In Harlem, a powerful community conversation is taking place — led by Black women who are committed to service, justice, and education. The New York Alumnae Chapter (NYAC) of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated is leading that charge.
As the first graduate chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., NYAC serves Manhattan through scholarship, social action, and community service. In 2024, NYAC launched a five-part social action series titled “Unpacking Project 2025: Examining the Impacts on the African American Community.” The series reflects the Sorority’s national Five-Point Programmatic Thrust, focusing on educational development, economic development, political awareness, international involvement, and physical and mental health.
Starting in October 2024, NYAC brought Harlem residents together to explore the threat of Project 2025, a conservative policy agenda developed by the Heritage Foundation. The proposed plan could reshape the federal government, cut essential social programs, roll back civil rights protections, and dramatically change public education, healthcare, and economic policies that directly impact Black communities.
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Part One: Understanding Project 2025
The first event took place on October 24, 2024, in partnership with Shiloh Baptist Church. Nicole Yearwood, NYAC member and CEO of EducatedVoter.net, moderated a panel of experts.
Panelists included: Dr. Basil Smikle Jr., a professor at Columbia University; political analyst Lurie Daniel Favors, Esq., executive director of the Center for Law and Social Justice at Medgar Evers College; and Nick E. Smith, executive director of Community Resist Inc. and former NYC First Deputy Public Advocate.
Panelists warned that Project 2025 threatens to cut voting protections, social safety net programs, and diversity and inclusion efforts. An inspiring moment came during the event when a young attendee registered to vote on the spot. This story was later shared by Dr. Smikle during national broadcasts on MSNBC’s “Chris Jansing Reports” and “The 11th Hour with Stephanie Ruhle.”
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. – New York Alumnae Chapter (DST-NYAC) Unpacking Project 2025 Series: This photo of program attendees in the sanctuary at Shiloh Baptist Church in Harlem was taken during Part I on October 24, 2024. Credit: (Photos by Gilda D. Gillim and Erika Ewing of The New York Alumnae Chapter (NYAC) of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.) 
DST-NYAC, Unpacking Project 2025 – Part I was held on October 24, 2024 at Shiloh Baptist Church. (L-R): Moderator Nicole Yearwood, CEO of EducatedVoter.net; Panelists Nick E. Smith, Executive Director of Community Resist, Inc.; Lurie Daniel Favors, Esq. Executive Director of Center for Law and Social Justice Medgar Evers College; and Dr. Basil Smikle Jr., Professor at Columbia University and political analyst. Back Row: Shiloh Baptist Church Deacon Wilbur Rush looks on. 
DST-NYAC, Unpacking Project 2025 – Part III: (L-R): Dr. Sean L. Davenport, superintendent of Harlem Community School District 5; Dr. Meisha Porter, former NYC Schools chancellor; LeRoy Barr, vice president of the American Federation of Teachers on April 3, 2025 at Shiloh Baptist Church. Credit: (Photos by Gilda D. Gillim and Erika Ewing of The New York Alumnae Chapter (NYAC) of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.)
Part Two: The Economic Impact
On March 12, 2025, the series continued at Mother African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, a historic Harlem landmark. This session focused on economic development.
Moderated by Tremaine Wright, former New York State Assembly Member, the event featured Juanita Lewis, executive director of Community Voices Heard. They discussed how federal job cuts, reduced social services, and the rollback of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs in the workplace would disproportionately harm Black families and communities.
Part Three: Education Under Attack
The third installment took place April 3, 2025, at Shiloh Baptist Church. Dr. Monica George-Fields, CEO of REACH Educational Solutions, moderated the discussion on education.
Panelists included Dr. Meisha Porter, former NYC Schools chancellor; LeRoy Barr, vice president of the American Federation of Teachers; and Dr. Sean L. Davenport, superintendent of Harlem Community School District 5. They explained how Project 2025 seeks to defund public education, end programs like Head Start, and dismantle DEI efforts in schools — actions that would severely impact Black students.
Part Four: Healthcare
NYAC will return to Mother AME Zion Church on May 21 from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. for Part Four of the series, which will focus on healthcare access and equity. For more information, visit www.dstnyac.org or email socialaction@dstnyac.org.
About Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated was founded in 1913 on the campus of Howard University to promote academic excellence, stimulate participation in the establishment of positive public policy, and to highlight issues as well as solutions for community-wide. For more than 104 years, the New York Alumnae Chapter has served Manhattan and supported underserved communities through scholarship, community service, and social action.