Divine Nine: Delta Sigma Theta

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated was the second Black Greek Letter Sorority to be founded on the campus of Howard University in Washington, DC. Their twenty-two founders strove to promote academic excellence and provide assistance to those in need. Their first public act as founders was their participation in the Women’s Suffrage March in March of 1913.

Founded: January 13, 1913

Where: Howard University (Washington, DC)

Motto: Intelligence is the Torch of Wisdom

Mission Statement: Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is a private, non-profit organization whose purpose is to provide assistance and support through established programs in local communities throughout the world. A sisterhood of more than 250,000 predominately Black college educated women, the Sorority currently has over 975 chapters located in the United States, England, Japan (Tokyo and Okinawa), Germany, the Virgin Islands, Bermuda, the Bahamas and the Republic of Korea.

Nickname: Deltas

Colors: Crimson and Creme

Prominent Members: Shirley Chisolm, Keisha Knight Pulliman, Aretha Franklin, Dr. Dorothy Irene Height, Cicely Tyson, Mary McLeod Bethune, Ruby Dee Davis, Nikki Giovanni, Lena Horne, Melissa Harris Perry

Twitter: @dstinc1913

Facebook: facebook.com/dstinc1913