Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.’s 51st National Convention commences today, July 11, 2013 in Washington, D.C. and culminates on Wed., July 17, 2013. Celebrating their centennial, the members of the sorority will take over the city and paint the town red as apparent via social media posts on Facebook, Instagram and the like.
The single largest African-American women’s organization in the U.S., Deltas have been celebrating it’s 100-year anniversary since Jan. 1, 2013, making history with their participation in the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, Calif. Having more than 250,000 members, the organization is led by Cynthia M. A. Butler-McIntyre. For the past five years, they’ve embraced the theme, “Delta Sigma Theta – A Sisterhood Called to Serve: Transforming Lives, Impacting Communities.” Since its founding on Jan. 13, 1913, the public service Sorority has “promoted academic excellence in education; community service; and participation in political and legislative processes.”
“The women of Delta Sigma Theta have been and remain a vital contributor to the success of our communities and a defender of rights of all people for 100 years,” offers Butler-McIntyre, the organization’s national president, in a statement to press. “We are going to take this year to honor the rich legacy of our 22 Founders, celebrate the inheritance they generously placed in our hands, and humbly take up the torch they lit for us to carry and pass on to the next generation.”
Even though there will be endless parties and reunions and enough countless hugs and kisses to go around during the 51st National Convention, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority members will handle their business and remain true to their public service commitment.
Members will address issues related to the socioeconomic conditions impacting communities across the globe, especially the African diaspora. The organization will continue its legacy of promoting political awareness and involvement through voter education, advocacy for health care reform and equal educational opportunities. Delegates will also address physical and mental health challenges that continue to plague children and adults worldwide. Special centennial celebratory activities will be held including: Deltas on the National Mall, Welcome Events, and entertainment.
“This is not only a momentous occasion for our organization, but a testament to the power of all women determined to change the world for the better and be a voice for the underprivileged and underserved,” Butler-McIntyre reminds. “The accomplishments of Delta Sigma Theta over the past 100 years give us many reasons to be thankful and require us to pause to pay tribute to our Founders, past leadership, and all those who have helped us along our journey. One year of celebrating those successes may not be long enough to honor those who came before us. It will take a lifetime to truly give them and our Founders the honor they deserve.”
Check out the many photos the members have been sharing as they prepare for this once-in-a-lifetime event.
