Page 4 - New Bern Alumnae History-63 Years 8-1-16

The History of New Bern Alumnae Chapter

In celebration of this auspicious occasion, the newly formed chapter hosted a coffee hour and luncheon
for visiting sorors at the home of Soror Donaldson. Later, Nu Alpha Chapter of Omega Psi Phi
Fraternity, Incorporated hosted a cocktail hour to welcome the new chapter members. Other area Greek-
letter organizations extended best wishes.

Delta Chi Sigma was the first Greek-letter chapter organized in Craven County. The members of Alpha
Kappa Alpha, Zeta Phi Beta, Omega Psi Phi, Alpha Phi Alpha, and Sigma Gamma Rho were each
affiliated with area chapters. Delta Chi Sigma went on to participate in the chartering ceremonies for
Wilson, Greenville, and Kinston Alumnae Chapters. At this time, membership on predominantly white
college campuses was limited to organizations in the National Pan Hellenic Council. The chapter name
was changed to New Bern Alumnae in 1958, following Grand Chapter=s mandate to meet these
membership requirements and address the increased integrated college population. At that time, Delta
Sigma Theta was the only African-American organization to join this council.

Shortly after it was chartered, the chapter enlisted the services of Mr. Green, the
Industrial Arts teacher in Jones County Schools, to make an insignia. Totally
constructed and wired by hand, this insignia remains in use today.

THE PATHWAY: 1954 to 2016

AThey were smart, articulate and well-read,
All kinds of Black history were stored in their heads.

Jugglers of professions, managers of lives,
Mothers of children, lovers and wives.

Good-hearted, always reaching out to others,
Giving back to the community, supporting our brothers.

All of the sisters struggled the path,
Suffered from prejudices, endured the wrath.
But brushed off their dresses and pushed on the door,
And came back stronger than ever before.@1

ACTIVITIES

Jabberwocks

The first Jabberwock was held in 1954 in Eagan Hall at St. Joseph=s Catholic Church in New Bern. The
theme was AMusic Fills the Air.@ The program featured nine skits, four solos, and one dance group.
Other notable Jabberwocks included features such as Murial Rahn, a soprano; Novella Nelson, a poetic
jazz artist; the Broadway play ASee How They Run;@ the Dinizulu African Dancers; the Shaw University
Players; Fayetteville State University=s Drama Guild; and the Smith Sixteen, a high school group from
E.E. Smith High School in Fayetteville, North Carolina. From 1954 through 1964, the Jabberwock was
held yearly.

1AA Room Full of Sisters@ by Mona Blake-Jones

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