22 reasons why I love being a Delta

"ENCORE"
EPSILON OMICRON
SPRING '04
#4

Today, my sorority, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. celebrates its 103rd founding anniversary!

Our history: Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. was founded on January 13, 1913 by 22 collegiate women at Howard University. These students: Winona Cargile Alexander, Madree Penn White,

Wertie Blackwell Weaver, Vashti Turley Murphy, Ethel Cuff Black, Frederica Chase Dodd, Osceola Macarthy Adams, Pauline Oberdorfer Minor, Edna Brown Coleman, Edith Motte Young, Marguerite Young Alexander, Naomi Sewell Richardson, Eliza P. Shippen, Zephyr Chisom Carter, Myra Davis Hemmings, Mamie Reddy Rose, Bertha Pitts Campbell, Florence Letcher Toms, Olive Jones, Jessie McGuire Dent, Jimmie Bugg Middleton, and Ethel Carr Watson wanted to use their collective strength to promote academic excellence and to provide assistance to those in need.

On this day, I always reflect on why I love being a part of this organization and what it means to me. Here are 22 (in honor of our Founders) reasons why I love being a Delta

1. Our first act of service was the Women’s Suffrage March. All 22 founders marched; the only African American women’s organization to participate.
2. We’ve been feminists for 103 years.
3. The word Delta means change. We excel at it.
4. The mission of Delta aligns with my purpose. It speaks to me, too.
5. Epsilon Omicron chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. was the first African-American sorority at BGSU. 
6. I inherited the “leadership gene” because I’m #woodcountymade. Soror Beverly E. Smith and Soror Carol Ware are prime examples.
7. I learned the art and importance of “let it roll.”
8. My skin is thicker because of Delta.
9. My sorors inspire me, hold me accountable, and humble me.
10. I learned sisterhood.
11. The founders wanted to focus on the community/public service. 
12. Our members are LEADERS in EVERY INDUSTRY AND FIELD.
13. DST is a public service organization that boldly confronts the challenges of African Americans and, hence, all Americans.
14. The Sorority uses its Five-Point Programmatic Thrust of economic development, educational development, international awareness and involvement, physical and mental health, and political awareness and involvement to create its national programs.
15. The soror who wrote my letter has been a leader in pharmaceutical industry for over 20 years.
16. We are the the largest African-American Greek-lettered organization.
17. Dorothy Irene Height, “Godmother of the civil-rights movement” 
18. Speaking of trailblazers, my soror Mary Church Terrell was one of the first African-American women to earn a college degree. Dope.
19. My Dean made sure we knew the history of the organization AND of the other Greek letter organizations so that we can see how rich ours is.
20. Crimson and creme is a cool combo with a great meaning.
21. I have fond memories of reading In Search of Sisterhood my freshman year, but only during winter break!
22. “Lady Fortitude” sculpture symbolizes the attributes of strength, courage, hope, wisdom, beauty and femininity as depicted by the 22 founders of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.

HAPPY FOUNDERS DAY, SORORS! OO-OOP