Alumnae Chapter celebrates 25 years of Sisterhood, Scholarship and Service in the Midlands

The Richland County Alumnae (RCA) Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is celebrating its Silver Anniversary this week. RCA is one of two alumnae chapters of Delta Sigma Theta serving the Midlands.  The Chapter was chartered on April 24, 1994, by 44 civic-minded, college-educated women at the Carriage House on the grounds of the Historic Robert Mills House and Gardens in downtown Columbia.

To commemorate this historic occasion, Columbia City Council, the Commissioners of Richland County and the South Carolina Legislature have all declared Wednesday, April 24, 2019 as Richland County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Day in the city, county and state.  The 225 members of the RCA Chapter will celebrate with activities throughout the week, including a public service project with Birthright International on Friday.

Since its establishment, RCA has grown its scholarship fund from $300 to $20,000 to be awarded this year and more than $250,000 in scholarships since 1994. The Chapter is also known for its signature programs that include: the Mother‑Daughter Relationship Conference, which annually draws participants for seminars and activities geared toward strengthening the relationship between mothers and daughters; the Red Diamond Scholarship Gala, RCA’s major fundraiser; the Arts & Letters Oratorical Contest, held each year to foster students in the art of public speaking; and a Cotillion‑style pageant that showcases the talents of young girls, while promoting scholarship and excellence in education.

RCA sponsors core mentoring programs such as the Dr. Betty Shabazz Delta Academy, aimed at sixth- and seventh‑grade girls, and the Delta Gems program for 11th‑ and 12th‑grade girls. Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays find members collecting toys, food, household products, toiletries and gift cards for adopted families. In keeping with the programmatic thrust of the national organization, RCA has structured its community and public service programs to fit the needs of the community it serves.

Delta Sigma Theta

Delta Sigma Theta is committed to the constructive development of its members and to public service with a primary focus on the Black community.  Its purpose is to provide assistance and support through established programs in local communities throughout the world.  Delta Sigma Theta has initiated more than 200,000 members since its founding in 1913.  The Sorority currently boasts 1,000 collegiate and alumnae chapters in the United States, England, Japan, Germany, the Virgin Islands, Bermuda, Jamaica, and the Republic of Korea.