Our Voice

“RCA Is Who We Are; Social Action Is What We Do.

”The Richland County Alumnae Chapter (RCA) of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, Social Action Committee, put its motto into action on Saturday, August 8, 2020, when we opened our Delta Year with the More Than A Count SC 2020 Census Campaign Virtual Day Party. The Party aired on Facebook live from 11 AM to 1 PM and was filled with music and vital information about the 2020 Census.

The party was made possible by a Community Group Census mini-grant from the SC Grantmaker’s Network and the United Way Association of South Carolina. The Fortitude Foundation, Inc., in partnership with the RCA Social Action Committee, was awarded $1,000. The award was used to encourage people living in undercounted areas to complete the 2020 Census. The Social Action Committee and the Fortitude Foundation had three (3) goals for the use of the grant award: 1) to inform the communities about the 2020 Census, 2) to help families to complete the Census online, and 3) to dispel myths and fears about the Census. We targeted two low-count populations: children under the age of five, and households with no computer or limited internet access, living in the West Columbia, South Carolina neighborhoods situated in the 29169-zip code. Due to the COVID-19

Pandemic, a strategic plan was devised to provide an innovative way to use the grant award, thus the birth of the virtual day party idea. During the Census Party, the RCA Social Action Committee and the Fortitude Foundation partied with a purpose. The party was hosted by Tonisha Jacobs, also known as Shejay T.O., who provided the infotainment, by deejaying and enthusiastically encouraging viewers to complete the Census. Shejay T.O. shared vital Census information, conveyed the importance of the Census, dispelled myths, gave the three ways to complete the Census. Pertinent information was shared all while viewers were able to clap their hands, dance, and enjoy good music in the comfort and safety of their homes. Overall, the party was a success and only a foreshadowing of the great things to come from the Committee in this Delta Year.