Local DST Alumnae Chapter is celebrating its 75th anniversary

20th June 2011   ·   0 Comments

By Kelly Parker
The Louisiana Weekly

Through what does immediate cash advance mean civil rights struggles, disasters, and economic challenges, the ladies of the New Orleans Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. have been a beacon to the city though service and sisterhood since 1936.

To celebrate 75 years of advocacy and public service, President Jacqueline T. Dennison and the (NOA) chapter is holding an anniversary gala on Saturday, June 25, at the New Orleans Sheraton hotel, from 6pm to 10pm. The event is open to the public.

“The evening will chronicle our 75 years of achievement, but it will be an evening of fun and entertainment,” says event co-chair Hester Cottles. “We will honor all past presidents, and feature one member who has the longest tenure; Soror Edna Paul-Coleman, who has been a member since 1945.”

Following in the footsteps of the 22 Howard University students who founded the organization in 1913, 11 local women came together to personal loans fargo nd help New Orleanians in need and has served as vanguards for social, economical, educational and cultural change in the Crescent City.

The New Orleans chapter began in the backdrop of then President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal, a series of economic programs implemented between 1933 and 1936, and according to historic accounts, were responses to the Great Depression and focused on aid for the poor and unemployed; recovery of the economy; and reform of the financial system to prevent a repeat depression.

The NOA began implementing programs to mentor and assist youth in the New Orleans community as far back as 1940’s; though the most noted is likely the yearly cotillion in which many of the city’s young ladies are presented to society after a season of developing social skills and educational goals. Like many other chapters nationwide, the NOA chapter took part in the DST Teen Lift in the 1950s and 60s, installment loan madison wi which allowed young girls to visit college campuses across the country and provided assistance with the (college) application process. Mentorship has evolved to targeting young ladies in middle school and high school; through programs such as (the Shabazz Delta Academy) as well Gems (Growing and Empowering Myself Successfully)

Just recently, the organization added EMBODI (Empowering Males to Build Opportunities for Developing Independence), to its list of initiatives to help youth.

“Over the years, we’ve provided more than $250,000 in scholarships to local students (to mostly local universities) so that’s certainly been very impactful to the community,” former NOA chapter President Sharon Cannon said.

The role of mentor in many instances becomes that of a sister. “We see most of the young ladies quite often, because many of them become Deltas,” Cannon says. Our scholarship recipients are invited back to events, so they can meet chapter members, so treatment of advance income tax in cash flow statement we keep a connection that way.”

Voter registration and political involvement has been a constant in the organization. Hester Cottles mentions, “In the early days, we participated in WIC-Women in Community Service. Many years ago, we also took part in the VIGOR (volunteers in government) program so, over the past 75 years, we have made an impact, which was our 2010 National Convention theme-Impacting Communities, Transforming Lives (in which New Orleans played host)

“Growing up as a Christian and giving back to my community is what I identified with most about this sorority,” Taneshia Santemore says. “Seeing the powerful leaders and people this sorority is made up of throughout my life, I have always respected them.”

From an economic standpoint, the local chapter partnered with Habitat for Humanity to build a home in the Carrollton area in the 1990’s. “And it still stands — it survived Katrina,” cash advance hixson tn Cannon added.

The organization has continued to play a vital role in regard to the minority business community; through sponsorship of a business marketplace and helping the development of a local Black business directory.

“I am so glad to have been chosen to grow, share empowering stories and learn many tasks from my sisters as we move forward in making an impact in our community,” Santemore added, who became a member of the New Orleans Alumnae Grad Chapter in 2009.

She believes though she didn’t pledge as an undergrad, the experience of become a Delta was just as meaningful.

“I did not pledge in undergrad because I was active on the dance team in college and my major was chemistry, so that took up much of my time,” Santemore, who’s a Forensic Scientist/Criminalist II, said. “I do feel that the college experience is different bad credit loan wa from that of grad chapter, the sisterly bond is still there.”

Through the years, Deltas have been synonymous with not only success, but with leadership in various realms. Of the 350 members of the (NOA) Chapter, many women have served the city in elected and appointed public positions, as prominent educators, and as social and civic leaders. The current National President, Cynthia Butler-McIntyre, is a native. (District 5) State Senator Karen Carter-Petersen, along with former State Legislator Diana Bejoie are also members of Delta Sigma Theta.

“It’s been said Deltas are everywhere, and we are — in many, many areas of our community.” Cottles says.

To purchase tickets or for more information on the 75th anniversary gala, call (504) 218-4813, (504) 782-3569, or (504) 261-5130.

This article originally published in the June 20, 2011 print edition of The Louisiana Weekly newspaper.