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Black America Web
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Black America Web
Famous Members Of Delta Sigma Theta
Source: Creative Services / iONEDigital Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.: A Legacy of Excellence and Service Founded on January 13, 1913, at Howard University, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. stands as a beacon of empowerment, service, and achievement. Established by 22 visionary women, this historic organization was founded on a desire to promote academic excellence and uplift communities in need. These trailblazers, including Osceola Macarthy Adams, Winona Cargile Alexander, and Ethel Cuff Black, united around shared values that continue to inspire generations. Delta Sigma Theta's mission remains deeply rooted in scholarship, sisterhood, and service. With its motto, 'Intelligence is the Torch of Wisdom,' the organization emphasizes the power of education as a tool for progress. The sorority has grown to include more than 300,000 initiated members, making it one of the largest predominantly Black sororities in the world. This vast network exemplifies the collective strength and impact of its membership. Delta Sigma Theta's identity shines through its vibrant crimson and cream colors and its enduring symbol, the elephant. These elements reflect its strength, resilience, and unyielding determination. Over the decades, the sorority has implemented programs and initiatives addressing social justice, education, health, and economic development, leaving a profound mark on communities everywhere. Today, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. continues to uphold its founders' vision. Its legacy is one of leadership, advocacy, and unwavering dedication to making the world a better place. Notable Members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. boasts a legacy of extraordinary women who have excelled across diverse fields, leaving a profound impact on society. From arts and entertainment to politics, education, and social action, the sorority's members exemplify excellence and leadership. Among its most iconic members is Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul, whose unparalleled contributions to music and culture earned global recognition. Another standout is Loretta Lynch, who made history as the first African American woman to serve as the U.S. Attorney General, showcasing her dedication to justice and public service. Keisha Lance Bottoms, a trailblazer in politics, served as the dynamic mayor of Atlanta, bringing progressive leadership and community-focused initiatives to the forefront. These women, along with many others like Nikki Giovanni, Joy-Ann Reid, and Cicely Tyson, embody the sorority's mission of promoting scholarship, service, and social change. Their achievements span generations, reinforcing Delta Sigma Theta's commitment to uplifting communities and inspiring future leaders. Together, these remarkable Deltas continue to uphold the organization's legacy, demonstrating that the sorority is not just a network but also a movement for empowerment and progress. Their contributions remind the world of the boundless potential of sisterhood and excellence. Famous Members Of Delta Sigma Theta was originally published on Source:Radio One Inducted During the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. 57th National Convention. Source:Getty Inducted During the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. 57th National Convention. Source:Danielle Brooks Inducted During the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. 57th National Convention. Source:Getty Inducted During the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. 57th National Convention. Source:Getty Inducted During the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. 57th National Convention. Source:Getty Inducted During the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. 57th National Convention. Source:Getty Inducted During the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. 57th National Convention. Source:Getty Inducted During the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. 57th National Convention.
Black America Web
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Black America Web
Delta Sigma Theta Induct 8 Women: Queen Latifah, Fawn Weaver, and More
Source: During its 57th National Convention, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. proudly inducted eight extraordinary women as Honorary Members, celebrating their remarkable contributions to society. This year's honorees include entertainment icon Queen Latifah, political strategist Donna Brazile, award-winning actress Danielle Brooks, entrepreneur Fawn Weaver, business trailblazer Janice Bryant Howroyd, Olympic legend Jackie Joyner-Kersee, WNBA star-turned-executive Swin Cash, and tech innovator Toni Townes-Whitley. Each of these women embodies the sorority's commitment to sisterhood, scholarship, service, and social action, making them shining examples of Black excellence. STAY INFORMED! CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER! RELATED STORIES: 13 Stars You Might Not Know Are Delta Sigma Theta Members Celebrity Members Of Delta Sigma Theta Here's a detailed look at the eight remarkable women inducted as Honorary Members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. in 2025: The Newark-born multi-hyphenate is a Grammy, Emmy, and Golden Globe winner who has redefined entertainment. As the first female rapper with a gold-certified solo album, Queen Latifah has seamlessly transitioned between music, TV, and film. Her work champions women's empowerment and challenges traditional notions of beauty and artistry. A political powerhouse, Brazile made history as the first Black woman to manage a major party presidential campaign (Al Gore, 2000). She has served as interim Chair of the Democratic National Committee twice and is a trusted voice in political commentary. Her career is a testament to her commitment to justice and Black political power. Known for her breakout role as Taystee in Orange Is the New Black and her Oscar-nominated performance as Sofia in The Color Purple , Brooks is a dynamic actor and cultural advocate. She co-founded Black Women on Broadway, furthering opportunities for Black creatives in theater. As the founder of Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, Weaver has built the fastest-growing American whiskey brand in history. Her work honors Nearest Green, the enslaved man who taught Jack Daniel how to distill, while reclaiming Black contributions to American craftsmanship. The first Black woman to own and operate a billion-dollar company, Howroyd leads the global workforce firm ActOne Group. Her journey from a small town in North Carolina to global success exemplifies resilience and purpose-driven leadership. A six-time Olympic medalist and global icon, Joyner-Kersee's 1988 heptathlon world record remains unbroken. Off the track, she uplifts communities through her foundation, advocating for education, health equity, and youth empowerment. A three-time WNBA champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist, Cash has transitioned from the court to sports leadership. As a former Senior Vice President of Basketball Operations for the New Orleans Pelicans, she continues to create opportunities for women in sports. The CEO of SAIC, a $7.4 billion tech and engineering firm, Townes-Whitley is a leader in tech ethics and innovation. Her work bridges corporate responsibility and equity, making her a trailblazer in the tech industry. These women represent the best of Black excellence, aligning with Delta Sigma Theta's Five-Point Programmatic Thrust. Their induction is a testament to the power of leadership, resilience, and community impact. Since its founding in 1913, Delta Sigma Theta has been a beacon of progress, and the 2025 honorary inductees further solidify its legacy of transformative leadership. LIKE US ON FACEBOOK . FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM & TWITTER . SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE . STAY INFORMED! CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER! HEAD TO THE HOMEPAGE SEE ALSO
Business Wire
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Business Wire
Trailblazers in Arts, Politics, Business, and Advocacy Inducted as Honorary Members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today, during its 57th National Convention, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. proudly announced the induction of eight Honorary Members. These distinguished women represent a broad spectrum of professional endeavors—spanning arts and entertainment, business, education, politics, sports, and advocacy—and embody the highest levels of achievement and impact on both national and global stages. 'This year's class of Honorary Members represents a powerhouse group of barrier-breaking women across politics, entertainment, business, sports, and social impact,' said Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. International President Elsie Cooke-Holmes. Share The 2025 Honorary Members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. include Donna Brazile, Danielle Brooks, Dana Owens (Queen Latifah), Fawn Weaver, Janice Bryant Howroyd, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Swintayla 'Swin' Cash, and Toni Townes-Whitley. Honorary Membership is one of the Sorority's highest recognitions, reserved for women who are trailblazers in their fields and who have made extraordinary contributions to society. These inductees exemplify the Sorority's Cardinal Principles of Sisterhood, Scholarship, Service, and Social Action. Their impactful work aligns with the mission and values of Delta's Five-Point Programmatic Thrust: economic development, educational development, international awareness and involvement, physical and mental health, and political awareness and involvement. 'This year's class of Honorary Members represents a powerhouse group of barrier-breaking women across politics, entertainment, business, sports, and social impact,' said Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. International President Elsie Cooke-Holmes. 'From a trailblazing political strategist to an acclaimed actress and vocalist, a legendary Olympic athlete to a pioneering tech executive, these women embody excellence, service, and the unwavering pursuit of justice and equity. Their collective influence spans boardrooms, stages, and grassroots movements — each one a force in her field and a reflection of Delta's enduring mission.' Learn more about this distinguished 2025 Honorary Member Class below: Donna Brazile Donna Brazile is a veteran political strategist, New York Times bestselling author, and an Emmy- and Peabody-winning media contributor. She currently serves as a Senior Advisor at Purple Strategies. Brazile made history as the first African American woman to manage a major party presidential campaign, leading Al Gore's 2000 bid. She has served twice as interim Chair of the Democratic National Committee, and remains active on its Rules and Bylaws Committee. Brazile is the author of Cooking with Grease and Hacks, co-author of the NAACP Image Award-winning For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Politics, and a contributor to 400 Souls. She is a dedicated educator, having taught at Georgetown and Howard Universities and held fellowships at Harvard's Institute of Politics. She holds over 10 honorary doctorates and is a recipient of Harvard's W.E.B. Du Bois Medal. Danielle Brooks Danielle Brooks is an Academy Award-nominated actress, celebrated for her powerful portrayal of 'Sofia' in The Color Purple, which earned nominations from the Oscars, Golden Globes, SAG, Critics Choice, BAFTA, and NAACP Image Awards. She rose to prominence as 'Taystee' in Netflix's Orange Is the New Black, receiving two NAACP Image Award nominations. She won the Critics Choice Award and earned an Emmy nomination as Co-Executive Producer for her portrayal of gospel icon Mahalia Jackson in Mahalia. On stage, Brooks earned a Tony nomination for The Color Purple and starred in The Piano Lesson alongside Samuel L. Jackson. Her performance in Much Ado About Nothing at Shakespeare in the Park earned her a Drama League nomination. She also hosted Netflix's Instant Dream Home, and received a Daytime Emmy nomination. A Juilliard graduate from South Carolina, Brooks is also a passionate advocate. She co-founded Black Women on Broadway, launched the Annie Edge Scholarship in honor of her godmother, and volunteers with the Atlanta Community Food Bank. Swintayla 'Swin' Cash Swintayla 'Swin' Cash is a Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer, and Founder & CEO of She's Got Time, a lifestyle and media company creating the first holistic ecosystem for women in sports. A trailblazer in sports leadership, she most recently served as Senior Vice President of Basketball Operations & Team Development for the New Orleans Pelicans. One of the most decorated athletes in women's basketball, Cash is a three-time WNBA champion, four-time All-Star, two-time All-Star MVP, and two-time Olympic gold medalist. She was also named one of the WNBA's Top 20 Most Influential Players. Beyond the court, Cash has made her mark in sports media and philanthropy. She founded Cash for Kids, a nonprofit supporting youth through fitness, education, and culture, and has served as an NBA Global Ambassador advocating for social responsibility and civil rights. Among her many achievements, her most treasured roles are wife to Steve Canal and mother to their two sons, Saint and Syer Cash-Canal. Janice Bryant Howroyd Janice Bryant Howroyd, affectionately known as JBH, is the Founder & CEO of the ActOne Group, a multi-billion-dollar global workforce and technology enterprise operating in over 43 countries. As the first African American woman to build and lead a billion-dollar company, she is a trailblazing entrepreneur, educator, and mentor. Under her leadership, ActOne delivers innovative HR and procurement solutions in more than 52 languages. A North Carolina native and one of 11 children, JBH credits her parents for the values behind her success. JBH chairs the Women's Leadership Board at Harvard's Kennedy School and supports education through major philanthropic gifts, including to her alma mater, North Carolina A&T. A Presidential appointee and global influencer, she's been honored with the Ellis Island Medal of Honor and named Black Enterprise's Woman of the Year. JBH is the best-selling author of Acting Up and The Art of Work, and a sought-after speaker known for her guiding principle: 'Never compromise who you are personally to become who you wish to be professionally.' Jackie Joyner-Kersee Jackie Joyner-Kersee, hailed as the 'Greatest Female Athlete of the 20th Century,' is a six-time Olympic medalist whose 1988 world record in the heptathlon still stands. Dominating track and field for over two decades, she earned titles such as Sports Illustrated's Female Athlete of the Century and was named one of ESPN's 50 Greatest Athletes. A native of East St. Louis, Illinois, Joyner-Kersee attended UCLA on a basketball scholarship, achieving national honors in both basketball and track. Her commitment to education, equity, and opportunity has fueled her work beyond sports. In 1988, she founded the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation to empower youth and families through education, sports, and leadership. The Foundation's 41,000-square-foot center in East St. Louis has served thousands. She also co-founded Athletes for Hope to connect athletes with community service. Her leadership has been recognized with numerous honors, including the FBI Director's Community Leadership Award and the UCLA Professional Achievement Award. A Goodwill Ambassador for the African Renaissance and Diaspora Network, she remains a powerful voice for equity, education, and empowerment. Dana 'Queen Latifah' Owens Queen Latifah, born Dana Elaine Owens, is a groundbreaking American rapper, singer, actress, and producer. A trailblazer in entertainment, she has earned a Grammy Award, a Primetime Emmy, a Golden Globe, three Screen Actors Guild Awards, two NAACP Image Awards, and an Academy Award nomination. In 2006, she became the first hip hop artist to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She rose to fame at age 19 with her debut album All Hail the Queen (1989), which featured the iconic track "Ladies First." Her third album, Black Reign (1993), was the first gold-certified solo album by a female rapper and included the Grammy-winning single "U.N.I.T.Y.', which was influential in raising awareness of violence against women and the objectification of Black female sexuality. Latifah starred in the hit sitcom Living Single and earned an Oscar nomination for her role in Chicago (2002). Her film credits include Set It Off, Bringing Down the House, Beauty Shop, Girls Trip, and voice work in the Ice Age series. She received critical acclaim and an Emmy for co-producing and starring in HBO's Bessie (2015). She also created The Queen Latifah Show and most recently led the CBS drama The Equalizer (2021–2025). A pioneering force across music, film, and television, Queen Latifah continues to redefine what it means to be a multi-hyphenate artist. Fawn Weaver Fawn Weaver is a serial entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience and the founder and CEO of Grant Sidney, Inc., where she manages a multimillion-dollar real estate and investment portfolio. A two-time New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, she is also a popular TED speaker and media personality, featured on platforms such as The TODAY Show, Good Morning America, CBS This Morning, CNBC, and in Forbes, The New York Times, and The Washington Post. Her NPR How I Built This episode with Guy Raz gained widespread acclaim, as did her 2024 Forbes Self-Made Women profile. Weaver is one of only five African American women to found and lead a $1B+ company in U.S. history. She is the founder and CEO of Uncle Nearest, Inc., the fastest-growing American whiskey brand in U.S. history and the best-selling Black American-founded spirit brand of all time. Under her leadership, Uncle Nearest has won over 1,200 awards and was named 'World's Best' Bourbon two years in a row. The 458-acre Nearest Green Distillery is the seventh most visited in the world. Weaver is a Harvard Business School certified Corporate Director, a summa cum laude graduate of the University of Alabama, and holds an honorary Doctorate of Humanities from Bluefield State University. She also serves on the board of Endeavor Group Holdings (NYSE: EDR). Toni Townes-Whitley Toni Townes-Whitley is CEO of SAIC, a $7.4 billion technology and engineering firm with 24,000 employees serving the defense, space, civilian, and intelligence sectors. She became CEO and joined the Board of Directors in October 2023. A veteran technology executive, Townes-Whitley previously led Microsoft's $16 billion U.S. regulated industries division, served as President of CGI Federal, and held senior roles at Unisys, where she drove 500% revenue growth in the federal sector. Townes-Whitley serves on the boards of Nasdaq, the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, the Partnership for Public Service, Catalyst, and the Princeton Faith & Work Initiative. She also serves as a guest lecturer at Stanford and Princeton on tech ethics and public-sector innovation. A Princeton graduate in public policy and economics, Townes-Whitley also holds executive certifications from Wharton, New York University, and the Performance Management Institute. Her accolades include 2024 USA Today Woman of the Year, the Women in Technology Lifetime Achievement Award, and Fortune's 'Most Powerful Women: One to Watch.' A former Peace Corps volunteer in Gabon and past president of Women in Technology, she is a passionate advocate for women's leadership, education, and social impact. ABOUT DELTA SIGMA THETA Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated was founded on January 13, 1913, on the campus of Howard University to promote academic excellence; to provide scholarships; to provide support to the underserved; educate and stimulate participation in the establishment of positive public policy; and to highlight issues and provide solutions for problems in their communities. Since its founding, more than 350,000 women have joined the organization, making it one of the largest predominantly Black women's organizations in the country. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated has over 1,000 collegiate and alumnae chapters located in the United States, the Arabian Gulf, the Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada, Germany, Jamaica, Japan, the Republic of Korea, West Africa, the United Kingdom, and the Virgin Islands. The Sorority utilizes its Five-Point Programmatic Thrust of economic development, educational development, international awareness and involvement, physical and mental health, and political awareness and involvement to guide national programs, initiatives, and strategic partnerships. To learn more about Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, visit
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Community Corner: Savannah Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority hosts 10th annual Authors Tour
This weekend, the Savannah Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma ThetaSorority will host one of its signature events– with the goal of elevating authors, southern style!Elaine Shavers Campbell is the president of the sorority's Savannah Alumnae Lloyd is a Savannah Alumnae Chapter member and co-chair of the Savannah sat down with WSAV's Kim Gusby on today's Community Corner to talk about the free literary extravaganza. Click the arrow in the video box above to watch the interview. Delta Authors on Tour'Elevating Authors, Southern Style'Saturday, May 1711 a.m. until 2 Technical College, 5717 White Bluff RoadFree Admission Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
10-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Detroiter Mattie Johnson lived a life of service to family, community, students and seniors
Mattie Bernice Jones Johnson lived the Biblical charge 'To whom much is given, much is required.' And she gave with gusto — to her family, to her work as an educator, to her community and to her beloved sorority, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She was the driving force behind the sorority establishing Delta Manor, a senior citizen's building in Detroit. Johnson died March 22 at the age of 87. Johnson's passion for service was fueled by her own life. Her family couldn't afford college, so she had her mind set on becoming an executive secretary. But a teacher submitted her name for a college scholarship to Wayne State University. She went on to earn both a bachelor's and a master's degree from the university. She worked for the Detroit public schools for 30 years, mostly as a librarian. While at Wayne State, she was initiated into Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., where she found kinship among like-minded women determined to excel academically while living lives rooted in service. 'Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. meant a lot to my mom because she understood the assignment of the 22 Founders,' recalled her daughter Robyn Joya Johnson. 'Because the trajectory of mom's life changed after being awarded a four-year scholarship to Wayne State University, she felt the need to give to ensure other Black women and men were supported and guided to fulfill their dreams and aspirations.' One of those people was Tony Vernon, who first met Mattie Johnson when she pulled him aside after observing him walk a different girl to class every day at Cooley High School where she worked as a librarian. She told him that if he kept walking girls to class, he'd be late for his own classes. She insisted he focus on his schooling. It was the start of an endearing lifelong connection. More: Ex-Detroit Lions OL Bill Cottrell, NFL's first Black center, dies at 80 More: Octavio Dotel, former Tigers pitcher, reportedly dead at 51 after nightclub roof collapse 'I am the man I am because of Mattie Johnson,' Vernon said. 'She gave me my marching orders, and I followed them.' After graduating from Cooley, Vernon served in the U.S. Navy. And after an honorable discharge, he earned a business degree from California State University. 'And all four of my children have their college degrees,' he said. 'Mattie was my mentor, counselor, spiritual adviser, my teacher and Mattie was my Mom. It is said that it takes a village to raise a child. Mattie taught me how to be a husband and a father. She has done so much for me.' Doing much was Mattie Johnson's way. She served as the 24th president of the Detroit Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., from 1983 to 1985. Among her lasting accomplishments was leading the establishment of Delta Manor, a 100-bed, seven-story apartment building for senior citizens, located on Detroit's east side. 'Had it not been for Soror Mattie's vision and compassion to better the lives of our seniors and for the community as a whole, there would be no Delta Manor,' said Barbara Anderson, current president of the Board of Directors of Delta Manor. 'Delta Manor stands as a realization of her vision and the efforts of those she empowered to bring the dream to light. Mattie served as president of the Board of Directors from 1995 to 1997.' Johnson instilled her zest and appreciation for learning in countless students and her own three children as well. She set high standards of achievement and was proud to see her family meet those standards. She and her husband, Robert Johnson Jr., celebrated 63 years of marriage in March. 'Mom was proud of her husband fulfilling a dream of becoming an entrepreneur (he owns a Precision Tune franchise) and all three daughters and three grandchildren obtaining college degrees,' Robyn Johnson said. Robyn Johnson recalled one lesson, in particular, that stuck with her. As a teenager, she repeated a misguided comment from a classmate: Elections are stupid, she made the mistake of saying to her mother. 'My mother corrected me and explained why elections were in the best interest of ALL people because, and I quote her, 'Elections determine the quality of water you drink, the food you eat, and the air you breathe.' I have always remembered this statement and have voted in every election — local, state and national — ever since.' Among her mother's most endearing qualities was her ever-present smile, loving spirit and nonjudgmental attitude, Robyn Johnson said. 'She always gave people the benefit of doubt and knew that people are doing the very best that they can," she said. "Mom was loved, admired, and respected by all who knew her." In addition to Delta Sigma Theta, Mattie Johnson's community service included leadership roles in The Elliottorian Business Professional Women's Club, Miller High School Alumni Association, the Sussex Woods Homeowner Association and Tots-N-Teens Inc. 'Mom was someone people could depend on to see a project through to success,' Robyn Johnson said. "When Mom was given a task or volunteered for a project, she never wavered; (she) gave her time and attention to details; ensuring a phenomenal, finished project." Besides her husband. Robert, and daughter Robyn, Mattie Johnson also is survived by daughters June Michele and Linda Donise (Alfie). Visitation will be held from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, at the Kemp Funeral Home Northwest Chapel, 24585 Evergreen Road, in Southfield. Funeral services will be held Friday, beginning with a Family Hour at 10 a.m., followed by funeral services at 11 a.m. at Bethel A.M.E. Church, 5050 St. Antoine, in Detroit. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Delta Manor senior center founder, Detroiter Mattie Johnson dies at 87
