AJC Sepia Greek Spotlight: The Founders of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority
1 / 24
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority was founded on Jan. 13, 1913, by 22 collegiate women at Howard University. These students wanted to use their collective strength to promote academic excellence and to provide assistance to persons in need. Since its founding, Delta Sigma Theta has been at the forefront of creating programming to improve political, education, and social and economic conditions. From those 22, the organization has initiated more than 300,000 women. The above original artwork is a life-sized painting on canvas created by artist Tarleton Blackwell of the 22 founders. The original hangs in the National Headquarters Office in Washington, D.C. First Row: Winona Cargile Alexander, Madree Penn White, Wertie Blackwell Weaver, Vashti Turley Murphy, Ethel Cuff Black, Frederica Chase Dodd Second Row: Osceola Macarthy Adams, Pauline Oberdorfer Minor, Edna Brown Coleman, Edith Motte Young, Marguerite Young Alexander, Naomi Sewell Richardson, Eliza P. Shippen Third Row: Zephyr Chisom Carter, Myra Davis Hemmings, Mamie Reddy Rose, Bertha Pitts Campbell, Florence Letcher Toms, Olive Jones, Jessie McGuire Dent, Jimmie Bugg Middleton, Ethel Carr Watson.