Founders
The only founder to receive a Ph.D.
Eliza Pearl Shippen
Three Raps
Please Stand
Helped lobby Delta Sigma Theta to participate in the March for Women’s suffrage
Jimmie Bugg Middleton
“Intelligence is the Torch of Wisdom.”
Sorority Public Motto
Served as Directress of the Harlem School of the Arts
Osceola McCarthy Adams
Presented first Lady Eleanor Roosevelt to parents at the John Wesley AME Church , had interactions with multiple U. S. Presidents including John F. Kennedy
Florence Letcher Toms
One Rap
Be seated, Attention, End of the ceremony
Last surviving Founder in 1993; the first Black graduate of Washingtonville High School; married a member of Alpha Phi Alpha
Naomi Sewell Richardson
Commissioned by the Sorority and unveiled at Howard university in 1979
Fortitude Pin
First Corresponding Secretary of Alpha Chapter, instrumental in integrating the Galveston Public School System.
Jessie McGuire Dent
Became a music teacher in the Washington, D. C. School system.
Olive Claire Jones
Scholarship, Fellowship, service and a desire to attain all that would ennobled.
Pyramid Public Motto
Teacher for more than 30 years then began a career in dramatics.
Ethel Carr Watson
Created in recognition for contribution of $1000+ for DREF. Can be worn as a pendant.
Diamond Jubilee
Designed the ceremony for inducting Honorary Members
Madree Penn White
First Sgt-at-arms of the alpha Chapter; Charter member of the Dallas Alumnae Chapter
Frederica Chase Dodd
Symbolizes the public motto and is represented by the red candle used during ritualistic ceremonies
Torch of Wisdom
Born in Winfield, Kansas, and participated in the March on Washington in 1913 and 1981.
Bertha Pitts Campbell
Two Raps
Affirm the Sacred Vow and Affirm the Sacred Trust
Excellent musician and graduated as Valedictorian of the Teacher’s College
Pauline Oberdorfer Minor
First Custodian of the Alpha Chapter, was the first Black social worker with New York City and county charities
Winona Cargile Alexander
Designed by Soror Madree Penn White and comprised of three Greek letters D (Delta), S (Sigma), T (Theta)
Sorority Pin
First president of the Alpha Chapter; was an active member of the NAACP and the National Council of Negro Women.
Myra Davis Hemmings
Embodied in the virtues of the nine Jewels and the Delta Oath
Fundamental Principles
Gifted Singer and actress who harnessed her vocal powers and sang for TV shows.
Zephyr Chishom Carter