Chapter History

In the 1970’s, Soror Sujette Ellis realized the organization of a local chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. could play a vital role in the intellectual and cultural development of the Laurinburg- Maxton Area.  Soror Ellis led the way with her foresight and dedicated efforts in the organization of the Laurinburg Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. 

    The Laurinburg Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. was chartered Saturday, February 24, 1979.  Under the leadership and guidance of the 7th South Atlantic Regional Director, Soror Norma Sermon (Boyd), our charter members realized the ultimate goal and dream of having a local chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. to serve the Laurinburg-Maxton area.  In later years, Richmond and Moore Counties were added to the service area.  The charter members dedicated to the ideals and traditions of Delta were:  Sorors Esther Bruce, Mary Carlson*, Sujette Ellis*, Clementine Graham*, Mamie Hoskins*, Reater James, Jeanette Jones, Carlotta Lewis, Anne McNair, Naomi Newton, Patricia Newton, Edith Sawyer*, Valeria “Willa” Stewart (Williamson)*, Helen Carolyn Whittington and Sharon Elaine Wilson.   

    Immediately, Laurinburg Alumnae began to implement programs and projects with the goal of the Sorority's Five Point Programmatic Thrust.  The chapter sponsored their first Jabberwock in 1980 with overwhelming community response and support.  Laurinburg Alumnae presently continues the tradition of raising funds for scholarship for deserving students in our three-county service area.  Other programs and projects have included Funds for Needy Families, Teen Pregnancy Prevention, Domestic Violence Awareness, Voter Awareness, Voter Registration, Habitat for Humanity, Community Health Fairs, Relay for Life, Black History Programs, May Week, Multiple Sclerosis Bike Rides, Read Across America, Support for Africa University, International Day of Service, and the Red and White Scholarship Fundraiser. 

     In 2001, the chapter hosted the 34th Area Founders Day (East) in Hamlet, NC.  In the past we were presented with the Stellar Award, Super Soror Recognition and Participation and Recognition for the "WE WANT YOU BACK" Reclamation Program.  Dr. Norma Sermon Boyd, the 7th South Atlantic regional director, was the guest speaker for the local chapter’s 30th anniversary.  The Chapter has satisfied a multitude of projects like introduce the Delta Gem Program in the 2008-2009 year.  This is a program that will allow our chapter to work with at risk young ladies ages 14-18.  Yearly, we feed the hungry through food drives, clothe the needy through donations, and visit the sick and shut-in, just to name a few.

We have inherited a rich legacy of leadership, excellence and empowerment to respond in our communities to an ever-changing society. The Laurinburg Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. looks forward to the future challenges of our present time, community, and sorority.

* Deceased