DR. AUDREY SAVWOIR

Sorors Miller, Conquest, Savwoir and Holmes join in the celebration of service and sisterhood

In the fiscal year 1996-97, I wrote the following treatise to represent my chapter, Suffolk County Alumnae Chapter on the occasion of the 84th Anniversary of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. I believe it best represents my abiding beliefs about the Sorority.

I believe, ninety-three years ago, twenty-two young women with an abundance of love, hope, ethical character, intelligence and integrity joined together and became a beacon light to guide the way to the noblest of high ideals. Through nine decades of devotion, all of us who have been inspired by them and followed them, feel blessed to share I the sacred circle that they founded, nurtured and passed on to us. Because of their fortitude we stand today cemented together by their courage and enveloped by their love. We have been inspired to do good deeds by their charity, encouraged to always administer to the needy and remain socially and politically active in the public arena. They provided us with a “well of renewal” to sustain our commitment and although they have passed on from this earthly place, they still live. Their legacy we will always revere and uphold.

In conclusion, I will put my pen to paper again to express my views after 53 years in the Sorority. When I made a personal commitment to become a Delta, 53 years ago, it emanated from a deep conviction that I wanted to emulate the illustrious Founders of this great sisterhood of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. The history of the Founders inspired me, sustained and re-energized me, over time, as I sought to develop my skills and enhance my abilities in a life which has been devoted to family and helping others. The core values of the Sorority, scholarship, service and sisterhood have served as a “life force” for me which has reflected it self in my efforts to achieve the goals we strive to attain in Delta. The fundamental goals have remained the same over the years. However, I have witnessed many changes in the methods utilized to attain them. Technological changes have been embraced over time that have significantly contributed to procedural improvements in the overall thrust of many of the programs we have sponsored.

My journey in Delta has been an inspirational, fulfilling, and enjoyable opportunity to interact with other, learn from other, and make a positive difference in the lives of others, through caring and sharing. For this, I will be eternally grateful.

 

ESTELLE D. SHIRLEY

A Fifty Year Delta's Dream Come True

I knew I wanted to be a Delta as soon as I entered college. Knowing the lifetime commitment membership required made me realize I was ready to accept the responsibility. Soon I became a Pyramid, wearing the red and white with dignity – knowing my big dreams would soon follow, with Crimson and Cream. My dream became a reality on December 2, 1953 after crossing the burning sands of probation, to become a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. It has been 53 years but my commitment will always be the same, a lifetime.

NANNIE B. WRIGHT

 

Reflections From Our Fifty Year Delta

It was plain for me to see, Delta was for me, a group of women doing good and behaving as sisters should. Over fifty years ago I chose to join Delta Sigma Theta while my closest friends went in other directions, yet we remain friends today. I first was a Pyramid and had a red and white pyramid on my door. When I became a Delta, the pyramid was replaced by a wooden figure of a duck. The women of Alpha Delta at West Virginia State College were very warm and friendly.

After I finished college, I got a teaching position in Annapolis, Maryland and joined the Alumnae Chapter there. One of our major service projects was working with mental patients ant Crownsville State Hospital where we helped the patients with art therapy.
While in Annapolis, I attended Regional Conferences and National Conventions. I remember sorors taking in visiting sorors for overnight visits and serving us breakfast. Some of my most memorable moments center around the anniversary trip Deltas made to Africa and parts of Europe. I remember being welcomed and entertained at many embassies, singing spirituals for Jumo Uenyatta, one who helped free Kenya from British rule and a party thrown for us in Nigeria and dancing under the stars.
I have seen Delta grow in the last fifty years. I have always had good experiences with our sisters. Some sorors have said that some of their experiences have not been as good as mine. I admonish my dear sorors to remember the values held dear by our sisterhood and live as sisters should.