Chapter History

1924-2009
85th Anniversary

The Charter Members of Atlanta Alumnae Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

 Minnie Lee Perry Bowden
 Sarah Brinson-Forbes
 Marie Byas
 Louise Holmes-Elder
 Magnolia Latimer-Coleman
 Lila Moore-Brown
 Margaret Nabrit-Curry (Spelman)
 Mattie Owens
 Louise Pace-Harris
 Hazel Shanks-Hynson
 Altona Trent-Johns
The Atlanta Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, had its beginning in 1924 when it was chartered as Sigma Chapter. It was the first chapter established in Atlanta and in Georgia, the second in the Southern Region, and the nineteenth chapter in the United States. Eleven young women from both Atlanta University (undergraduate at that time) and Spelman College were inducted as charter members.

A group of graduate students in Atlanta petitioned the Executive Council of the Sorority to establish a chapter independent of the undergraduate chapter. The charter was granted in the fall of 1925, and the graduate chapter became known as Iota Sigma Alumnae Chapter.

The name, Sigma, was transferred to the undergraduate chapter at Clark College in 1929 when Atlanta University became a graduate institution. It remains the official name of that chapter today.

In 1958, the graduate chapters of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, were changed from designation by Greek letters to the names of the cities in which they were located. Iota Sigma Alumnae Chapter was changed to the Atlanta Alumnae Chapter.

The chapter has provided significant leadership and has conducted public service programs of distinction since it was established. The Five-Point Program Thrust of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, is the vehicle through which its members seek to project the image of the Sorority as a public service organization. These five areas - Economic Development, Educational Development, International Awareness and Involvement, Physical and Mental Health, and Political Awareness and Involvement - are all integral parts of the chapter's services and programs.

The Atlanta Alumnae Chapter has charted its course in all of these areas by working throughout the community, by speaking out, and by being visible in civic, religious, academic, and political arenas. Chapter members have dedicated themselves to continuing the development and implementation of outstanding public service programs. Today, they stand proud of their legacy and their many accomplishments.

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Atlanta Alumnae Chapter
Presidents
1st
Magnolia Lattimer 21st
Narvie Jordan Harris
2nd
Mae Proctor Lucas 22nd
Alverna Swanson Greenee
3rd
Ruth Wheeler Lowe 23rd Harriett Walton
4th
Effie McGhee Brooks 24th Burnella Jackson-Ransom
5th
Laura Duffey 25th Beverly Bailey
6th
Irene Wilson 26th Marian L. Baker
7th
Mildred Burch 27th Victoria Jenkins
8th
Minnie Bowden 28th Verdelle B. Bellamy
9th
Mattie Harper Briscoe 29th Betty J. Blasingame
10th
Mattie Greenwood McCloud 30th Rubye Harpe Howard
11th
Blanche Adams 31st Judith Withers-Hanson
12th
Ruth Perry Scott 32nd Rosalyn Law Heard
13th
Clara Reynolds Johnson 33rd Judith Withers-Hanson
14th
Irene Wilson 34th Bobbie Jean Sharp
15th
Cecil Edwards 35th Mary A. Crumbley
16th
Maenelle Dixon Dempsey 36th Patricia D. Ross
17th
Sammye Dennis 37th Patricia C. Summers
18th
Anne Wright Bronner 38th Nadine Baker-Smith
19th Valjeanne Taylor Grigsby    
20th Pearlie Craft Dove    

Visit the National Website for information about the history of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.

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