Roanoke Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. was the host chapter for the 2015 Western Virginia Cluster Founders Day on Saturday, March 21, at the Holiday Inn, Ordway Drive. Chapters from the western area of the state in attendance were: Alumnae Chapters: Blacksburg, Charlottesville, Danville, Farmville, Lynchburg and Martinsville; along with collegiate chapters: Kappa Rho and Tau Omega as the collegiate host chapter. There were over one hundred and sixty Deltas present as they honored and celebrated the twenty-two Founders from Howard University who courageously founded this international sorority 102 years ago.
Guest speaker was Honorary Member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Daphne Maxwell Reid, best known as Aunt Vivian from the hit comedy, “The Fresh Prince of Bel Air.” An avid photographer of doors from across the world delivered a tremendous Founders Day Address. Mrs. Daphne Reid is the wife of actor, comedian, producer and star of “Sister, Sister” Tim Reid. She has completed the printing of her collections of the “DOORS” of Italy and Cape Verde in her second book of FRESH PRINTS.
The Honorable John Edwards, Virginia State Senator, 21st District; The Honorable Sherman Lea, Sr., member of the Roanoke City Council, gave greetings and members of the Divine 9 – Dr. Pink Wimbish and Gregory House of Kappa Alpha Psi; William Calloway of Alpha Phi Alpha; Pam Edwards of Alpha Kappa Alpha; Jean Barnes of Zeta Phi Beta and Taniya Jones of Sigma Gamma Rho made a supportive presence.
Delta Choir, directed by Carolyn Patterson, made impressive performances and delighted the attendees with three selections. Door prizes and recognition was given to the chapters at this annual event.
May 2014, the Roanoke Alumnae Chapter celebrated the 75th Anniversary of its charter with a formal anniversary event, “A Diamond Engagement” acknowledging its continuous service to the Roanoke community through charitable work and public service programs. On Friday, May 1, 2015 the annual “Miss Jabberwock” production, the chapter’s major fundraiser for the annual scholarship program, will be held at the Jefferson Center featuring six excited contestants, escorts and former production participants.
The Founders Day event was chaired by Trish White-Boyd, Dorothy Johnson, and Honorary Chair, Shirley White. Diane Jones, chapter president.
