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Rocky Mount Alumnae Chapter

of

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

1947-2021
The Rocky Mount Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. was established on April 4, 1947 by
Soror Muriel Johnson, Eastern Regional Director. The original chapter with 21 charter members was
established as Gamma Kappa Sigma because all chapters carried Greek names at that time.

Charter Members Seated: Left to Right: Sorors Gladys W. White, Marguerite C. Armstrong, Muriel Johnson, Regional Director,
Julia Sessoms, Orris Langley. Standing: Left to Right: Sorors Edythe R. Tweedy, Ethelyn Spaulding, Myrtle Lewis, Jennie D.
Taylor, Johnnye Taylor, Elaine Gardner, Peggy Cogdell. Not pictured: Elwyza Daniels, Selina L. Davenport, Nora F. Dowdy,
Edna Biggs-Graves, Beatrice C. Maye, Hildegrade Mutts, Louise A. Penn, Carrie B. Peyton, Adele J. Rogers, Jessica Winslow
From its beginning, the Chapter has been dedicated to a program of community service and committed to
continuous efforts to enhance the world. The chapter holds a life membership in the NAACP and has been the
recipient of several honors and awards in the community for public service, including the Community Organization
Award for Outstanding Achievement in Human Relations, recognition for volunteer work in the Red Cross, the
Mental Health Association, Cancer II Prevention Survey, the State of NC Special Olympic Award for Leadership and
Service, and the 2003 NC Governor’s World AIDS Day Volunteer Appreciation Award in recognition of
Distinguished Community Service in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

On the local level, the Rocky Mount Alumnae Chapter is involved in a number of civic, educational, and social
projects, including, but not limited to: Sickle Cell Anemia, Operation Santa Claus, Boys & Girls Club, Communities in
Schools, Martin Luther King Oratorical Contest, Jabberwock (scholarships awarded total approximately $785,000),
Visions, Inc. (Senior Citizens’ Day Care), United Negro College Fund, Goffney Book Awards, Delta Day at the
State Capitol, Delta Days in the Nation’s Capital, Friends of Braswell Library, Mental Health (Forgotten Patient),
My Sister’s House, Harambee Festival, Golf Tournament, Habitat for Humanity International, Twin County
Educational Foundation, Read-In for Tots, Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, Martin Luther King Unity
Breakfast, Delta Academy, Delta GEMS, EMBODI, Financial Fortitude, North Carolina Special Olympics, United
Community Ministries Shelter, Relay for Life, American Heart Walk, Blood Drive, Salvation Army Bell Ringing,
Scholarship Program, World AIDS Day, and VITA Workshops.