The Eta Xi Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. celebrated their 101 year anniversary as a chapter this year.
Delta Sigma Theta was founded on January 13, 1913 by 22 collegiate women at Howard University.
The Deltas were the first black Greek organization formed on the UTM campus. Nine African American females who saw a need for a black Greek service organization on the UTM campus and community founded the chapter that was later charted May 9, 1970.
All but two charter members, Hilda Kane and Bernice Moore, are still living and are still very supportive and involved with the chapter. Charter member Veneda Green Davenport was present for the Centennial Celebration.
“Celebrating 100 years was a milestone and was a major, momentous experience on this campus. The city of Martin was inundated with over 150 Deltas coming from all over the U.S. capturing a once in a lifetime moment in history. We greatly appreciate support from UTM and the City of Martin,” said Patrice Boyd, Delta, Eta Xi alumna.
The major programs of the sorority are based upon the organization’s Five Point Programmatic Thrust, which entails educational awareness, economic development, international involvement, physical/mental health and political involvement.
Eta Xi conducts projects and programs centered on these initiatives that are funded through students and community support. These include but are not limited to: the Scholastic Salute, a scholarship program recognizing minorities who excel academically; a highway clean-up; voter registration drives; community youth mentoring; a food and clothing drive and a Student Resource Fair, which provides free school supplies.
Intake for Delta Sigma Theta is conducted based on rules, regulations and directives from their Grand Chapter in Washington state. They must maintain an academic GPA of 2.75 and engage in community service efforts.
“Any interested young women are encouraged to do their own research about the Delta Chapter,” Boyd said.
Chasity Frazier, senior and current president of the UTM Delta Chapter, says that most of her influence to become a Delta came from her grandmother and teachers, who were also Deltas.
“The principles, beliefs and values of committed service to the community, educational programs we offer to the youth and the overall impact that our sorority has on the world is what caught my attention,” Frazier said.
A large number of the UTM Delta Chapter has graduated, but the few that are still here on campus are dedicated to a lifetime commitment to their sorority.
“We strive each day to be role models to those who are looking to join our organization,” Frazier said.
Anyone wanting to find out more about the Delta Chapter can visit their website at www.deltasigmatheta.org.
