All roads lead to Philadelphia for the ladies of the Delta Iota Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta this summer as they make preparations for the their 48th National Convention.
This year, the chapter is vying for the Minerva Scholastic Achievement Award which it has maintained for the past three consecutive national conventions. They will also compete for the Southwest Regional Collegiate Chapter of the Year and Soror of the Year awards.
The Delta Iota Chapter is no stranger to scholastic achievement and service. Just last year at their regional conference in Little Rock, Ark., they won the Regional Scholastic Achievement Award and the Collegiate Advisor of the Year award was received by Gwendolyn F. Giles. The chapter also celebrated the election of its current chapter president Jacqueline M. Cooper as the Southwest Regional Representative.
Locally the chapter has been awarded by several campus organizations for their commitment to public service in the Grambling and surrounding communities. During the spring semester the sorority participated in the American Heart Walk; Red, White, and Blue Phi (Voter Registration Drive with Phi Beta Sigma); health awareness activities, campus clean-up campaigns; local community tutoring initiatives; area high school college days; regional and state meetings; and a host of many other activities.
One of the main highlights for the chapter was conducting its first Woman’s Suffrage March that featured the World Famed Tiger Marching Band. This event was considered to be a humble way to pay homage to the women who struggle during this era along with the founders of Delta Sigma Theta.
Palm trees, a cool breeze, turquoise seas and an island invaded with crimson and cream described the scene in Montegeo Bay, Jamaica as members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated gathered from all over the world to celebrate Summit VI: Health Issues that Impact Women of African Descent. Summit VI commemorates 25 years of Delta’s sponsorship and partnership in national summits.
The ladies took a second place win in the Spring Fest Greek/NonGreek Step Show. The sorority closed the school session with chapter members working with corporate worship service at New Living Word Ministries in Ruston.
A seminar on "The Bracelet of Life" campaign and final survival kits were issued to students on the yard. Chapter volunteers assisted Alma J. Brown Elementary School with their May Day activities.
"Our chapter has been very productive this semester. I am anxious to see what this year’s convention has in store. I am praying that we come out on top not only for our chapter but for the Grambling community that supports us in all of our endeavors," said vice-president and graduate, Ashlee Spearman.
With the chapter’s current track record, they are well on their way to a successful convention in "The City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection."