The Little Rock Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. celebrated the 106th anniversary of the sorority's founding a day early with a Jan. 12 banquet in the William Grant Still ballroom of Robinson Center.
"Inspiring Dreams to Ignite the Community" was the theme of the event, which was open to non-Deltas. Event co-chairs were Pamala Himon and Roxie Browning.
Deltas turned out in red as a nod to the sorority colors of crimson and cream and took festive selfies in the lobby before the luncheon began. Jannie Cotton greeted guests and kicked off a program during which members of the Little Rock Alumnae Arts and Letters sang a sorority-specific version of the Ben E. King hit "Stand By Me" and Rodney Block provided musical entertainment via his trumpet.
Providing words of inspiration was guest speaker Lakitsia Gaines, a philanthropist, member of the sorority's Miami Alumnae Chapter in Florida and owner of State Farm insurance agencies in Miami and Halladale Beach, Fla.
The luncheon also included a number of awards, the most prominent of which is Delta of the Year. Tamika Edwards was presented with the award by 2018 winner Lottie Shackelford. Pamela Lewis was presented with the Spirit of Delta Award by 2018 winner Karen Lovelace.
Morlin McCoy was named Delta D.E.A.R. of the Year. Delta D.E.A.R.S. (Dedicated Energetic Active Respected Sorors) are members of Delta Sigma Theta's sisterhood age 62 and over. Awards were also given to Deltas who'd excelled in the areas addressed by the sorority's Five-Point Programmatic Thrust: Cynthia Booker, economic development; LaTonya Laird Austin, political awareness and involvement; Ella Walker Rolfe and Earlean Williams, international awareness and involvement; Sandra Ledbetter, educational development; and Ashley King, physical and mental health.
Delta Sigma Theta was founded by 22 young women on Jan. 13, 1913, at Howard University in Washington.
High Profile on 01/27/2019