The Providence Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority was established on October 31, 1970. Thirteen women, whose dedication to the principles; ideals and goals of Delta Sigma Theta, formed the basis for a sisterhood that would provide services in the Rhode Island area. The Chapter's first President was Patricia A. Mathews. The remaining twelve Chartering Sorors were:
Elaine Brown
Jennie Brown Alice Downs |
Lynne I. Edmonds
Bennie Y. Fleming Selma B. Lima |
Charlotte Monteiro
Henri W. Lopes Rosalyn McDonald |
Joan D. Moore
Willa Mae Thompson Helen W. Williams |
In Spring 1972, the first Membership Initiation Ceremony, welcoming five women into our Sisterhood was held. We have continued to induct dynamic women into membership. Today, our members reside in Rhode Island and nearby cities in Massachusetts.
In 1974, Providence Alumnae sponsored the chartering of Lambda Iota, a city-wide chapter that was the first African American Sorority in Rhode Island Colleges and Universities. A few years later, two of our charter members established Nu Zeta at SMU, now the University of MA at Dartmouth. The programs of the Providence Alumnae Chapter are centered around public service. Committees plan, coordinate and implement the chapter's program goals. These goals are delineated by the National Organization and local concerns, such as, the Delta Scholarship Fund (sponsored by Ebony Fashion Fair), Delta Academy (mentoring program), Health Fairs, Habitat for Humanity, Thanksgiving and Christmas donations, senior citizen luncheon, Delta Days at the State Capital, and Clinical Depression workshops. |