“A Sisterhood Called to Serve” was the theme of the Dillon-Marion County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated Founders Day celebration.
It was open to the public and was held on March 26 at Manning Baptist Church Fellowship Hall in Dillon, SC. Approximately 50 people attended the event.
Mary Miles presided over the program, coordinated by Yasmine Gillespie, Founders Day chairperson.
The program was implemented in two parts, beginning with a musical prelude by Christine Washington. Dianne Thompson prayed an inspirational invocation. Then there were greetings from Lisa D. Seabrook and Mayor Todd Davis of Dillon.
Other outstanding participants included: Daisy Crawford, who sang “The Greatest Love of All;” Sabrina Sweeney gave the occasion; M. LeCarol Ford shared the chapter’s long history; Frances Washington introduced the chapter president, Barbara Hughes, who introduced the speaker; Dianne Thompson sang “Amazing Grace,” Ja’Novice G. Richardson, former principal of Gordon Elementary School, was the keynote speaker for the Founders Day celebration. Everyone rose to their feet after hearing the dynamic message delivered by one of our own chapter members.
Yasmine Gillespie presented her with a token of appreciation from the chapter. Patricia Burgess and Willie D. McQueen conducted the ceremony as we Remembered Our 22 Founders by lighting a candle as each name was called. The Chapter president Barbara Hughes concluded with words of encouragement.
She further stated, “The chapter is following in the footsteps of the Sorority’s founders by continuing to make community service No. 1. We are proud of the projects and service we have provided to Dillon and Marion counties.” President Hughes expressed appreciation to the Founders Day committee, chapter members, and friends in attendance.
Acknowledgements were extended to: Deltas with 25 to 49 years of service: Delta Dears (62 years or older); Deltas of 50 or more years of service (ChristineWashington and Ora Patricia McRae); Charter Members; inactive members; former presidents (Christine Washington, Fannie Mason, and Lisa D. Seabrook); Delta Academy/Gems, along with their “Step Dance” instructor Ms. Sheika Hill; visitors; the Manning Baptist Church family and pastor.
The program ended with a prayer and the blessing of the food by Dianne Thompson. Everyone enjoyed the fellowship luncheon, a beautiful array of delicious refreshments, prepared by C&T Catering of Dillon, SC.
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated was founded in 1913 by 22 students at Howard University in Washington, DC. The private, nonprofit organization has grown to more than 200,000 sisters in 900 chapters, located in the United States, England, Japan, Germany, Bermuda, the Bahamas, Jamaica, St. Thomas, and the Virgin Islands.
The Dillon-Marion County Alumnae Chapter, which was chartered in 1997, serves Dillon and Marion counties. The chapter’s programs have varied as the communities services have changed. However, all programs and projects are related to Delta’s National Five Point Programmatic Thursts: Economic Development, Educational Development, International Awareness and Involvement, Physical and Mental Health, and Political Awareness and Involvement.
Some of the chapter’s signature programs include: Delta Doll Pageant, Nursing Home visits, Reading in the Park, Delta Academy/Gems, HIV/AIDS Workshop, Breast Cancer Awareness Workshops, EMBODI, and Reclamation Activities.
The chapter has provided thousands of dollars in scholarships to deserving college-bound students of Dillon and Marion counties.
Cynthia M.A. Butler-McIntyre is the National President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. The National Theme is “A Sisterhood Called to Serve: Transforming Lives, Impacting Communities.”
