Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. celebrated its centennial this past weekend. Members from across the nation of the single largest African-American women’s organization, founded in 1913, held gatherings and events in New York and Washington, D.C.
On Thursday, sorority members traveled in a bus caravan from D.C. to New York for “Media Day.” Members stood in Rockefeller Center and Times Square outside the studios of morning news shows “Good Morning America” and the “Today” show while wearing Delta paraphernalia in the sorority’s official colors, crimson and cream, while holding signs announcing the sorority’s 100th anniversary. At the conclusion of Media Day, Mayor Michael Bloomberg greeted members.
Deltas then traveled in the “Delta Caravan” from New York City back to Washington, D.C., where Centennial Founders Day Weekend commenced with a rededication ceremony and luncheon on Saturday and an ecumenical service, Founders Day black-tie dinner, and honors gala on Sunday.
Thousands of Deltas descended upon the nation’s capital to celebrate the founding of the sorority. Members participated in various activities, including service projects and a banquet honoring Jeff Immelt, CEO of General Electric, and actress and civil rights advocate Ruby Dee for their contributions and support of Delta Sigma Theta’s initiatives.
“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,” said National President Cynthia M.A. Butler-McIntyre. “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.”