January 13

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is a historically African American sorority committed to public service, academic excellence, and social activism, particularly in Black communities. It is a member of the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) collaborative umbrella composed of historically African American fraternities and sororities, commonly called the Divine Nine.

It was founded on January 13, 1913, at Howard University in Washington, D.C. by 22 collegiate women who sought to use their collective strength to promote social change and uplift marginalized populations. These trailblazing founders quickly demonstrated their commitment by participating in the 1913 Women’s Suffrage March in Washington, D.C. — just weeks after establishing the sorority — marking their presence in the fight for equality from the very beginning. Since then, Delta Sigma Theta has grown into an international organization with a long history of advocacy, education, and community engagement.

Some of the most famous members of Delta Sigma Theta include:

• Shirley Chisholm — the first Black woman elected to the U.S. Congress and a groundbreaking presidential candidate;
• Dr. Betty Shabazz — educator and widow of Malcolm X;
• Barbara Jordan — civil rights activist, lawyer, and the first Southern African American woman elected to the U.S. House of Representatives;
• Cicely Tyson — actress and director celebrated for her portrayals of strong Black women; and
• Loretta Lynch — the first African American woman to serve as U.S. Attorney General.

The sorority’s mission is to provide assistance and support through established programs focused on economic development, educational advancement, international awareness, physical and mental health, and political involvement.