What to know about Delta Sigma Theta, the sorority hosting Kamala Harris in Indy Thursday
Downtown Indy is seeing an inordinate amount of visitors decked out in red and white this week. And it has nothing to do with that school in Bloomington.
That’s because Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. is hosting its national conference at the Indiana Convention Center.
The meeting of the historically Black service-based organization started July 18 and runs through July 23. It’s expected to draw more than 20,000 attendees in person and virtually to discuss initiatives, train members and elect officers. Vice President Kamala Harris will be keynote speaker for the group’s Social Action Luncheon on Thursday.
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A portion of the convention is centered on spreading awareness about the non-partisan group’s current legislative priorities and impact on issues such as combating voter rights and suppression laws. Other activities include a business pitch competition, step show and various community service projects across the city.
Here’s more on the sorority:
When was Delta Sigma Theta founded?
Delta Sigma Theta was founded in 1913 at Howard University, birthplace of four other historically Black sororities and fraternities that make up the “Divine Nine.”
What are the Divine Nine?
Delta Sigma Theta was one of the chartering organizations of the National Pan-Hellenic Council, which also includes Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority and Iota Phi Theta Fraternity.
About Delta Sigma Theta Sorority
It’s among the largest predominantly Black women’s organizations in the country. Delta Sigma Theta has initiated more than 350,000 members and has over 1,000 chartered chapters worldwide. The organization’s major programs promote economic development, educational development, international awareness and involvement, physical and mental health, and political awareness and involvement.
The sorority’s colors are crimson and cream, but red and white are commonly used.
Who are some famous Delta Sigma Theta members?
Notable members include U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development – and former sorority national president – Marcia Fudge; poet Nikki Giovanni and journalist Abby Phillip.
Vice President Harris is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, another Divine Nine sorority.
Contact the reporter at 317-444-6264.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Delta Sigma Theta: What to know about the sorority as it meets in Indy
