July 4, 2026 - July 10, 2026 The Afro-American A11
With love from Baltimore: Appreciation reception honors Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie By Deborah Peaks Coleman The Baltimore community presented “With love from Baltimore: An Appreciation Reception” honoring Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie on the occasion of her 40th Anniversary as national chaplain of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (DST). The Ruby Celebration of Service was held on May 31 in downtown Baltimore with guests including sorority members, representatives of the faith community, business sector and community organizations. Bishop McKenzie, a native of Baltimore, served as the national spiritual leader from 1985 until 2025 and now holds the distinction of being National Chaplain Emerita. During the appreciation
reception, tributes were presented by family, faith leaders and national Delta Leaders. Members of the faith community saluting Bishop McKenzie were Apostle Leah White, founder of Sisters in Ministry International; Bishop Dwayne C. Debnam, Senior Pastor and Dr. Carla Debnam, First Lady of Morning Star Baptist Church; and Bishop John R. Bryant, retired bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Past National President Dr. Thelma T. Daley, served as honorary chairperson of the event and presented greetings; Rev. Dr. Frances “Toni” Draper, publisher and CEO of AFRO News, presented a tribute on behalf of the Murphy Family. Applauding Bishop McKenzie from the
national leadership of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. were past national presidents Rev. Dr. Gwendolyn E. Boyd and Elsie Cooke-Holmes, Eastern Regional Director Dr. Marie Durandisse Pressley, and the International President and CEO Cheryl W. Turner. The first woman to be elected bishop in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, Bishop McKenzie is now a retired bishop who holds another key leadership position; she is the president and general secretary of the National Council of Churches. All photos courtesy of LaTonia Sanders
Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie gives remarks at her Ruby Celebration of Service.
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Past National President Dr. Thelma T. Daley, addresses the audience.
The Murphy Family poses for a photo: On front row, from left to right: Lyric Hamilton; Rachael Humphrey; Jeannelle Perkins; Christina Hamilton and Susan Barnes. On back row, from left to right, Andrea Evans; Joi-Marie Lewis; Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie; Dr. Frances “Toni” Draper and Qiana Gabriel. All are direct descendants of Delta Founder Vashti Turley Murphy.
International President and CEO of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Cheryl W. Turner, salutes the honoree.
National Delta leaders offer applause for Bishop McKenzie; National Secretary Wendy J. Johnson (left), Eastern Regional Director Dr. Marie Durandisse Pressley, 28th National President Elsie Cooke-Holmes, the honoree, National First Vice President Rosie Allen Herring, 16th National President Dr. Thelma T. Daley, 22nd National President Rev. Dr. Gwendolyn E. Boyd.
Rev. Sheila Claiborne (left), of Greater Faith Baptist Church, and Joi Marie Murphy McKenzie Lewis, daughter of Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, share a moment.
Kendall Isadore performs along with other members of The Sister Band. Not shown here, Candra Rutledge on bass, Kim Jordan on keys and Dr. Nicole Hale on drums.
Alumnae Chapter Presidents of Baltimore present artwork, entitled “Undaunted” by Kathi Earle Ross, M.D., as appreciation gift to the honoree. The work “Undaunted” commemorates the Delta Founders participation in the historic Suffrage March of 1913. Shown here, Lisa Dagnatchew (left) (Baltimore County Alumnae) and Geraldine E. Finch (Baltimore Alumnae).
Bishop John R. Bryant, regarded as Bishop McKenzie’s father in ministry, gives a tribute to the honoree.