“The beat of my heart is crying Delta Sigma Theta,” sang the ladies of the Delta Iota Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. during their commemorative suffrage march Monday.The women marched around campus and passed numerous academic buildings on R.W.E. Jones Road, while holding pictures of their 22 founders.
The walk was designed to remind the community of the Deltas’ role in the Women’s Suffrage movement.
Before the walk, some chapter members spoke about how the Deltas came into existence.
Valencia Chaffold talked about Delta’s history and participation in the movement.
“The women’s movement is a good teachable moment, to let people know how our sorority really got started,” said Cathy Holmes, adviser of the chapter.
“I enjoyed coming together with my sisters and honoring our founders who walked on March 13, 1913 so I can walk in freedom today … “
Twenty other collegiate women walked with the Deltas and held white and purple balloons adorned with inspirational words and sticky notes signifying issues that women have overcome.
At the end of the walk, the ladies lined up in front of their spot and introduced the founders to the crowd of young women who followed in the walk.
After they finished introductions, they released the balloons and the messages floated up to the sky.