Sorority uses weeklong celebration to raise funds, present scholarships

Special to the Outlook

A week filled with activities, including scholarship presentations and fundraising, has become a signature event for the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

The annual May Week, which was instituted in 1921, has become a time when chapters emphasize scholastic achievements, educational opportunities and the encouragement of higher scholarship.

The Tallahassee Alumnae Chapter recently had an informative, fun-packed week of activities commemorating this national event.

The week began with a scavenger hunt that highlighted and identified Black-owned businesses in the community. The scavenger hunt was followed by two virtual presentations – a panel on technology and another on education. Mid-week was “Soulful Wednesday,” an evening presented by the Arts and Letters Committee that recognized and celebrated the arts. The week ended with the annual Scholarship and Awards Program.

The chapter paused on Saturday to host Derby with the Deltas.  This is a community event where the public is invited to watch the Kentucky Derby with the ladies of Delta. The highlight of the afternoon was the hat contest, where contestants wore beautiful hats for a good cause. 

This year’s Derby was used to raise funds for the national charitable partners of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. These non-profit organizations collaborate with the sorority to support important domestic and global concerns. Among the national charitable partners are St. Jude Children’s Hospital, the American Heart Association and the American Cancer Society. The funds received at this event will be sent to the charitable partners to help them achieve their missions around the nation and world. 

The week ended with the Scholarship and Awards Program. Held on the campus of Florida A&M University, this was the first time in two years it was an in-person event. Sixteen students from the chapter’s service area were selected through a competitive process that included scholastic achievement and community service. This year’s recipients received a total of $38,500. The chapter awarded a four-year scholarship and a scholarship in honor of the late Elsie B. Crowell, Ph.D.   

In addition, the Alumnae Chapter awarded the Business of the Year to KALO Companies owned by Angelo and Kimberly Crowell. KALO does business in the community as Jersey Mike’s and Slim Chickens. With 48 stores in Florida, Georgia and Alabama, KALO has been in the community for 14 years.  KALO partners with local charities as a part of their mission of making a “difference” in the community.  

The chapter also awarded to one of its own members “Delta of the Year”.  This is an award given to a sorority member who has exemplified extraordinary service to the chapter. This year’s recipient is Yolanda Green Mason.  Green Mason has been a member of the Tallahassee Alumnae Chapter for over 10 years and currently serves as chairperson of the Program Planning and Development Committee.  

A member of the Southern Region of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc, the Tallahassee Alumnae Chapter has provided over 75 years of uninterrupted service to an area that includes Jefferson, Madison, Taylor, Wakulla and Leon counties.   

Terraca Jones is the chapter president. Siteria Gregory served as the chairperson of May Week.