Hills Mall. |
| | |Recorded a number of sixty Sorors |Implemented monthly reading activities in individual |
| | |who attended the 40th National |homes, public libraries, medical |
| | |Convention in Miami |centers, daycare centers, and shopping |
| | |Spearheaded and sold out the Ebony Fashion Show, with Delores|malls |
| | | |Launched a youth talk show forum on |
| | |Eldridge the top seller with a total |Rights and Responsibilities where over 300 |
| | |of $4,274 |youth participated. Tracey Cunningham, a |
| | | |local TV anchor, was the host while Attor- |
| | | |neys Etta Dunning and Agnes Chappell |
| | | |served as consultants. |
| | | |chartered and launched Delteen as a ve- |
| | | |hicle to mentor, educate, and develop the |
| | | |potential of youth in the community and |
| | | |provide intervention for youth at risk |
| | | |Implemented Summit III: Parenting |
|Mattie Pegues Cephus |1991-1993 |Located and mortgaged a Life |Implemented a Social Action Leadership |
| | |Development Center at a cost of |Breakfast with Dr. Marguerite Archie |
| | |$165,000 |Hudson, later named Talladega College |
| | |Increased chapter dues from $100 |President |
| | |to 190 earmarking $114 for housing |Launched School America II at Dupuy, |
| | |Elected 13 members to serve as |Hemphill, and Lewis Elementary School |
| | |Trustees for the new purchase |Launched Summit III: Preparing Our Boys |
| | |Began pledge drive to pay for the |for Manhood |
| | |Life Development Center | |
| | |Voted to seek incorporated and | |
| | |501©3 status | |
| | |Rolled over $31, 157 in CDs to a | |
| | |money market account | |
| | |Established criteria for nomination | |
| | |and election of the Fortitude award | |
| | |Produced the dramatic production | |
| | |“Portraits of the Delta Founders- | |
| | |The Perfect Portrait on Founders | |
| | |Day | |
|Ponzella Penny Fuller |1993-1995 |Initiated 47 new members into the |Preserved the memory of the late Soror |
| | |Sorority |Bessie Estelle, Past President, through |
| | |Accommodated the first National |Project CHERISH by placing a bronze |
| | |Executive Committee Meeting to |memorial plaque at the 8th St. South Park |
| | |ever be held in the dynamic Sou- |Provided workshops for over 300 youths |
| | |thern Region |with a focus on maintaining healthy life- |
| | |Held an open house and ribbon |styles through ADACE |
| | |cutting ceremony for the public as |Hosted an immunization campaign, |
| | |she dedicated the Life Development |directing attention and resources toward |
| | |Center |protecting families and youth from |
| | | |communicable diseases |
| | | |Presented a film, highlighting the |
| | | |significant programs of the chapter at the |
| | | |Southern Regional Conference |
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|Cynthia Williams Walton |1995-1997 |Honored Soror Marguerite Warren |Inaugurated the Delteen Committee and |
| | |with a chapter membership and |Future Educators, an educational initiative |
| | |commitment to pay her national |to address aesthetic, social, and educational |
| | |dues each year |needs of youth through mentoring and |
| | |Organized the first pictorial di- |nurturing their potential |
| | |rectory |Endorsed two U.S. Department of |
| | |Had membership intake, which re- |Education Projects with Soror Eunice |
| | |sulted in a historic record for the |Horton, AEA President |
| | |chapter of 247 |Expanded School America, Teen Lift, |
| | |Participated in “Talk with Dorothy |and Scholarship |
| | |Height”, the 10th National President |Continued support to Habitat for |
| | |and raised over $10,000 in pledges |Humanity through generous donations of |
| | |Inaugurated mini programs before or |food and volunteers |
| | |during chapter meetings to assist |Sponsored “Health, A Family Affair”, |
| | |the membership in money manage- |an all day Health Fair with screening and |
| | |ment, violence, and conflict resolu- |mini lectures: a Physical and Mental |
| | |tion |Health Thrust to implement ADACE, |
| | | |SMART, and The Immunization |
| | | |Campaign Sponsored two Young Artist |
| | | |Recitals utilizing music students |
|Emma J. Thornton Shephard |1997-1999 |Galvanized a yeomanly effort to |Implemented Summit III: Preparing Our |
| | |retire the mortgage on the LDC |Sons for Manhood Focusing on Teen |
| | |with Sorors Sarah P. Stewart, Past |Responsibility |
| | |President, and Soror Addie Pugh |Implemented Summit IV: Health and |
| | |orchestrating the effort with a Buy |Healing at Century Plaza Mall, an all day |
| | |a Brick Campaign ranging in |health fair with free screening |
| | |pledges of $50 to $1000 |Involved Delteens and Future Educators |
| | |Observed Founders Day 1998 with |in implementing School |
| | |a public program at BJCC featuring | |
| | |Dr. Jeanne Noble, 19th Past | |
| | |National President | |
| | |Inaugurated the National Initiative | |
| | |Delta Academy: Preparing Young | |
| | |Ladies for the 21st Century through | |
| | |Exposure to Science and Math | |
| | |Hosted the Southern Region | |
| | |Leadership at the LDC and hosted a | |
| | |reception to kick off Soror Deborah | |
| | |Thomas’ bid for National first Vice | |
| | |President | |
| | |Purchased the certified tools and | |
| | |materials to perform the Sorority’s | |
| | |ritualistic ceremonies and the role | |
| | |for the presiding officer | |
|Patricia A. Toney Speights |1999-2001 |Purchased the phone system and |Published a poetry book by young gifted |
| | |the first copier |and black writers entitled, “Out of the |
| | |Hosted the Southern Region Con- |Mouths of Babes” |
| | |ference |Sponsored several book reviews |
| | |Implemented and International Day |Continued Summit V Health and Healing |
| | |of Service through a coordinated |Initiatives and Summit III Delta Academy |
| | |community service project with Jefferson County Alumnae | |
| | |Chapter | |
| | |Promoted sisterhood and recla- | |
| | |mation through Christmas Brunch, | |
| | |Founders Day, and other activities | |
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|Jessyca J. McKnight |2001-2003 |Instituted the first chapter’s Exe- |Reactivated partnership in education with |
| | |cutive Board Retreat |Green Acres Middle School and donated |
| | |Hosted luncheon for past chapter |over 100 books to the Delta Reading |
| | |presidents at the outset of her term |Corner |
| | |Presented a balanced budget and |Supported Arts and Letters through two |
| | |calendar of activities prior to the |presentations of “Fences” by August |
| | |first meeting |Wilson at the Life Development Center |
| | |Represented the chapter as an |and Miles College respectively |
| | |active and vocal delegate at the |Solicited over $16,000 from the state and |
| | |38th Regional and 46th National, |other grants to capitalize on the chapter’s |
| | |Delta Days at Capital, and Alabama |501©3 of Delta Inc. |
| | |Cluster | |
| | |Represented the chapter as MIT | |
| | |Trainer, DID Presenter, and other | |
| | |leadership training programs | |
| | |Initiated 20 new candidates into | |
| | |membership | |
| | |Reestablished a chapter’s web page | |
| | |Succeeded in selling maximum | |
| | |capacity for the Ebony Fashion | |
| | |Show | |
| | |Initiated the Chapter’s President | |
| | |attendance to Delta Days at the | |
| | |Nation’s Capital | |
|Essence “Essie” T. Gambles |2003-2005 |Initiated the 2004 Founders Day |Continued support of Summit III: Pre- |
| | |Celebration with “You Are My |paring Our Sons for Manhood targeting |
| | |Sister” by Soror Patricia Reese and |ages 10-16 for survival skills |
| | |2005 Founders Day highlighting |Continued support of Summit V: Health |
| | |and awarding recipients for exem- |and Healing, a focus on clinical |
| | |plary community service |depression |
| | |Organized an Anniversary Gala for |Implemented an International Day of |
| | |Delta Inc honoring past presidents |Service with a focus on HIV/AIDS |
| | |of the chapter |Implemented a College Readiness Work- |
| | |Organized a Scholarship Recogni- |shop on Writing and a dramatic production |
| | |tion Committee Tea commending |“Blessed Are the Peacemakers” by Arts |
| | |the scholastic achievements of 10 |and Letters |
| | |students throughout the Birmingham |Implemented Christmas on Meadow Lane, |
| | |School System with $1000 scholar- |an open house for the community |
| | |ships each to the college of choice | |
|Sandra Kindell |2005-2007- |Summoned chapter together for |Participated in the alliance with the |
| | |Operation Katrina to provide imme-4 |Heart Association in “Go Red” for women |
| | |diate assistance to survivors located |campaign |
| | |in n Birmingham |Sponsored a table of eight at the Sickle |
| | |Contributed more than $700 to |Cell “Live at the Apollo” with Soror |
| | |assist a Soror who lost everything |KeKe Shepherd |
| | |in a fire |Supported two book reviews |
| | |Implemented PASS, Preserving and |Contributed to the Eddie Mission, and |
| | |Sustaining our Sisterhood, a |established local committee to address |
| | |national initiative |international awareness in lieu of traveling |
| | |Launched GEMS ( Growing and |to Summit IV in Jamaica |
| | |Empowering Myself Successfully) |Participated in Breast Cancer Awareness |
| | |to replace Club Delteen |Walk a thon, American Heart Association, |
| | |Conducted two DID workshops” |and NCCJ Walk a thon to raise money for |
| | |Ritual and Ceremonies and Policies |physical and mental health initiative |
| | |and Procedures | |
| | |Appointed a web master for the | |
| | |Information Committee for the de- | |
| | |velopment of the chapter’s web page | |
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|Vernetta Y. Dickerson |2007-2009 |Observed 24th National President, |Initiated the partnership with the A.G. Gat- |
| | |Cynthia Butler McIntyre at |son Economic Empowerment Conference |
| | |Founders Day 2009 |Collected and supplied over $2000 in me- |
| | |Chapter growth without member- |dical supplies to hospitals in Gambia, West |
| | |ship intake 17% |Africa |
| | |Delta GEMS and Delta Academy |Sponsored a young artist recital which fo- |
| | |growth of 200% |cused on high school students in the perfor- |
| | |Recognized at the Hats Off |ming arts. |
| | |Luncheon for service to the Bir- |Registered over 200 high school seniors to |
| | |mingham community by Grace |vote |
| | |House Ministries |Worked in collaboration with other organi- |
| | |Increased scholarship awards to |zations to conduct mayoral debates |
| | |$15,000 |Provided transportation for the 2008 Presi- |
| | |Featured in the Ebony Magazine for the being the chapter |dential Election |
| | |selling the most | |
| | |tickets in the nation | |
|Rosalyn A. Childress |2009-2011 |Launched Leadership Academy to |Organized a workshop for PEACE to raise |
| | |develop and increase awareness |awareness on: “How to Apply for Financial |
| | |in members |Aid”, How to Apply for Scholarship”, and |
| | |Launched two national initiatives, |“How to Choose a College Right For You” |
| | |PEACE and EMBODI |Hosted community events that allows |
| | |Initiated a scholarship drive to re- |children to engage in positive recreation |
| | |place the Ebony proceeds |Worked with Green Acres Middle School |
| | |Received a $500 grant from State |through Human Services to provide school |
| | |Farm for scholarships |supplies for students |
| | |Received $15,000 grant from | |
| | |Sandra Rogers Smitherman for | |
| | |Delta Gems to tour HBCUs in | |
| | |Alabama | |
| | |Began weekly email announcements | |
| | |to keep chapter members abreast of | |
| | |current information | |
|Sarah W. Mitchell |2011-2013 |Created the first Chapter Brochure |Instituted the first Risk Management |
|Theme: Countdown to 100: | |Created the first Chapter Logo |Program initiative geared toward youth |
|Continuing the Legacy | |Launched three (3) fundraisers which |and parents |
|of Sisterhood, Scholarship and | |Included the first Off-Broadway Stage Play, |Provided $3,500 scholarship funds to |
|Service | |Mega Yardsale, DJ Dance all in same year |the UNCF |
| | |Following 40 years of Ebony Fashion Show |Provided $2,000 to the Fred |
| | |Launched first remote chapter phone tree for |Shuttlesworth Human Rights Award |
| | |Chapter communication |Gala |
| | |First Chapter President videotaped on website |Hosted a community Easter Egg Hunt |
| | |Implemented First Leadership Academy |for the Community through the Delta |
| | |Committee open to all chapter members |Gems Program |
| | |Recognized as Gold Sponsor by Fred |Voter Registration Campaign-registered |
| | |Shuttlesworth Human Rights Awards |high school students and ex-felons as |
| | |Gala |through the Social Action Committee |
| | |Recognized as Gold Sponsor by UNCF |Presented Young Artists in the |
| | |Hosted the Alabama State Cluster |Birmingham community through |
| | |Remodeled the Heritage & Archives room, |the Arts & Letters Committee |
| | |Adding shelves, repainting and major reorgan- |Collaborated with AT&T Pioneers to |
| | |ization of plaques, awards, historical files. |host a city-wide Career Fair for |
| | |Enhanced the Chapter’s website to include |community Elementary, Middle, and |
| | |Bio of each past Chapter President. |High school students and their parents. |
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Chapter History:
The Tau Sigma Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, currently Birmingham Alumnae Chapter, originated on May 29, 1931. The chapter was chartered at the request of Soror Ollie Diffay Tate. Other Sorors who were charter members were: Sorors Marion Kennon Bradford, Miriam Price Jones, Preston R. Merry, Wardell Parish Robinson, Carolyn Welton Stewart, and Alice McCarroll Wilson.
Soror Past Southern Regional Director Minerva Johnson Hawkins was granted permission by Soror Past National President Anna Johnson Julian and Soror Past National Secretary Grace I. Woodson to charter in Birmingham, Alabama. However, in 1956, Tau Sigma became Birmingham Alumnae when the nomenclature of all graduate chapters was changed.
The history of the chapter covers a period of seventy nine years and encompasses the leadership of forty presidents.
From its inception, Tau Sigma/Birmingham Alumnae reflected significant chapter accomplishments in its history. In the history recorded in The Informer, the implementation of many programmatic thrusts is described as “decades of progress”. Yes, this characterization of the “Thirties” was substantiated by the inspirational, qualitative, productive, and positive atmosphere which prevailed in the chapter meetings. Further, the meetings are described as ones which were formal enough for business, yet informal enough for love to permeate. Therefore, meetings were rededicated to the ideals of our founders and as an inspiration for the fulfillment of our personal loves. Even more important, was the fact that it mentions how “our interests and concerns for each soror were evidenced by cheerful greetings and fond farewells. Consequently, we of the Birmingham Alumnae chapter, take great pride when we recall its legacy and heritage of its strong bond of sisterhood. From its very beginning; it was quite a distinctive characteristic of all of its endeavors.
Birmingham Alumnae Chapter purchased the property known as the Life development Center on November 4, 1992. In April 1993 the chapter authorized the housing committee to apply for incorporation and adopted the committee’s recommendation for a name, purpose, and directions. The Development Enhancement Life and Training Alliance (DELTA), Incorporated was formed in May, 1993, with a 15 member Board of Directors, and was granted 501©3 Non-Profit Status in July 1994. In June 1999, the mortgage was paid off for the Life Development Center. Today it is the focal point of the Sorority’s meetings and service activities aimed at meeting the Sorority’s Five Point Programmatic Thrusts.
Today, Birmingham Alumnae Chapter continues its commitment and involvement toward the implementation of the Five Point Programmatic Thrust by sponsoring numerous service projects. Regular chapter meetings are held the fourth Saturday of each month (except December, June, and July) at 2:00pm at the Life Development Center located at 1217 Meadow Lane, Birmingham, Alabama 35228.
2011-2012
CHAPTER HISTORY TEMPLATE
What are the signature programs of your chapter (Jabberwock, Cotillion, Charity Balls, Delteen)? Give a brief overview the event and the outcomes.
|Signature Programs |Brief Overview |
|EMBODI ( Empowering Males to Build Opportu- |a program designed to refocus Delta’s |
|nities for Developing Independence) |efforts to collaborate with other established organi- |
| |zations and agencies to address the plight of |
| |African American males |
|Dr. Betty Shabazz Delta Academy |a national signature program designed to save |
| |our girls from the perils of academic failure, |
| |low self-esteem, and crippled futures; focused on |
| |helping young ladies realize and claim goals |
| |as they relate to scholarship in the areas of math, |
| |science, technology, and non-traditional careers |
|Delta GEMS | a national signature program created to catch the |
| |dreams of African American adolescent girls aged |
| |14-18 |
|PEACE |An educational program that is designed to aid |
| |parents in the education of scholarship information, social network safety, and |
| |other tools that will help their youth through K-12th Grades. |
|May Week |a special higher level program that includes com- |
| |munity leaders and recognition of scholastic |
| |achievement |
|Human Services & Development |Community active program developed to |
| |Provide toiletries and other items of assistance to |
| |women and children shelters, as well as care |
| |packages to ative military members. They also collaborate with other service |
| |organizations to |
| |assist the community. |
List Chapter members who have held…
National Office
Name of Soror Office held Date
*Myrtle Wright Blissett Chairman of the Model Convention 1960
Convener of Workshops 1960
*Daisy Winston National Projects Committee 1971
Roy Yvette Clements Resolutions Committee 1979
National Personnel Committee 1979
Ponzella Penny Fuller National Planning Committee 1996
Eva Bell National Election Committee
Roy Yvette Clements Sgt at Arms at National Convention
Constance Nealey National Nominating Committee Chair
Jessyca McKnight Vocal Delegate
Regional Office
Name of Soror Office held Date
*Daisy Winston Chairman of Elections Committee 1972
Roy Yvette Clements Co-Chair of Nominating Committee 1976
Chairperson of Rules Committee 1978
Eunice Horton Co-Chairman of the Credentials Committee 1972
Chairperson of Credentials Committee 1977
Secretary 1983
Betty McGinnis Poole Coordinator of the Regional Conference 1984
Ponzella Penny Fuller Assistant Secretary 1995
Lead Torchbearer “Burn the Mortgage Campaign” 1995
Coordinator of National Board Orientation Retreat 1995
Parliamentarian 1997
Program Planning Chair 2004
Cynthia Williams Walton Regional Site Committee 1995
Patricia A. Speights Chaired Southern Region Nominating Team
Jessyca McKnight Vocal Delegate
Ponzella Penny Fuller Chair - Southern Region Nominating Committee 2009-11
Deidra Perry Chair- Southern Region Nominating Committee 2009-13
*Deceased
List the name of any Honorary Member in your area and highlight notable contributions they have made to the community and to the Sorority. N/A
2011-2012
CHAPTER HISTORY TEMPLATE
List any recognition the chapter has received nationally, regionally or locally…
National recognition(s):
Regional recognition(s): 1st Place in Stepshow in Biloxi
Film Presentation in Boca Raton, highlighting accomplishments
1st Place in Regional Stepshow in Memphis, Tennessee (2011)
Local recognitions(s): Civic Award of the Year
Outstanding Community Leadership by Birmingham Vulcan Kiwanis
The Distinguished Supporter of Miles College Award
Partnership Grant of $5000 from Allstate Insurance Company
Appreciation Plaque from Past Chapter Members of Iota Lambda Chapter
List chapter members who have held local, state or national elective offices…
Name of Soror Office held Date
Etta Dunning President of the Black Lawyers Association
Cynthia Walton Elementary School Supervisor in Jefferson County Education
Pearlie G. Thomas Certificate of Appreciation from Sloss Furnace
National Historic Landmark Association
Eliza Penny Kool’s Achievement Award
Eunice D. Horton AEA President
Emma J. Shepherd President of BEA
Top Officer of Eastern Star
Merika Coleman Alabama State Representative – Jef. Co. 57th District (2002-
Arnita Foster Vice President of the Black Lawyers Association 2012
Dr. Yvette Richardson Alabama State Board of Education Member 2011-2015
Share stories of Delta Trailblazers from your area….
Many Sorors in the chapter have done outstanding work in the community and been the “first” to accomplish many tasks. Described below are some of their accomplishments.
← Bessie Sears Estelle-First black person elected to serve on Birmingham City Council
← Elgertha Byrd- First black president of JCEA, a recently integrated and predominately white teacher organization
← Eunice Horton-First two year president of Alabama Education Association
← Cynthia Walton- First black elementary supervisor in the Jefferson County School System
← Marilyn T. Jones- First black administrator in Hoover City Schools, a predominately white suburban school district; First black female equipment engineer hired by BellSouth in Birmingham, Alabama
← Jewerette Johnson-First black female to be: Vice President of Regions Bank, Assistant Superintendent of Banks on the state of Alabama, elected board member to Retired System of Alabama (RSA), elected President of Birmingham Board of Education
← Rosalyn Childress- First black female Director of Elementary Education in Birmingham City Schools
← Velda Pugh Kinsey-First Soror to complete Medical School and open her own practice in adult and Adolescent Psychology
← Beatrice Newton-First Soror in the chapter to have earned a Doctorate of Philosophy Degree
← Hadiyah Nicole Green – First African-American Female to attain a Doctorate of Physics from the predominately white University of Alabama in Birmingham.
Share stories from Sorors in your chapter who have had remarkable experiences, notable accomplishments, or interesting stories.
Birmingham Alumnae Chapter member, Marguerite Bascomb Warren, celebrated 102 years on the cusp of our beloved Sorority’s 100 year celebration. Soror Warren is the oldest financial member of Birmingham Alumnae Chapter and has the distinct honor of being the chapter’s only lifetime chapter member. She is a trailblazer who has chronicled the chapter’s history in two Editions published and secured in the Birmingham Public Library Archives.
Soror Warren is a charter member of Alpha Zeta Chapter at Talledega College. During the Birmingham Alumnae Chapter’s Eightieth Celebration, Soror Warren was featured on the Chapter’s historical CD. She remarked, “A friend of the family, Ollie Diffay and Alice McCarroll (two of Birmingham Alumnae Chapter’s Charter members) were members of Alpha Chapter”. “I was one of the few girls chosen as charter member of Alpha Zeta Chapter at Talledega College.”
Soror Warren was asked to be a charter member of Tau Sigma Chapter, but stated “both of my parents became ill and that was why I was not on the charter line for Tau Sigma.”.Referring to the Charter Members, Soror Warren remarked, “they were marvelous. I would never imagine having the number of women we have now. They all seem to be sincere and they are following the guidelines that we set forth. It’s unbelievable to me”. When asked what advice she would give Sorors in the Chapter today, Soror Warren stated “just keep on keeping on, because that’s what we were aiming for – always to do better than what we had done the year before; we always had in mind helping somebody”.
Soror Warren went on to say, “be the person that you are expected to be”. “To always be looked up to as a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority”. “Don’t look at it as something that Delta can do for you, but what you can do for Delta”. Soror Marguerite Bascomb Warren is certainly a true legacy of the 22 Founders of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc..
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Additional information about the chapter:
An illustrious and beautiful account of its history is recorded in a document titled: The Tau Sigma/Birmingham Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Informer, 1931-1979. Additionally, the history is published in two parts, from the charter date of May 29, 1931 through June 1979 and a supplement from August 1979 through semi-centennial, 1981. This valuable document was written, compiled, and bound by Soror Marguerite Bascomb Warren. She served as the chapter’s Historian from 1977 through 1981. Therefore, much of our history in this report has been researched from these important documents.
During the final formal event of the Chapter’s year, a historical recording on CD tape was created celebrating and capturing Eighty years of Birmingham Alumnae Chapter and its service in the Birmingham-Jefferson Community. Past Presidents of the Chapter recited their term and the historical significance of the community. The CD featured the chapter’s oldest member and former historian, Soror Marguerite Bascomb Warren. Congratulatory greetings were brought by Interim Southern Regional Director, Soror Lois Gilder.
The Birmingham Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. presents the Fortitude Award to a Soror who best exemplifies the qualities as portrayed by our beloved Founders. The Fortitude Award is given biennially on the celebration of Founder’s Day
Fortitude Award Recipients
Sorors:
Wilma Barnes 1979-1981
Bessie Estell 1981-1983
Eliza L. Penny 1983-1985
Marguerite B. Warren 1985-1987
Elgertha Byrd 1987-1989
Pearlie Thomas 1989-1991
Loretta W. Allen 1993-1995
Rosa P. Hanks 1995-1997
H. Clarinda G. Heath 1997-1999
Patricia T. Speights 1999-2001
Cynthia W. Walton 2001-2003
Marilyn T. Jones 2003-2005
Constance Nealey 2005-2007
Ponzella Penny Fuller 2007-2009
Marilyn T. Jones Woodson 2009-2011
Eva Flowers Bell 2011-2013
Chapter Members who have held state, regional or national appointed positions:
Dr. Marquita Davis - Director of the Alabama Finance Department
Judge Brendette Green - Appointed Municipal Court Judge – City of Birmingham, Alabama
Judge Nyya Parson Hudson - Appointed Municipal Court Judge – City of Birmingham, Alabama
Judge Tracie Todd – Appointed Special Judge – City of Birmingham, Alabama
Dr. Felecia Dailey – Appointed Chair – Southern Region Technology Committee
Soror Betty Underwood – Appointed Co-Chair – Southern Region Arts & Letters Committee
2011-2012
CHAPTER HISTORY TEMPLATE
Section II: Archival Information
Who is your Chapter’s Archivist or Historian? Gwendolyn Childress
Who has access to the chapter’s archives? All members of Birmingham Alumnae who wishes to obtain information about the chapter may review archives without mishandling or removing them.
Where are the chapter’s records kept? All chapter records are kept in the Heritage and Archives room, a secured location in the Life Development Center.
List properties, records and files….
Copy of Charter
Resolutions that BAC has received
Certificates
Financial Records
Chapter/Committee Scrapbooks
Photo Albums of Chapter Activities
News Articles Highlighting BAC Events
Magazine Articles Noting BAC Events
Copy Paid Mortgage for Life Development Center
Plaques
Trophies
Written Correspondence from Past National Presidents
Written Correspondence from one of the National Founders
CD’s containing BAC Data
DVD containing Chapter History
Minutes from Previous Chapter Meetings
Official Delta Handbooks
Programs/Brochures from previous Regional and National Conventions
Describe the recording system for items in storage? All files are categorized by dates and committees. Each committee chairperson list items to be filed, date, and sign the chapter’s Record Form before submitting it to the Heritage and Archives Chairperson. The Heritage and Archives Chairperson then checks off the items to be filed, signs, and dates the chapter’s Record Form and places it in the respective place.
Information needing to be corrected at National Headquarters: N/A
Date Template Completed: August 27, 2012 Date Template Revised: August 27, 2012
Date Template sent to National the National Heritage and Archives Committee: August 30, 2012
Signature of person completing the template: Gwendolyn Childress, Historian
Name and position
Signature of chapter president: Sarah W. Mitchell
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