Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Chicago Alumnae Chapter
A Service Sorority

— Historical Notes —

In 1919, the first seed of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. in Chicago was planted by founder Osceola McCarthy Adams, who helped organize the Lambda Chapter at the University of Chicago. Under the leadership of Adams, Lambda grew so tremendously that it became necessary to form another chapter. The second Delta chapter was formed in 1924. Mildred Dobson served as the chapter's president and later served as National Vice President from 1924 to 1926. Eventually, Lambda was designated as an undergraduate chapter in 1931.

As Delta continued to grow in the Chicago area, another graduate chapter, Gamma Chi Sigma, was formed in 1947 under the presidency of Janet Avery Hamilton. The City of Chicago now had three Delta chapters. The members of the chapters formed a Joint Council which served as the coordinating body for Delta's public service programs. The Joint Council was so successful that the two graduate chapters merged, forming the Chicago Alumnae Chapter. In 1959, Maurice Haynes assumed the presidency of the newly formed Chicago Alumnae Chapter.

Chicago Alumnae membership exceeds 800 members who come from very diverse backgrounds across the country. Members work diligently to carry out the goals set by the National Chapter through various committees to provide supporting programs that meet the needs of the African American community. Chicago Alumnae's community service programs include the Dr. Betty Shabazz Delta Academy, Delta Literacy Project, Jabberwock (Scholarship Fundraiser), Del-Teen Lift Program and Bottomless Closet. In realizing Delta's mission, these programs are developed with the focus on Delta's Five-Point Program Thrust, which are: Physical & Mental Health, Educational Development, Economic Development, International Awareness and Involvement and Political Awareness and Involvement.