ma Theta Sorority, Incorporated ded on January 13, 1913, by 22 collegiate women at Howard University to promote academic excellence and provide assistance to those in need. The Founders of Delta Sigma Theta envisioned an organization committed to sisterhood, scholarship, service, and addressing the social issues of the time. Since its founding, Delta Sigma Theta has become one of the preeminent service-based sororities, with more than 300,000 initiated members and over 1,000 chartered chapters worldwide.
As a sisterhood comprised primarily of Black, college-educated women, the Sorority seriously considers the issues impacting the Black community and boldly confronts the challenges of African Americans and, hence, all Americans. Over the years, a wide range of programs addressing education, health, international development, and the strengthening of African American families have evolved. The major programs of the Sorority are based upon the Five-Point Programmatic Thrust: Economic Development, Educational Development, International Awareness and Involvement, Physical and Mental Health, and Political Awareness and Involvement.
Deceased
Osceola Macarthy Adams
Marguerite Young Alexander
Winona Cargile Alexander
Ethel Cuff Black
Bertha Pitts Campbell
Zephyr Chisom Carter
Edna Brown Coleman
Jessie McGuire Dent
Frederica Chase Dodd
Myra Davis Hemmings
Olive C Jones
Jimmie Bugg Middleton
Pauline Oberdorfer Minor
Vashti Turley Murphy
Naomi Sewell Richardson
Mamie Reddy Rose
Eliza Pearl Shippen
Florence Letcher Toms
Ethel Carr Watson
Wertie Blackwell Weaver
Madree Penn White
Edith Motte Young
d to work within the communities that we resided broug ter a chapter within the river parishes of St. Charles, S St. John the Baptist. The visionaries, Mary Carpenter, Erika Love, Claudette Luke, Charlene Williams and Evangeline Davis, members of Bayou Lafourche Area Alumnae Chapter (BLAAC), made the initial contact with the Regional Director, Mae Frances Rowlett to begin the process. Gwendolyn Harrison, previously of BLAAC, was also instrumental in making many contacts
Changing the demographic data of BLAAC and locating potential members that might be interested in the formation of the chapter was a great challenge. We faced the challenge of worthiness of a chapter in our area and the number of members necessary to form the chapter After many long months of discussions at the regional level, the number needed was supplied, and all requirements were met in order to begin the process.
The chartering ceremony was held on March 23, 2013, at the First Community Antioch Baptist Church Family Center in Lutcher, Louisiana.
Veronica Alexander
KarmaTaneece Bailey
Kathie Bailey
Shelita Bailey
Meghan Borne
Madeline Bourgeois
Tricia Bush
Mary J. Carpenter
Evangeline Davis*
Ashley Dumas
Shawane Fletcher
Starlette Gordon
Sandra Horne
Connie Jackson
R Schuyler Jarrow
Erika Love
Claudette Luke*
Breanna Malancon
Cynthia Mitchell
Dina Perkins
Shawna Pillette
Doris Poindexter
Diamonique Pollard
Shannon Saulsberry
Markquelyn Ursin
Trieonne Washington
Charlene Williams
On behalf of the River Parishes Alumnae Chapter (RPAC), I welcome you to our Founders Day Celebration! Thank you for joining us as we pay homage to 110 years of sisterhood, scholarship, service, and social action In keeping with the national Founders Day theme Celebrating Delta Through the Decades: 110 Years of Moving Forward with Fortitude and our chapter’s theme Reigniting our Passion and Purpose to Create a Profound Delta Legacy, we are reminded of the tenacity and strength of our dear Founders. This year, we are thrilled to be celebrating our 10-year anniversary since we chartered We are evermore committed to creating a dynamic Delta legacy, as we have traveled back during my leadership to the foundational principals that make us Delta women and shape us in creating an honorable path that both honors our past and lays a foundation for our future.
The Founders of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. were 22 college-educated, dynamic women, who wanted greater They were guided by a commitment to civil rights, social justice, and political action This was witnessed in their involvement in the Women's Suffrage March (their first act of public service), two months after their establishment. Delta women continue to be movers and shakers in their community 110 years later.
Today, you will hear from our dynamic 24th National President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc, Cynthia M A Butler-McIntyre Her distinguished service and outstanding achievements have been recognized by various local, state, and national organizations She continues to be the voice of hope, while creating a legacy that inspires many to lead with a servant heart.
Thank you to the Founders Day Committee and everyone involved in making this event possible This event would not be a success without hardworking members who commit their time and talent to this joyous occasion Thank you to each of you who have taken time today to join us as we embrace the legacy of our 22 Founders, while reigniting our passion and purpose to creating our own Delta legacy.
Sisterly Love,
Dr Benita N Chatmon Dr Benita N Chatmon President River Parishes Alumnae Chapter Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.February 6, 2023
To my Sorors of River Parishes Alumnae Chapter:
Happy 10th Anniversary!
In January 1913, 22 visionary collegiate women stepped out in faith and unity and founded our beloved sorority in Washington, DC. They envisioned change, they saw a better world, they imagined a Sisterhood of likeminded women committed to making it so The mandate of that vision still applies, 110 years later
On behalf of Southwest Regional Representative Aniecia Browning, and sorors across the Blazing Southwest Region, it is my pleasure to join you in the spirit of celebration for your Founders Day program. Reaching 10 years as a chapter and 110 years as a Sisterhood is indeed, a great occasion for a celebration
The theme for your program “Reigniting Our Passion and Purpose To Create A Profound Delta Legacy”, expresses the imperative to continue in our Founders’ footsteps with ONE voice to address the needs and the injustices in our communities. Your day includes a celebration of Sisterhood along with a salute to our members celebrating 25 and 50 years of service I honor you, and I salute you
Dr. Dorothy Irene Height once said, “Without community service, we would not have a strong quality of life. It's important to the person who serves as well as the recipient. It's the way in which we ourselves grow and develop.” Today we will celebrate but more than that we accept the challenge to serve and to serve in excellence.
I honor the leadership of Cynthia M A Butler McIntyre, 24th National President, your phenomenal speaker, who I know will leave each one of you…REIGNITED! Congratulations to the program chairs and committee members on an exciting and successful celebration. Happy Founders Day!
Believe and Love,
Crystal T Barker
Crystal T. Barker Southwest Regional Director Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Aniecia Browning
Aniecia Browning Southwest Regional Representative Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Cynthia M A Butler-McIntyre served Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc as the 24th National President from 2008-2013 during its 100th year, year-long celebration bringing worldwide attention to the sorority and its work globally Referred to as the “Centennial President”, she is a 1973 initiate of the Beta Gamma Chapter at Dillard University, and presently a member of the New Orleans Alumnae Chapter Her dedicated service on the local, state, regional and national levels along with her determined spirit has gained the respect and admiration of the membership. She’s lovingly regarded as a “leader with a servant’s heart.” An education activist and advocate, who currently serves as an educational consultant to new teachers and administrators seeking certification and licensure. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Dillard University and a Master of Education degree from the University of New Orleans all by the age of 20 She is also the recipient of an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Divinity from Christian Bible College of Louisiana and an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Dillard University
Professionally, Butler-McIntyre served the children and employees of Jefferson Parish Public School System for 30+ years as a kindergarten teacher, assistant principal, summer school principal and personnel administrator. She retired as the Director of Human Resources providing direct supervision for the system’s 3500+ classified employees. She also worked in higher education on the campuses of Delgado Community College and the University of New Orleans.
Her record of service, achievement and accomplishments have been recognized by numerous professional, religious, civic, and educational organizations around the world, too many to name. From over 10 universities honoring her and being named the Best Female Alumnus of a HBCU by HBCU Digest, awards from each organization of the Divine Nine, more than 25 cities declaring “Cynthia M. A. Butler-McIntyre Day,” receiving keys to over a dozen cities and an island, Cynthia is an outstanding example of a true servant. While in office, President Barack Obama selected Mrs. ButlerMcIntyre as his appointee to the Christopher Columbus Fellowship Foundation. The Delta Sigma Theta Elementary School located in Cherete’, Haiti is named the Cynthia M. A. Butler-McIntyre campus in her honor. She has served nationally on the boards of the NAACP, NCNW, DREF, and the National Alliance of Black School Educators. Locally, she serves on the teachers’ union board, a charter school for young males, a former NBA player’s foundation, MLK Task Force, and a community health care center. Just recently, the Governor of Louisiana selected her to serve as a Commissioner on the Board of Supervisors of all State Technical and Community Colleges. She’s a member of The Links, Inc. and the National Baptist Convention of America International.
Other awards include
MLK Outstanding Activist; YWCA Role Model, Outstanding Young Woman of America; Louisiana Elementary Assistant Principal of the Year; Trailblazer’s Award, Women Who Make A Difference–Women in the Ministry, SHEroes of the Present of the AME Church, Outstanding Gospel Speaker of the Gospel Music Workshop of America; African American Hall of Fame, listed in Who’s Who in American Education, Teacher of the Year; and New Orleans’ Delta of the Year, just to name a few.
She lives by the words of 1 Peter 4:10 which states in part“ we should use whatever gifts we have received to serve others.”
Cynthia resides in New Orleans, LA as the devoted wife to Mr. Ronney McIntyre, owner/operator of McIntyre Masonry and through her marriage, she’s mother to four and grandmother to three.
PROCESSIONAL/PRESIDING
Broussard & Connie Jackson, Founders Day Committee Co
SAFETY BRIEFING
Natalie Robottom, Emergency Response Team Chair
INVOCATION
Crystal Thomas
WELCOME
Dr. Benita Chatmon, Chapter President
INTRODUCTION OF THE DAIS
Dina Perkins, Founders Day Committee Member
SORORITY AND CHAPTER HISTORY
Markquelyn Ursin, Sergeant-at-Arms
Mary J Carpenter, Past Chapter President
SPOKEN WORD
Herbrena Boudreaux
BRUNCH IS SERVED
INTRODUCTION OF SPEAKER
Constance Woods, Founders Day Committee Member
MUSICAL SELECTION
Alexia Perkins
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Cynthia M A Butler-McIntyre, 24th National President
25 AND 50 YEAR RECOGNITION
Sheena Diggs, Vice-President of Membership
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS and CLOSING REMARKS
Andrea Broussard & Connie Jackson, Founders Day Committee Co-Chairs
Dr. Benita Chatmon, Chapter President
Markquelyn Ursin
Constance Woods
The River Parish Alumnae Chapter’s 2023 Founders Day Co-Chairs are honored to have served The privilege bestowed upon us to serve our beloved sisterhood is one we will cherish for the years To the Founders Day Committee and our chapter president, Dr. Benita Chatmon, we thank you for your dedication and commitment to making this celebration a success! River Parishes Alumnae Chapter, we salute you and extend our sincerest appreciation for your steadfast and unwavering support of this celebration. To our sorors, families, friends, and the River Parishes community, we thank you for joining us in this celebration
Most importantly to the 22 brave and tenacious young women who, 110 years ago, built the foundation upon which we celebrate today…flowing from our hearts, is gratefulness! Lastly, to 27 dynamic sorors who 10 years ago saw the need for a chapter in the River Parishes Community, we appreciate the work you ’ ve done We are striving to continue to build upon the great legacy you have established
PRESIDENT
Dr. Benita Chatmon
FIRST VICE PRESIDENT
Cherie Johnson
RECORDING SECRETARY
Asha Meadows
FINANCIAL SECRETARY
BreAnna Malancon
SECOND VICE PRESIDENT
Sheena Diggs
CORRESPONDING SECRETARY
Shawane Keller
TREASURER
Ka'Ma Manuel
Nikita Allen
Dina Perkins
Connie Jackson Co-Chair
Andrea Broussard Co-Chair
Dr. Benita Chatmon Ex-Officio