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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Delta Sigma Theta Sorority,
Inc., the single largest African-American women’s
organization in the country, will convene in New
Orleans, La. July 29 – August 4, 2010. Over 16,000
women representing more than 900 chapters in the
United States, the Bahamas, Bermuda, Germany,
Jamaica, Japan, the Republic of Korea and the U.S.
Virgin Islands are expected to attend.
The
guiding theme for the organization’s biennial
National Convention is “Delta Sigma Theta - A
Sisterhood Called to Serve: Transforming Lives,
Impacting Communities.” Delta Sigma Theta Sorority
will use this opportunity to address issues
related to the socioeconomic conditions impacting
communities across the globe, especially the
African diaspora. The 97-year-old public service
organization will also continue its legacy of
promoting political awareness and involvement
through voter education, advocacy for health care
reform and equal educational opportunities. During
the 50th National Convention, delegates will also
address physical and mental health challenges that
continue to plague children and adults worldwide.
“The members of Delta Sigma Theta are deeply
committed to uplifting and empowering their
communities through hands-on service initiatives,”
said Cynthia M. A. Butler-McIntyre, National
President of the public service Sorority and a New
Orleans native. “Deltas willingly use their time,
talents and treasures to transform lives and
impact communities on a daily basis.”
As
thousands of members gather in New Orleans to
conduct the business of the Sorority five years
after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina,
Butler-McIntyre has ensured that Delta Sigma Theta
remains in the forefront of recovery efforts by
organizing IMPACT Day. On Friday, July 30, members
of the Sorority are invited to participate in 22
service projects, held in honor of Delta’s 22
Founders. The service projects will benefit local
non-profit organizations throughout the city of
New Orleans.
“Delta Sigma Theta has
remained committed to supporting the city of New
Orleans in post-Katrina recovery efforts since the
very beginning,” said Butler-McIntyre. “Through
financial contributions, donations, rebuilding
houses and opening up our homes to our Delta
sisters who lost everything in the storm, Delta
Sigma Theta has demonstrated our commitment to
rebuilding the great city of New Orleans. IMPACT
Day is just one more way that we hope to impact
the communities of New Orleans.”
The public may participate in the open events being
held during the convention, including:
- Step Show hosted by comedian and actor Bill
Bellamy on Saturday, July 31 at 8:30 p.m.
($45/ticket)
- Ecumenical Worship Service on Sunday,
August 1 at 9:00 a.m. (No admission charge)
- Public Meeting on Sunday, August 1 at
5:00 p.m. (No admission charge)
- Gospel Concert featuring Grammy Award
winning recording artists Smokie Norful and Mary
Mary on Sunday, August 1 at 8:30 p.m. ($45/ticket)
- Social Action Luncheon on Monday, August
2 at 1:00 p.m. ($60/ticket)
- Signature Gala featuring ten-time Grammy
Award winner Chaka Khan and Grammy-nominated
singer Charlie Wilson on Monday, August 2 at 8:30
p.m. ($65/ticket)
Most events will be held at the Ernest N. Morial
Convention Center. Tickets can be purchased at the
Ticket
Sales area in the convention center
beginning Thursday, July 29 at 9 a.m.
***
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. was founded in
1913 on the campus of Howard University to promote
academic excellence; to provide scholarships; to
provide support to the underserved; to educate and
stimulate participation in the establishment of
positive public policy; and to highlight issues and
provide solutions for problems in communities. Today,
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority has more than 900 chapters
worldwide and has initiated over 250,000 members. The
Sorority uses its Five-Point Programmatic Thrust of
economic development, educational development,
international awareness and involvement, physical and
mental health, and political awareness and involvement
to create its national programs.
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