The Founders of Delta Sigma Theta
(First Row): Winona Cargile Alexander, Madree Penn White, Wertie Blackwell
Weaver, Vashti Turley Murphy, Ethel Cuff Black, Frederica Chase Dodd; (Second Row)
: Osceola Macarthy Adams, Pauline Oberdorfer Minor, Edna Brown Coleman, Edith Mott
Young, Marguerite Young Alexander, Naomi Sewell Richardson, Eliza P. Shippen;
(Third Row): Zephyr Chisom Carter, Myra Davis Hemmings, Mamie Reddy Rose, Bertha
Pitts Campbell, Florence Letcher Toms, Olive Jones, Jessie McGuire Dent, Jimmie Bugg
Middleton, Ethel Carr Watson
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority was founded on January 13, 1913 by twenty-two collegiate
women at Howard University. These students wanted to use their collective strength to
promote academic excellence and to provide assistance to persons in need. The first
public act performed by the Delta Founders involved their participation in the
Women's Suffrage March in Washington D.C., March 1913. Delta Sigma Theta was
incorporated in 1930. Link to the National
Site for more information.
Our Chapter History
For almost two decades from the fifties to the late seventies, the chartering
members were dedicated, concerned and hardworking members of the St. Petersburg
Alumnae Chapter. Each month they commuted 20 miles to chapter and committee meetings.
Upon gaining enough members the Clearwater Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta
Sorority, Inc. was organized in the fall of 1976. At that time Panchitta Carwise
served as the interim president. The fortitude of these twelve committed women
created the first African-American Greek letter organization in the city of
Clearwater. The goal was to make significant contributions in the areas of social
welfare, educational improvement, and cultural enrichment.
To attain these goals, on April 2, 1977, the Clearwater Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma
Theta Sorority, Inc. was charted. The chartering service was held at the Mt. Carmel
Baptist Church. Dr. Yvonne Kennedy, Southern Regional Director, conducted the ceremony.
Chapter officers at the time of establishment:
President – Delores C. Cooper
Vice President – Daisy Brunson
Recording Secretary – Twynette R. McIver
Treasurer – Panchitta C. Carwise
Charter Members:
Norma E.H. Brooks
Delores G.Larkin
Sadie M. Brown
Twynette R. McIver *
Daisy Brunson
Lazeda Y. McKnight
Panchitta C. Carwise
Willie Mae Merthie
Delores C. Cooper *
Harriett S. Rayner
Irma F. Keys
Mary F. Williams
Deceased*
