Durham Alumnae Chapter Of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Named Chapter Of The Year 

Durham, NC – The Durham Alumnae Chapter (DAC) of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. has embraced growth, transformation and has reciprocated its positive effects on the community and South Atlantic region during the biennium. Being named Chapter of the Year is a huge accomplishment and well-deserved recognition for this chapter. 

Some of the many things the chapter accomplished within this biennium are:

• In October 2018, the chapter hosted the South Atlantic Region (SAR) Pride in our Heritage Tour.  This tour was an artistic fusion of jazz, poetry and intriguing conversation with Dr. Johnetta B. Cole and Keisha Knight Pulliam.  
• DAC recognized the need to assist the Alzheimer’s Association by supporting their efforts to raise funds for research and improving health care for the ever-growing aging and dementia population.  DAC held a gala to support the Alzheimer’s Association and raised over $3,500 to donate to the cause.
• Women’s Health Awareness Day held on April 6, 2019, was record-breaking, attracting over 1000 attendees to 33 education sessions,15 different health screenings, and more than 45 exhibitor health resource booths.
• The Annual Holiday Shopper Bazaar to support black and minority-owned businesses was one of the most successful economic development initiatives yet (125 shoppers and 20 businesses). This committee also expanded programming to include more comprehensive financial planning and debt reduction programming.
• The Annual College Night for youth in the community provided additional educational development opportunities—introducing new topics (financial management, mental health and dressing for success) for the attendees. This program series grew in terms of programmatic value and takeaways for attendees, but also allowed growth in terms of collaboration with local collegiate chapters of Delta Sigma Theta (3), local fraternity chapters (3), and community partners (4) in the planning and implementation process, a practice that continued throughout the biennium.
• DAC was intentional about growing our global reach by providing supplies and assistance to people in Ethiopia and Haiti just to name a few.
• Through voter registration efforts and participation in state and national legislative days, DAC successfully grew their social action impact.
• DAC service and philanthropy efforts grew tremendously; donating over 250 professional items to assist un/under-employed women, over 500 toiletry and personal items to local entities, and over 200 handmade Valentine’s Day cards to residents of local convalescent centers, just to highlight a few initiatives.
• Additional growth included Project 13 programming (strategic partnerships) and contributions of over $5000 to 8 partners (ie. St. Jude Children Research, Go Red for Women, Breast Cancer African American – Sisters Network, Inc.), providing additional student scholarships (over $50,000 distributed), and more.
• One of DAC’s proudest moments was after 11 years, welcoming 66 new members to continue our growth, community outreach and carry on the great legacy of the Durham Alumnae Chapter for many years to come.

Kathy Fails, a member of the Durham Alumnae Chapter, was recognized as the South Atlantic Region’s Soror of the Year. This honor is awarded to a sorority member based on their Delta Leadership and Involvement and Community Leadership and Involvement. Mrs. Fails embodies a sisterly spirit and exhibits excellence in leadership and service to our chapter. Not only does she affect positive change in the lives of others, but she brings great joy to our sisterhood in the process.

Founded in 1913 on the campus of Howard University in Washington, D.C., Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is an international public service organization with over 300,000 college-educated women and is the single largest predominately African American women’s organization in the country.  Lalethia Bethea is the President of Durham Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.  For more information, visit dacdst-durhamalumnae.org/