It was a historic day for Dallas, Texas, in 1924 when the Dallas Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority was established. Soror Frederica Chase Dodd, one of the twenty-two Founders, organized the chapter and served as its first president. Along with Soror Dodd, the following sorors will long be remembered as the cornerstones of the chapter: Jessie Pollard, Ruth Mason, Ruby Pollard Reed, Nettie Wycliff, Rowena Wilkins Blackmon, Lillian Thompson, Koletta Jefferson Washington, Marie Starks Burke, Jessie T. Rice, Rezolia Thrash, Doris Tipps, Irene Dobbs Jackson, Deraline Winston McKenzie, Leatrice Porter, Myrtle Saddler, and DeArtis Pryor Purify.
Today, as inheritors of a remarkable legacy of greatness, the Dallas Alumnae Chapter has withstood the test of time and continues to grow tremendously in its membership, which enables the chapter to be in the forefront fulfilling the mission of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. empowering people and making a difference in the Dallas, Texas community.
Dallas Alumnae Chapter Milestones
1924
Founder, Frederica Chase Dodd, led the establishment of the chapter with five members and served as its first president.
1965
Established TASPers to provide an organized program focused on community service, scholarship and leadership development for young women in high school.
1969
First Black organization invited to Join the Women’s Council of Dallas County.
Received Outstanding Community Service Award from The Dallas Morning News for partnership with Dallas Opportunities Industrialization Center, Inc. to provide childcare, books and school supplies for children of OIC enrolled parents.
1970
Established Gems and Jewels to promote learning and enrichment activities for children ages 2-11 years old.
1977
Opened Delta Duds, a repository for new and gently worn clothing and hygiene products for low-income families impacted by the effects of the 1976 federal court order to desegregate Dallas ISD public schools.
1984
Established the Dallas Alumnae Housing Association; precursor of Dodd Education and Support, Inc., a 501(s)3 organization.
1985
As a partner with the I Have a Dream Foundation, provided mentoring and financial support for college scholarships for Black and Hispanic 6th grade students in South and West Dallas. Completed $33,000 pledge to meet the initiative.
1986
Established Career Opportunities Promoting Economic Self-Sufficiency Conference (COPES). The name changed to Teen Town Hall years later.
1995
Built Habitat for Humanity House in Pleasant Grove.
1997
Established Delta Academy, a national initiative to prevent academic failure of young African-American girls (ages 11 – 14 years old) and provide exposure to the benefits of higher education.
1999
Implemented Project ACCESS Computer Program and Dodd Virtual Camp with $10,000 grant from Exxon.
Inaugural Dr. Betty Shabazz Delta Academy Girls Conference funded by $1,250 grant from Target.
2000
“Cultural Competencies for the 21st Century” co-sponsored with Dallas ISD Teen School Board with a $50,000 grant from Lucent Technologies Foundation.
2001
Implemented “Dress for Success” program for Veteran women in partnership with the Dallas Veteran’s Administration Medical Center.
2004
Established Growing and Empowering Myself Successfully (G.E.M.S.), a national program designed to guide young ladies (ages 14 and older) into womanhood with educational support and professional guidance that will teach them how to create opportunities for academic success, enhance their decision making and communication skills, develop their abilities and talents, compete in a global society, and become change agents in the transformation of their communities.
2008
Established Empowering Males to Build Opportunities for Developing Independence (EMBODI), a national program to empower African American males ages 13 – 17 years old to immerse themselves into African and African American culture.
2012
Received commendation from Dallas County Elections for registering more than 650 students.
2013
Gallery presentation honoring the Centennial Anniversary of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Black History Month and Women’s History Month observances hosted by the African American Museum of Dallas.
2017
Ninety-five Acts of Service were provided to communities in Dallas County to commemorate the 95th anniversary of the Chapter’s establishment.
In partnership with Baylor Hospital and Kenya Keep, provided medical supplies and birthing beds for a maternity ward at Mary Help of the Sick Hospital in Africa. Dallas Alumnae Chapter was the recipient of the National Service in Our Hearts Award for outstanding service in the are of International Awareness and Involvement.