Grambling State University’s Delta Iota Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. hosted Delta Week February 13 – 18. The week was themed “Delta.Edu/D.I”
The Delta Iota Chapter commits itself to hosting one Delta Week per semester. During this week members of the sorority focus on education, health and any other problems that may affect the community, state, nation and world.Delta Week began with the group worshipping together at new Living Words Ministries in Ruston.
The first activity hosted by the group was its inaugural spelling bee at Grambling Middle School. The winners of the Spelling Bee were Gregory Green, Shalariel Perry and Gariandra Dupree.
Other events included SHAPE It Up, a drinking and driving awareness seminar, a women’s empowerment seminar and a community baby shower.
SHAPE It Up activities began with a health seminar with representatives from Foster-Johnson Health Center which is directed by Patrice Lewis-Outley. It ended with an aerobics class led by exercise guru Terry Lilly.
To make students aware of some of the dangers affiliated with alcohol consumption, Tiffany Lee gave them facts about what excessive amount of alcohol does to the body.
Lieutenant Greg Franklin from the Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office explained the laws pertaining to drinking and driving.
GSU graduate Vanessa Braggs shared firsthand knowledge about how drinking and driving can change lives forever. Braggs is an advocate for Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), a non-profit organization that seeks to stop drunk driving, support those affected by drunk driving, prevent underage drinking, and overall push for stricter alcohol policies.
Sister to Sister was the name of the empowerment seminar. Many students enjoyed the seminar and found it helpful.
“We as a chapter wanted to highlight Educational Development, which is a part of DST’s five-point thrust,” said Courtney Seltzer, a member of the organization.
Alexus Coates said she liked the woman empowerment seminar because it was good, informative and open for discussion.
“It was a very comfortable setting. It is a good idea to have females to come together and speak on positive points as well as discuss issues that affect us all,” she said.
Delta Week ended with a community baby shower. All donated gifts were given to Life Choices of Ruston, which helps women who are faced with an unplanned pregnancy.
Jamesia Leonard, chairperson of Delta Week, said that after the eventful week of awareness ended, they will continue to serve and educate the community.
“The work of a Delta is never done,” she said.