UNC Chapter Of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Celebrate 50 Years
CHAPEL HILL – More than 200 alumnae, chapter members, and friends of the Kappa Omicron Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill gathered September 22-24, 2023, to celebrate 50 years.
The weekend was filled with festivities, including singing, strolling, games, and fellowship. Also, A Legacy Ball was hosted by Kappa Omicron’s own Janora McDuffie, who was the official live announcer for the 94th Academy Awards, celebrating the chapter’s history. The event included video messages from the Sorority’s International President, Elsie Cooke-Holmes, and University Chancellor Kevin Guskiewicz. In addition, South Atlantic Regional Representative Kamryn Dixon, who is a member of the chapter, brought greetings. NC State Facilitator Brandi Barron was also attending. Sunday featured a hall-of-fame style donning of the jackets presentation for charter members, a memorial to deceased sorors, and rededication, joined by South Atlantic Regional Director Dr. Trish R. Johnson and Regional Secretary Demetrics Davis.
The chapter was chartered on July 21, 1973, as the first Black Greek sorority at the University and, throughout its history, has stood true to its commitment to sisterhood, scholarship, service, and social action. The Chapel Hill Town Council proclaimed July 21, 2023, as Kappa Omicron Day, and Damon Seils, the mayor of the Town of Carrboro, proclaimed July 21, 2023, as a day “In Recognition of the Kappa Omicron Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.” in Carrboro. In addition, on the same day, the chapter was especially overjoyed to be named Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.’s National Chapter of the Year (medium-sized chapter) at the organization’s convention in Indianapolis.
The chapter began with five members on the charter line: Rosa Thompson McAfee, Deborah Cherrie Wilder, Carolyn Washington Bryson, Belinda Williams Murrell (deceased), and Mae Helen Israel. Also signing as charter members were former NC Senator Angela Bryant and Meta Weaver Coaxum, who had been initiated at the sorority’s two previous regional conferences. The first chapter advisors were Mary Thomas Tripp and Edith Elliott.
Today, the chapter is known for its outstanding service, which includes Domestic Violence Week programming and a walk with life-sized wooden statues representing the silent witnesses of domestic violence. The group has received several grants from the national sorority and the UNC Parents Council for programs such as Know Your Roots, featuring a panel program and campus-wide reusable standup boards educating the community about the contributions of Black people to the history of UNC. Also, the students have participated in the St. Jude Walk, hosted Red Goes Pink events for breast cancer awareness, World AIDS Day programming, and voter registration as well as made donations to the Orange County Rape Crisis Center and the Compass Center for survivors of domestic violence and sexual violence.
The Kappa Omicron Chapter has been repeatedly recognized as campus, regional, and national Chapter of the Year during its existence at UNC, in addition to winning numerous other awards on all three levels.
Highlights of Kappa Omicron Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. 50th Year Celebration Weekend (Photos submitted)
