Where it all began...
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. was founded on January 13, 1913 by twenty-two 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. The first public act performed by the Delta Founders involved their participation in the Women's Suffrage March in Washington D.C., March 1913. Delta Sigma Theta was incorporated in 1930.
For more information about Grand Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta’s Founders, Notable Deltas, our Mission, and the organization as a whole, please click here for the Official Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. National Website.
San Francisco Alumnae Chapter History
The torch of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. had been glowing for 35 years when 8 Delta women chartered the Gamma Phi Sigma Chapter, now known as San Francisco Alumnae Chapter. The date was March 27, 1948 and the place was the Farwest Regional Conference in Berkeley, California. The group of 8 Deltas (sorors) marched up and down the streets and hills of San Francisco reclaiming Deltas and before the end of the year, the membership totaled 22.
The charter members were: Dorothy Brown, Homosielle Davis, Ostenia D. Fleming, Bernice Garner, Mildred Gaulden, Augusta James Hines, Anna Bell Hogg and Bernice Rodgers |
Of these members, we are proud to have had in our membership two of the distinguished and honorable Charter Members. Both have gone to be with the Lord, but they are
Ostenia D. Fleming who was our Charter President and Anna Bell Hogg, both who were active members of San Francisco Alumnae Chapter until their death.
With serious enthusiasm, these dedicated Deltas commenced their service with the purpose of addressing themselves to the socio-economic and educational needs of the African - American community.
Emphasis during the first decade was directed to educational and cultural enrichment. Included among the various activities were fund-raising events for scholarships, such as Children's festivals and Fashion Shows. Public programs featured outstanding Black artists, guest speakers and the international project, "Feast of Nations". These initial involvements were the stepping stones for larger and more relevant projects.
With the changing times, we (San Francisco Alumnae Chapter) have expanded our program thrusts to positive action in civil rights and political awareness. Members continue to provide guidance for job opportunities, to influence enactment of legislation and serve as volunteers for the welfare of the community.
San Francisco Alumnae continues to implement various worthwhile community service projects. Throughout the decades, our projects have included and in most cases continue to include:
- Scholarships to deserving students attending colleges and universities
- Sponsorship of the Ebony Fashion Fair Show since 1958
- Counseling and career guidance programs to residents of Florence Crittenden - a home for teen mothers and their children
- Contributions to the United Negro College Fund, NAACP and other organizations supporting scholarships and community change
- Financial and emotional support to residents of La Casa de Las Madres - a sanctuary for battered women and their children
- Fellowship activities with Laguna Honda Hospital patients
- Annual scholarships to an African American student enrolled in the San Francisco Opera - Merola Program
- Numerous candidate forums for
- Contributions and fellowship with the Jelani House, a home for
- Establishment of the Delta Sigma Theta San Francisco Community Foundation in 1996
- Implementation of the Dr. Betty Shabazz Delta Academy to work with young ladies to develop match, science and technology skills and experiences