RAC Pass the Torch 2024-2025 by RichmondAlumnaeChapterDST

Chapter History 1937 ~ 1942 ~ 1958

The Richmond Alumnae Chapter traces its history back to December 4, 1937, when the first formal meeting of the Beta Epsilon Chapter was held at the home of Grace Hughes. The chapter engaged in many community projects and sponsored its first Jabberwock in March 1938.

On November 15, 1941, members voted in favor of the Regional Director’s decision to form separate graduate and undergraduate chapters. In 1942, the chapter was officially divided into the Beta Epsilon, the undergraduate chapter, and Beta Theta Sigma, the graduate chapter. In 1958, the graduate chapter's name was changed to Richmond Alumnae to comply with the Grand Chapter ruling.

Richmond Alumnae Chapter is a part of Delta Sigma Theta’s Sorority, Inc., South Atlantic Region.

Charter Members:

Virginia Asbury

Annie Brown

Leola Cephas

Aldena Davis

Grace Hughes

Alice Jackson

Clara Jackson

Helen Jackson

Lois Jackson

Theresa Jackson

Sylvia Jennings

Mary Elisabeth Johnson

Pearl Juette Johnson

Edith Lattimore

Ruth McGuinn

Beluah Milton

Alice Reid

Theresa Sublett

Helena Walker

Phila White

Hilda Yates

Zemoria Wood

South Atlantic

OMEGA OMEGA CHAPTER

LAVERNESPURLOCK 1958-1960

HATTIEM.MORTON 1960-1962

RUBYMITCHELL 1962-1964

JOANBARNESMONTGOMERY 1964-1965

CAROLYNMOSBY 1965-1968

JACQUELYNTHOMAS 1968-1972

KATIED.WATKINS 1972-1976

PHYLLISBOOTH 1976-1978

MARGARETDUNGEE 1978-1980

THELMAPETTIS 1980-1983

ANNETTEWARD 1983-1986

IRISKING 1986-1988

FRANCINEYOUNG 1988-1990

THELMAPETTIS 1990-1994

MAMIEBROWN 1994-1998

PHYLLISBOOTH 1998-2000

ESTELLARANDOLPH 2000-2004

GALEJONES 2004-2008

MILDREDBARDEN 2008-2012

ANNAGEE 2012-2016

CONNIECUFFEE 2016-2020

VANESSAEVANS 2020-2024

President’s Message

Dear Sorors,

It brings me great joy to present this year’s edition of Pass the Torch, a reflection of our chapter’s commitment, innovation, and impact throughout the 2024–2025 sorority year.Within these pages, you will find the stories, programs, and achievements that define who we are as members of Richmond Alumnae Chapter—bold, purpose-driven women who continue to show up and serve with heart.

This publication highlights the power of what we can do together—through thoughtful programs, handson service, and the genuine sisterhood that keeps our chapter connected and moving forward. Each page is filled with examples of how we have embraced this year’s call to Dig in for Delta, deepening our engagement and strengthening our presence in the community.

I extend sincere appreciation to the Information and Communications/Public Relations Committee, led by Sorors Brittany Blanks and Alexis Stevens, for their vision and leadership. Special thanks to Soror Carolyn Chambers, who chaired the Pass the Torch Subcommittee and ensured this edition captured the essence of our chapter’s journey. Their efforts have created a lasting record that honors both our legacy and our future.

To every Soror who contributed time, creativity, and care to the programs and initiatives highlighted here—Thank you.Your dedication shines through in every effort. Let this publication not only remind us of what we have achieved but also energize us for the work ahead as we continue to uplift, empower, and Dig in Deeper for Delta. Yours in Delta,

Bernita A.Williams

President, Richmond Alumnae Chapter Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Elected Officers & Appointed Positions 2024-2025

First Row: Katrina Cheatham, Stephanie Shepard, LaTisha Jenkins, Vanessa Evans, Anita Roane, Bernita Williams, Kimberly Dabney, Tia Murphy, Tonza Exum, Karla Peters, Barrhonda White

Second Row: Leslie Lewis, Janell Baker, Jasmine McKinney, Kimberlyn Robinson, Carolyn Johnson, Satara Woodson, Dionne Ward, Shayla Brown-Holman, Alexis Stevens, Stephanie Miller

Third Row: Nikki Deveaux, Cynthia Simpson, Ajaya Mitchell, Tawana Ferguson, Brittany Blanks, Keisha Barnes, Pamela Knight, Kimberly Elliott, Destiny Davis

First Row: Sorors Latisha Jenkins, Vanessa Evans. Anita Roane, Bernita Williams, Kimberly Dabney, Tia Murphy, Tonza Exum

Second Row: Kimberly Elliott, Stephanie Shepard, Katrina Cheatham, Leslie Lewis, Janell Baker, Jasmine McKinney, Barrhonda White, Karla Peters

ATTENTION, ATTENTION!!

Sergeant at Arms and her team help to keep our Chapter Meeting running smoothly. Sign-up sheets, envelopes, baskets, etc. are distributed quietly causing no delay or disruption during the meeting. THANK YOU!!

Sorors Pamela Knight, Melanie Porter, Kisha Christian - Lead, Talya Brown, & Nikki Deveaux.

Not pictured - Sorors Joey West, Carolyn Gray, Kimberly Wilkerson, Sonya Wiggins, Lisa Robertson, & Kenya Batts.

RICHMOND ALUMNAE CHAPTER

President

Bernita Williams

First Vice President, Scholarship

Anita Roane

Second Vice President, Membership Services

Kimberly Dabney

Third Vice President, Program Planning & Development

Tia Murphy

Recording Secretary

Karen Pettis-Walden

Assistant Recording Secretary

Jasmine McKinney

Corresponding Secretary

Leslie Lewis

Assistant Corresponding Secretary

Victoria Corprew

Treasurer

Latisha Jenkins

Assistant Treasurer

Stephanie Shepard

Financial Secretary

Tonza Exum

Assistant Financial Secretary

Karla Peters

Barrhonda White

Chair, Internal Audit

Kaya Washington

Chair, Budget & Finance

Katrina Cheathem

Member, Budget & Finance

Kimberly Elliott

Monica Brinkley Davis

Chair, Nominating Committee

Connie Cuffee

Member, Nominating Committee

Janell Baker, Laverne Burrus-Johnson,

Sabrina Meade-Skipper, Beverly Walker

Chaplain

Takeisha Brown

Assistant Chaplain

Carla Jackson

Parliamentarian

Valerie Jones

Sergeant-At-Arms

Kisha Christian

Custodian

Dunhree Davis

Historian

Kimberlyn Robinson

Risk Management Coordinator

Tia Murphy

Immediate Past President

Vanessa Evans

RICHMOND ALUMNAE CHAPTER

Economic Development

Tracie Daniels

Educational Development

Dionne Ward & DecardraJackson

International Awareness and Involvement

Jacquelin Whitaker-Miller

Physical and Mental Health

Charlene Hinton-Watts & Stephanie Ruffin

Social Action

Valena Dixon & Liz Hayes-Mackey

Adopt -A-Street

Sandee Smith

Art and Letters

Tawana Ferguson

Delta Academy

Shayla Brown-Holeman

Delta GEMS

Destiny Davis

Elections

Danielle Stokes

Emergency Response Team

Pamela Knight

Fundraising

Nikki DeVeaux

Budget & Finance

Katrina Cheatham

Heritage & Archives

Kimberlyn Robinson

Hospitality

Cynthia Simpson

Jabberwock

Donna Blanks

Leadership Development

Danielle Stokes

May Month

Satara Graham Woodson

Membership Services

Kimberly Dabney

Minerva

Taylor Roane

Policies and Procedures

Carolyn Johnson

Black Women Lead - Grow With Google

Ashlie Watts

RICHMOND ALUMNAE CHAPTER

Program Planning and Development & Charitable Partnerships

Tia Murphy

Carolyn Gray

Renee Fleming Mills

Kaylah Hurst

Protocol and Traditions

Stephanie Miller

Public Relations

Brittney Blanks

Alexis Stevens

Risk Management

Tia Murphy

Ritual and Ceremonies

Keisha Barnes Scholarship

Anita Roane

Step Team

Christine Bates Strategic Planning

Joey West Technology

Patrice Wilson

AUGUST 14,

Richmond Alumnae Chapter Committee Chairs

Economic Development

Tracie Daniels

Educational Development

Dionne Ward & Decardra Jackson

International Awareness and Involvement

Jacquelin Whitaker-Miller

Physical and Mental Health

Charlene Hinton-Watts & Stephanie Ruffin

Social Action

Valena Dixon & Liz Hayes-Mackey

On Saturday, February 8th the Economic Development Committee hosted a free workshop for the public entitled Building Your Future: Credit, Cash, & Commitment. A panel of local guest speakers educated attendees on a variety of topics including: understanding your credit score, the home ownership process, wealth building, and the importance of saving.

First day of school welcoming & cheering students at Oak Grove-Bellemeade Elementary School J l 22 2024

READ ACROSS AMERICA DAY 2025

“Create & celebrate a nation of diverse readers”

This year, the chapter and community members supported 6 elementary schools: Dumbarton, Southampton, Ratcliffe, Miles Jones, Chimborazo, and Bellevue. Community members reading to students is important because it fosters a love of reading, enhances literacy skills, and strengthens the connection between the school and the wider community. It also provides students with diverse perspectives and role models, promoting inclusivity and a sense of belonging.

Recognizing that reading is one of the doorways to incalculable proficiencies and possibilities, and understanding that it positions children on the track to a life of success and discovery, the READ ACROSS AMERICA committee continues to be proud to support this program annually

Educational Development

PROJECT

ACT (Advocating for College Today)

The Educational Committee, in partnership with the University of Richmond, supported students from Franklin Military Academy with a tour of the campus and a delicious lunch. Visiting a campus is crucial for prospective students, as it provides a firsthand experience that can significantly impact their college decision. It allows them to interact with students and faculty and gain insights into academic programs and campus life that brochures and websites cannot fully convey.

Hat, Glove, & Sock Drive

Throughout the months of November and December 2024, the Educational Development Committee solicited chapter and community members to donate hats, gloves, and socks for children attending Fairfield Elementary School

We all know how important it is for children in our local community to stay warm & bundled up during the cold winter months.

JOINT DAY OF SERVICE

Richmond Alumnae Chapter and the Educational Development Committee supported Martin Luther King, Jr. Middle School with assorted snacks. Supporting schools with snacks is crucial for student well-being and academic success. Healthy snacks provide essential nutrients, manage hunger, and can improve focus and concentration in the classroom. Additionally, providing snacks can help address food insecurity, ensuring all students have access to adequate nutrition to learn effectively.

RAC Deltas READ (Ready to Educate All Who Desire)

Sorors continued to work with RPS students to teach Black history facts to primarily middle and high school students, including: individual contributions to American history and the world; facts and timelines from 1619 to the present; and the significance of the Civil Rights movement of the mid-20th century. The classroom lectures culminated with a field trip to the Robert Russa Moton Museum in Farmville, Virginia, birthplace of the student-led Civil Rights Movement.

DSTnations in 90 version 2.0

The International Awareness Committee hosted the 2 annual DSTnations 2.0 on nd April 5 at the Peter Paul Development Center. th

in 90 version 2.0

BIRTHING KIT DONATIONS

On September 27, 2024 several members of the International Awareness & Involvement Committee partnered with Altrusa to assemble newborn birthing kits.

Donations from RAC members allowed the committee to pack over 200 kits that will benefit mothers and their newborns in the country of Malawi.

The Beat of My Heart dance workout class was planned to give Sorors a fun & engaging opportunity to MOVE & get fit.

Thank You DNA Fitness

VOTER REGISTRATION AT J. SARGEANT REYNOLDS

COMMUNITY COLLEGE OPEN HOUSE

AUGUST 28, 2024

Political Awareness & Involvement

National High School Voter Registration Week September 23 - 27, 2024

We are SOCIAL ACTION! National High School Voter Registration Week was incredibly successful for the Social Action Committee. The committee members consistently work very hard to mobilize, plan with community partners, & engage with young people throughout RVA to educate them about the importance of VOTING! One-hundred and thirty-four new applications from three area high schools.

DELTA DAYS AT THE VIRGINIA GENERAL ASSEMBLY - DAY 1 JANUARY 11, 2025

DELTA DAYS AT THE VIRGINIA GENERAL ASSEMBLY - DAY 2 JANUARY 27, 2025

DELTA DAYS AT THE NATION’S CAPITAL MARCH 22-24, 2025

“DEFENDING OUR RIGHTS, ADVOCATING FOR JUSTICE”

2025 DELTA DAYS AT THE NATION’S CAPITAL

THE ANNUAL CELEBRATION OF THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF DR. DOROTHY I. HEIGHT MARCH 27, 2025

VUU students participated by selecting a Dr. Height quote and explaining what it meant to them.

SOROR DORIS BEY IS SHOWN WITH DR. HEIGHT’S NEPHEW JEFFREY RANDLPH AND HIS WIFE SHELBY.

MRS. MARY MICKLE, A PAST PRESIDENT OF NCNW, IS PICTURED WITH SOROR CAROLYN CHAMBERS. MRS. MICKLE WAS A VERY GOOD FRIEND OF DR. HEIGHT.

CELEBRATING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF DR. DOROTHY I. HEIGHT

Richmond Alumnae Chapter COMMITTEES

The Adopt-A-Street Committee contributes to the Richmond City Clean Street Commission on the second Saturday of each month. They meet in front of the Black History Museum of Virginia and they clean a five block area around the museum. Brother Gary Flowers is the unofficial “Mayor of Jackson Ward.” He is always delighted to see the consistent committment of the Richmond Alumnae Chapter.

The Adopt-A-Street Committee consistently strives towards beautifying our historic Jackson Ward neighborhood.

34TH ANNUAL L. RITA DAVIS ORATORICAL CONTEST

The yearly Oratorical Contest is an annual event that provides a platform for young people to hone their public speaking skills and compete for awards and special recognition. In addition to this event, the committee continues to encourage community awareness of the arts and foster artistic development through various programs and initiatives. Supporting authors, theatrical productions, and other performing arts events, and partnering with local organizations to promote arts education and appreciation are just some of the activities promoted this year.

Soror L. Rita Davis

Harlem Rhapsody Book Discussion

On Saturday, June 28

Henrico County Public Library hosted a book discussion & signing with th nationally acclaimed author, our Soror Victoria Christopher Murray. Sorors Ajaya Mitchell & Tawana Ferguson were proud to present Soror Murray with a gift.

haritable Partner

The Charitable Partners Committee made meaningful connections with community members at two health forums sponsored by Bon Secours. Sorors provided helpful literature, tokens of appreciation, & community resource guides during Diabetes Awareness Month (November) & Mental Health Awareness Month (May).

Delta Academy continues to focus on various areas like STEM, self-esteem, leadership, and community service. The program aims to enhance academic performance, build confidence, and develop problem-solving skills. Areas of development included: Heart /CPR Training, Black Girl Magic, Black Wall Street & Financial Literacy, Self-Defense & more.

“Growing and Empowering Myself Successfully”

Achieving academic success, developing leadership skills, and preparing young girls for college and career opportunities.

Fundraising Beat of My Heart

double good popcorn fund raiser

8/17/2024 - 8/21/2024

Red Zone Day Party - DECEMBER 7, 2024

Red Zone Day Party

The 2024 holiday season was quickly approaching, and the Hospitality Committee made the December 2024 chapter meeting even more exciting. All members were treated to a uniquely designed and delicious charcuterie box of treats.

MARCH18,2025

CULTIVATINGACULTUREOFLEADERSHIPWORKSHOP

3/18/2025

CULTIVATINGACULTUREOFLEADERSHIPWORKSHOP

3/18/2025

CULTIVATING A CULTURE OF LEADERSHIP WORKSHOP

Fortitude

Satara Woodson

Delta of the Year

Antoinette Rogers

Professional of the Year

Danielle Stokes

Busy Bee Brittany Blanks

SORORS CELEBRATING DELTA MILESTONES

Soror Pamela Parker

50 Years

Beta Epsilon - VUU

Soror Mildred Barden

50 Years

Eta Tau - VCU

Soror Sharon McClendon

25 Years

Petersburg Alumnae

Other 25 years Sorors not pictured:

Sorors Michelle Brown, Sharon McClendon, Lashara Smith, Robay Stroble &

Tanza Westry

2024-2025 L.E.A.D. Cohorts

Tracie

Chartrice

Marsha

Dig In For Delta:

Striking Gold was the theme for the 2025 May Month Luncheon on Saturday, May 3rd. It was a wonderful time to reflect, recognize, & honor Richmond Alumnae Chapter members.

Golden Delta Dears

Soror Gloria Johnson

Soror LaVerne Spurlock

Soror Yvonne Hendricks

Soror

Thelma Pettis

Soror Gracie Dolly

Soror Evelyn Rieves

Soror Joyce Johnson

Soror Emmaline Page

SISTERHOOD MONTH 2025

Cedar Street Baptist Church of God

March 16, 2025

DELTA D.E.A.R.S. SPA DAY

A time to relax, rejuvenate and enjoy each other’s company!

LaVerne Morton Williams High

Achievers 2025

Jabberwock - Etiquette Workshop

The RAC 2024-2025

Jabberwock Participants engaged in an Etiquette Workshop at the RVA Around the Table Restaurant on November 3rd.

They participated in skits and role playing activities about positive and negative social and dining etiquette.

Jabberwock

- Community Service

Patrice Wilson, Chair

COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Almeater Alston

Janell Baker

Christine Bates

Kenya Batts

Tanya Brown

Christina Byerson

Iteisha James-Crenshaw

Monica Davis

Raina Fields

Deandra Fletcher

Kateresea Ford

Charlene Fox

Tapera Johnson

Leslie Lewis

Camryn Miller

Monica Davis

Tanya Brown

Leslie Lewis

Almeater Alston

Janell Baker

Christine Bates

Kenya Batts

PHARAOH’S ARMY SPRING 1979

Happy33 Deltaversary

SPRING 1992

24th

Happy 7 Deltaversary th

BW’s 80 Signs of

Spring 2024 Happy 1st Deltaversary

During the Spring 2024 1 Deltaversary celebration, this photo was taken with Soror Catharine Richardson #5. Soror Evans, Barden and Exum all wor the same shirt to the event (no planned) and they are all 5's.

RAC President Bernita Williams celebrated Founders Day with RAC Past Presidents

Sorors Vanessa Evans, Mildred Barden, Estella Randolph, Phyllis Booth, & LaVerne Spurlock.

Henrico Christmas Mother 2024

SororLindaR.Melton

Soror Linda R. Melton was the first legacy Henrico Christmas Mother. Her late mother, Soror Charlotte Melton, served in the same role in 2000. “Neighbors Helping Neighbors” is the Henrico Christmas Mother tagline. The fund has been committed to providing assistance with food, new clothing, books and toys for qualifying families, seniors and adults with disabilities during the holiday season. It started in 1942 when schoolteacher Mittie McCraw Nelson asked her students to bring canned goods to share with their neighbors in need.