Sorority History

Question 1

What were the 2 major events of 1919?

Answer 1

• Grand chapter was created and the first National convention as held Dec 20, 1930.
• First honorary members of DST were initiated.

Question 2

How ere the first honorary members of DST?

Answer 2

Nannie H. Burroughs, Gabrielle Pelham, Mary Church Terrell

Question 3

Major event of 1920?

Answer 3

Authorization of graduate chapters (“alumnae chapters”). The first two were New York City and Washington D.C.

Question 4

Honorary member initiated in 1923?

Answer 4

Honorary member Mary Mcleod Bethune was initiated in 1923.

Question 5

Which chapters attended the first national convention in Washington DC on 12/20/1930?

Answer 5

Attended by the Alpha, Gamma, and Epsilon chapters.

Question 6

Who designed the sorority pin?

Answer 6

Designed by Founder and second President of the sister hood, Madree Penn White.

Question 7

Components of the sorority pin?

Answer 7

The pin is comprised of the Greek letters for D, S, and T, for Delta Sigma Theta. The middle letter, the Sigma has 9 jewels that represent the Nine Cardinal Virtues that are the foundation of Delta Sigma Theta.

Question 8

What is the DST Sorority, Inc Mission Statement?

Answer 8

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated is an organization of college educated women committed to the constructive development of its members and to public service with a primary focus on the black community.

Question 9

State the Delta Oath.

Answer 9

I will strive to reach the highest educational, moral and spiritual efficiency which I can possibly attain.

I will never lower my aims for any temporary benefit which might be gained.

I will endeavor to preserve my health, for however great one’s mental and moral strength may be, physical weakness prevents the accomplishment of much that otherwise might be done.

I will close my ears and seal my lips to slanderous gossip.

I will labor to ennoble the ideals and purify the atmosphere of the home.

I will always protest against the double standard of morals.

I will take an active interest in the welfare of my country, using my influence toward the enactment of laws for the protection of the unfortunate and weak and for the repeal of those depriving human beings of their priviliges and rights.

I will never belittle any race and will try to persuade others to take the same just stand.

I will not shrink from undertaking what seems wise and good because handicaps or obstacles of any kind confront me; but striving to preserve a calm mind with a courageous spirit, barring bitterness from my heart

I will strive all the more earnestly to reach the goal.

Question 10

What are the 3 Traditional Delta programs?

Answer 10

• Founders Week
• May Week
• Jabberwock

Question 11

Purpose of Founders day?

Answer 11

A day set aside in the months of January, February, and March for big sisters to re-dedicate themselves to t he ideals and purposes of the sorority.

Question 12

What is the purpose of May week?

Answer 12

A period in May each year when chapters emphasize scholastic achievements, educational opportunities, and encourage higher scholarship.

Question 13

What is the jabberwock?

Answer 13

An extravaganza in which other local groups are invited to participate. It is a fundraising event where proceeds are given to charity for scholarships or other worthy causes.

Question 14

Main themes of the sorority from 1963 - 1979?

Answer 14

• women’s and civil rights
• education
• economic growth and support for Blacks

Question 15

True or False?

The founders of DST were all members of Alpha Kappa Alpha.

Answer 15

True

Question 16

Why did the founders of DST decide to branch off from AKA?

Answer 16

They wanted to move toward more social consciousness and away from frivolities of fraternal activities.

Question 17

Why were the letters Delta Sigma Theta selected?

Answer 17

To choose letters that were distinctively greek