National History

On January 13, 1913 on the campus of Howard University twenty-two young, scholarly, and ambitious black women founded what has today become the largest Black Greek Letter Organization for African American women.  These young women wanted to use their collective strength to promote academic excellence and to provide assistance to persons in need.  Our founders were interested in establishing an organization committed to the promotion of high cultural, intellectual, and moral standards among its members for its own benefits as well as for that of the larger society in which it existed.

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority is dedicated to the ideals of Sisterhood, Scholarship and Public Service. In accordance with these ideals, Delta has established a long and glorious history of educational, cultural, political, and social service in the public's interest. To further its public service goals, Delta Sigma Theta operates under a Five Point Program Thrust:

Delta Sigma Theta's Five-Point Thrust

Economic Development

Educational Development

International Awareness & Involvement

Physical & Mental Health

Political Awareness & Involvement

On January 20, 1930, Delta Sigma Theta was incorporated as a national organization. Today there are over 200,000 members and over 900 chapters in the United States and in the Republics of Haiti, Liberia, the Virgin Islands, the Caribbean, Germany, Japan, Korea, and the Panama Canal.