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Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. raise heart disease awareness

Ladies of the Delta Iota Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorotity, Inc. partnered with the Grambling Alumnae Chapter to host the event. Courtesy photo

The Black and Gold Room was covered in several shades of red on Feb. 7. 

The Grambling Alumnae and Delta Iota Chapters of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. hosted a Red Dress Gala in support of heart disease awareness in partnership with the American Heart Association. 

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., has had a lasting partnership with the American Heart Association and was the first to join their “Go Red for Women” campaign. 

“A dress to die for, a cause to live for”, was the event’s theme. The formal event was held from 7 to 11 p.m. 

Women attending the event were asked to wear red dresses, and the men attending the event were asked to wear red ties. The night was filled with dancing, hors d’oeuvres, healthy heart tips and fundraising. Proceeds collected from the event were donated to the American Heart Association. 

“The gala was so much fun and turned out to be a beautiful and joyous event,” said chapter member Rickenizie Johnikin, a senior mass communication major from Farmerville, La. “Not only was it full of excitement, but also included valuable information that we can all apply to our lives when it comes to our health. I look forward to more events similar to the gala.”

The Delta Iota Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. was pleased to host this sold out event. 

There were over 300 seats set up in the Black and Gold Room, and every last one of those seats were accounted for. 

The planning for this event was intense as it combined student outreach with the alumnae chapter. 

Sarah-Renee Garner worked closely with the Grambling Alumnae Chapter as it dealt with student relations. Garner, is a senior mass communication major from Dallas, Texas, and the chair of program, planning, and development (PP&D) for the Delta Iota Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., said she enjoyed seeing all of the different components of the gala intersect. 

“We wanted to host an event that was not only informative, but also relatable,” said Garner. “The GAC had an idea to include testimonials from survivors of different cardiovascular diseases, and being able to personify those diseases resonated well with attendees.”

Student engagement was prevalent at this event. 

“It was especially a blessing to see a good handful of students there as well because it is never too early to start caring about your heart health,” said chapter member Taneicia Herring, a senior history major from Sacramento, Calif. 

“It was a devastatingly fun and informative event!!”

The women of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. continuously show support for various causes throughout the year.

The sorority bases its programs and events from their Five-Point Programmatic Thrust. There are various programs that are held by different chapters all over the world that not only raise awareness for different causes, but also raise funds to financially support organizations working towards causes. One of those causes happens to be heart disease. 

Some may not know, but according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 25 percent of  deaths in America are due to heart disease, with a total of  647,000 American deaths each year. It is important to continue to raise awareness on such a prevalent issue. 

Follow @DSTDeltaIota on Instagram to be updated on future events on Grambling’s campus hosted by the Delta Iota Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.