Chapter History

The Grand Rapids Alumnae Chapter, (GRAC) Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. was conceptualized in the summer of 1968.

Several potential charter members met on a regular basis in the summer and fall of 1968, with the dream of initiating a local graduate chapter. Finally, after several months of meetings, the dream was realized.

On November 17, 1968, members of Delta Sigma Theta held their charter installation ceremony. 

The ceremony was performed by our 18th National President, Hortense G. Canady. At the time, Mrs. Hortense Canady was the Midwest Regional Director. She and other members of the Lansing Alumnae Chapter and members of Detroit Alumnae Chapter attended the installation ceremony. The charter ceremony was followed by a buffet dinner at the Charcoal Room at the Pantlind Hotel, now the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel.

In November of 1993, the GRAC celebrated its twenty-five year Silver Anniversary. This celebration was again held at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel. Past National President Hortense G. Canady was the featured speaker and leader of the procession. Almost all the living charter members and the Regional Director, Sharon Chapman, were present for this exciting and memorable occasion.
Then, as is true now, the GRAC was dedicated to the Five Point Programmatic Thrust. The GRAC has many public service projects that incorporated the Five Point Programmatic Thrust: Academic Pentathlons, Advising Collegiate Chapters, African American Male Forum, the Lambda Pi, Sigma Beta and Tau Psi Chapters, Christmas Toy donations, Cotillion-Beautillion scholarships, Delta Days in the Nation's and State Capitals, The Dr. Betty Shabazz Delta Academy, Delteens- now known as Delta GEMS (Growing and Empowering Myself Successfully), the Field to Factory Traveling Exhibit, Health Fairs, HIV/AIDS Speakers Bureau, Habitat for Humanity, Jabberwock, Jazz Brunch scholarships, Teen Mom Mentoring, Thanksgiving Basket donations, and Women's History and Legacy celebrations (We Keep Coming).

Charter
Members

GRAC was chartered by 13 trailblazing women who observed a need in the Grand Rapids community.

Δ denotes deceased member (s)

President
Marilyn Eaddy Δ

Vice President
Betty B. Burton

Recording Secretary
Dr. Patricia Pulliam

Corresponding Secretary
Tempy Hoskins Δ

Treasurer
Jennie Baker Δ

Diane Garnett
Mildred Griffen Δ
Jana Jackson
Helen Johnson
Callie Plummer Δ
Ruth Scott Δ
Yvonne Sims
Bernice Whitley

Over the years, the GRAC, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority has received many awards:

  • 2006: Chapter Legacy of Sisterhood Award for the State of Michigan
  • 2005: Regional Social Action Award
  • 2004: Chapter of the Year Award for the State of Michigan
  • 2002: United Way Healthy Kent Award
  • 1998: The Ta-Wa-Si Community Service Award
  • 1996 J.C. Penny Golden Rule Award in 1996
  • 1996: National Delta Sigma Theta Outstanding Program Award
  • 1993: Giant's Award

In addition to the local and national awards, the GRAC has written grants and received monies from those efforts. The funding sources include: The Frey Foundation, The Grand Rapids Foundation, The Kent County Health Department, the Michigan Arts Council, the Michigan Consolidated Gas Co., the Nokomis Foundation, and the Steelcase Foundation.

The history of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is rich in tradition and community involvement. The GRAC has always echoed these high standards. It is further hoped that the GRAC of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., will far surpass the ideals and dreams of the local charter members and the founders, who founded the first chapter in 1913 at Howard University in Washington, D.C. since our organization was established, we have endeavored to provide help where the need is greatest.

What We Do

Explore how we expand our impact, define our mission, and empower communities through our varied initiatives

Our

Reach

A sisterhood of more than 250,000 predominately Black college educated women, the Sorority currently has over 900 chapters located in the United States, England, Japan (Tokyo and Okinawa), Germany, the Virgin Islands, Bermuda, the Bahamas and the Republic of Korea.

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Our

Purpose

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is a private, non-profit organization whose purpose is to provide assistance and support through established programs in local communities throughout the world.

National Website
Our

Programs

The major programs of the sorority are based upon the organization's Five Point Thrust of: Economic Development, Educational Development, International Awareness and Involvement, Physical and Mental Health, and Political Awareness and Involvement.

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