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29th Annual Delta Days in The Nation’s Capital
“Power in Our Voices: Delta We Are The Change”

A Brief Overview

March 10-13, 2018

More than one thousand sorors Sunday afternoon was filled with in-
met in Washington, D.C in ear- formative workshops. The workshop
ly March to attend the 29th An- topics focused on subject matter that
nual Delta Days In The Nation’s is high on the list of the organization’s
Capital. National President Social Action agenda. Presenters were
Beverly E. Smith welcomed the subject matter experts from organiza-
attendees in the opening ses- tions such as MomsRising.org, Delta
sion. President Smith remind- Research and Educational Foundation,
ed the attendees that we as an Vote Run Lean and the Baltimore
organization have collective Child Abuse Center. The following
power that is recognized inter- topics were discussed: human traf-
nationally. ficking, sexual assault and domestic
Soror Gwendolyn Boyd provided the charge to follow violence, education and gender and equity pay. The
during the conference. She advised us that there information provided can be used to enhance pro-
would be those that would ask “why are you here?”, in grams currently in place in many chapters.
which we should reply “we are retracing the footsteps The evening was rounded off with Town Hall meetings
of our Founders”. After all, social action was the first moderated by The Honorable Alexis Herma focused on
official act of our Founders and we are merely mirror- party views. Representatives of each of the major po-
ing them. The theme of Soror Boyd’s message was to litical parties were invited to discuss issues such as
be consistent and show up for “everything” and stay pay equity, voting suppression and education. Parties
focused on the issues and not the distractions. represented were as follows: Democratic National

A two-part panel discussion, Ain’t I A Women, fol- Committee, Green Party of the United States, and the
lowed the opening session. The discussion focused on Libertarian National Committee.
issues impacting women—then and now and provided Monday’s sessions included discussions on health
strategies for addressing the issues. Some sugges- and education. Presenters provided information on
tions were to research and understand the issues, fo- medical research and its value in our community as
cus locally, collaborate (strength in numbers) and be well as an update on the Delta Teacher Efficacy Cam-
strategic in planning the action. paign. Sorors was treated to soul stirring speeches
The first day ended with a panel discussion, Black during the Social Action Luncheon by The Honorable
Girl Magic: Black Women Winning Elections. The Cory Booker and the keynote was delivered by Dr,
panelist were The Honorable Muriel Bowser (Mayor of William J. Barber II. Afternoon sessions included
District of Columbia) and The Honorable Catherine workshops on Census 2020, voting rights and GOTV
Pugh (Mayor of Baltimore, MD). The discussion fo- campaign strategies. Before regional caucus sessions
cused on the challenges and victories of being black to prepare for the visit to Capitol Hill, the Past Presi-
female leading major cities, dents served as panelists in a session entitled The
Legacy Continues. During the session, the Past Presi-
Day two began with a beautiful tribute to Soror dents reflected on their journey through Delta. The
Frankie Muse Freeman, the 14th National President. discussion was both inspiring and enlightening.
The Omega Omega Service was filled with precious
memories of all of the sorority’s Past Presidents. A The 29th Annual Delta Days ended on Tuesday after-
powerful message, If You Can Do It, God Can Help noon with visits to members of Congress. The Ala-
(Mark 8:27-32), was delivered by the National Chap- bama delegation visited representatives of Rep. Terri
lain, Soror Vashti McKenzie during the Ecumenical Sewell, Rep. Mo Brooks, Rep. Martha Roby, Sen. Rich-
Service. Soror McKenzie deemed the sorors as the ard Shelby and Sen. Doug Jones.
“Delta Milaje” and reminded us to stay strong, be-
cause there is still plenty of work to do!
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