Bexar Area Alumnae Chapter
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated is a private, not-for-profit organization whose purpose is to provide assistance and support through established programs in local communities throughout the world. The sorority currently has more than 350,000 initiated members and over 1,050 collegiate and alumni chartered chapters located in the United States, Canada, Japan, Germany, the US Virgin Islands, Bermuda, the Bahamas, Jamaica, West Africa, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates, and the Republic of Korea.
History
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated was founded on January 13, 1913, by 22 collegiate women at Howard University to promote academic excellence and provide assistance to those in need. The Founders of Delta Sigma Theta envisioned an organization committed to sisterhood, scholarship, service, and addressing the social issues of the time. Since its founding, Delta Sigma Theta has become one of the preeminent service-based sororities, with more than 350,000 initiated members and over 1,050 chartered chapters worldwide.
As a sisterhood comprised primarily of Black, college-educated women, the Sorority seriously considers the issues impacting the Black community and boldly confronts the challenges of African Americans and, hence, all Americans. Over the years, a wide range of programs addressing education, health, international development, and the strengthening of African American families have evolved. The major programs of the Sorority are based upon the Five-Point Programmatic Thrust: economic development, educational development, international awareness and involvement, physical and mental health, and political awareness and involvement.
Bexar Area Alumnae Chapter
On April 12, 2014, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated chartered its 1031st Chapter. The charter members proudly signed the charter, which is now archived at the Grand Chapter headquarters of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated in Washington, D.C. These valiant and prescient women, led by trailblazer Syble Robertson Johnson, met and discussed the possibility of expanding their community-based work, with specific emphasis given to supporting the sorority's Five-Point Programmatic Thrust. These women understood and realized this would not be an easy task. To gain recognition as a viable new Chapter, it would require stamina, endurance, fortitude, dedication, and love for the organization. They realized membership in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is truly a lifetime commitment.
The 25th National President, Paulette Walker granted the approval to charter the Chapter under the leadership of the Southwest Regional Director, Mae Frances Rowlett. Indeed, the journey of more than three years toward becoming the second Chapter located in Bexar County, Texas had come to fruition for the twenty-eight charter members. Bexar Area Alumnae Chapter was named by Beverly E. Smith, National 1st Vice President, who also served as the 26th National President. The Chapter proudly serves and supports: Cibolo, Converse, Garden Ridge, Helotes, Kirby, Live Oak, Schertz, Universal City, Windcrest, Comal County, Guadalupe County, Selma, and Bexar County (excluding the City of San Antonio).
The goal of Bexar Area Alumnae Chapter is to positively impact our service areas by implementing educational and economic development initiatives; engaging in political awareness involvement and social action pursuits; participating in international awareness and involvement events; and focusing on the improvement of physical and mental health.
The Bexar Area Alumnae Chapter was officially established during a weekend of memorable events. The Schertz Community Center, Schertz, TX was the venue for the chartering of Bexar Area Alumnae Chapter, where Regional Director Rowlett was the officiating officer. Members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. gathered from near and far with representatives from various chapters that included San Antonio Alumnae, Austin Alumnae, and Houston Alumnae, along with the mayor of Live Oak, Texas, the Honorable Mary Dennis–a longtime BAAC supporter and friend. Members of the Pan-Hellenic Council were also present to congratulate the new chapter.
Charter Members
Kia Bailey
Yvonne Turnbull-Campbell
Elizabeth Carter
Nikita Carter
Sayaunda Casey
Sherrilynne Cherry
Arianne Evans
Melinda Eddington
Zelda Felder
Ivory Grant
Lailah Guice
Tanisha Hall
Syble R. Johnson
Joie Jolivette
Jennifer Hervey-Jones
Barbara Knotts
Nicole Marrow
Jasmine Merritt
Paula Miles
Linda Miller*
Renee Moore
Toi Moore
Yolanda Phillips
Glenda Pope
Lory Pope
Mercedes Ramcharan
Denise Saddler
Joyce Williams
*denotes deceased
2024-2026 Chapter Leadership
Our Programs
Economic Development
BAAC focuses on promoting financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and economic development through programs like financial planning workshops and support for small businesses.
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Educational Development
BAAC employs initiatives aimed at improving educational opportunities for youth, such as the Dr. Betty Shabazz Delta Academy and Delta GEMS programs.
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International Awareness & Involvement
BAAC addresses global issues and builds connections with communities abroad, for example, through donations to overseas schools and hospitals, and awareness of global health.
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Physical & Mental Health
BAAC works to improve the physical and mental well-being of communities by raising awareness and promoting healthy behaviors, including programs like the Red S.H.O.E. Challenge.
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Political Awareness & Involvement
BAAC encourages civic participation through voter education, registration drives, and advocacy, all inspired by the sorority's first public act of service as a participant in the 1913 Women's Suffrage March.
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