I Love My DST

J13 will always hold a special place in my heart! It's Founders' Day!

I first learned about Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated way back around the year 2000 when I participated in Delta Academy through the Marietta-Roswell Alumnae Chapter in Georgia. The seed was planted and on April 6, 2013, with 22 amazing line sisters, I joined the sorority through the Xhilarating Xi Beta Chapter at Winthrop University. Our line is the 24 Amendments of the UnDiSpuTed Testimony, and my line name is True Virtue.

My line sisters and I have shared so many memories over the last 8 years! From DELTAversary trips to Charleston and Asheville, to cruising our way to the Bahamas, to supporting one another through nuptials, motherhood, new jobs, out-of-state moves, bereavements, and so much more. In my opinion, that's the best part about being in a sorority like Delta Sigma Theta - our willingness to be there for one another for years on end.

Each of my line sisters is unique, compassionate, hard-working and genuine. Whew! I'm proud of them and I'm excited to see all of the abundance God will grace them with during the years ahead! These ladies are some of the strongest overcomers I know!

I'm very fortunate to share this bond and love for our sorority with friends and family! My cousin, Rhonda, and my first mom-mentor, Deidre (whom I still call Ma Richburg), were my first glimpse into Delta Sigma Theta as a young adult. I consider these two ladies to be voices of reason. They've both seen me through significant life events and I'm grateful for them! Ma Richburg pinned me at my sorority pinning ceremony and Rhonda was already in town, waiting for us to join her for lunch right after.

Without Rhonda, Deidre, and my mentor, Dr. Kimberly P. Johnson, I don't think I would have had the opportunity to pledge. Dr. Johnson and I met the summer before I joined the sorority. I had been volunteering with her and she encouraged me to apply. She has continued to be a strong influence in my life over the last ten years. Seeing her join our illustrious sorority through our local graduate chapter was amazing! I could sit in the Delta Room or the Delta Garden at doctor-preacher-teacher-soror-mom's house for hours!

One of the most profound moments I experienced as an undergraduate member of Delta Sigma Theta had to be the moment I met Soror Joan Trumpauer Mulholland, civil rights activist and Freedom Rider. She came to Winthrop to discuss her life experiences. She spoke with such passion and it was clear to understand how dedicated she had been to the mission at hand. As I write this, she is 80 years old. I can only imagine all that she's seen during her lifetime.

This J13, I'm reflecting on just how incredibly blessed we are to experience life's changes together and to learn from each other along the way. Delta Sigma Theta is a strong connection between strong women. I'm grateful for this network of like-minded women!

Happy Founders' Day Sorors!