The Upsilon Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated recently marked a historic milestone, celebrating a century of sisterhood, scholarship, and service. The Upsilon Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority was chartered March 10, 1924 by six trailblazing freshmen – Alice Bugg, Portia Broyles Griffith, Fay M. Jackson, Juanita Ellsworth Miller, Roena Muckelroy Savage and Alma Thomas on the campus of the University of Southern California. These six women wanted to embody the vision of the 22 original founders of Delta Sigma Theta on their campus. 100 years later, the chapter is still actively involved in the USC and Los Angeles community and dedicated to uplifting Black women.
The Centennial Celebration brought together current and past members for an unforgettable weekend. Events ranged from a poignant Rededication Ceremony, and a lively Mix and Mingle to an elegant banquet and, wrapping it all up, a Sunday church service followed by community service at South LA Cafe.
“My heart is extremely full,” said Jadalyn Polk, a junior at USC and the current Chapter President of Delta Sigma Theta Inc. “Not a lot of people get to experience being a part of an organization that turns 100 years old. So, I’m extremely grateful to be in a position where I can create change in the community and on campus as well.”
Delta Sigma Theta is known for taking up space and empowering others, from its first public act of service – participation in the Women’s Suffrage March in 1913 to being the first Black Greek organization at USC to create an endowed scholarship fund. 100 years later and the Upsilon Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta continues to do great things even at a Predominantly White Institution (PWI). The Upsilon Chapter has has many other contributions to the USC campus such as the creation of Sisters in Solidarity (S.I.S), formerly known as Q.U.E.E.N.S, a student support group for Black women on campus, and USC’s Black Graduation celebration for Black students (Black Grad). The Chapter’s Vice President was also the creator of The Cardinal Divas, the first majorette group formed at a PWI.
Sade Anderson, a sophomore and a Fall 2023 initiate of the Upsilon chapter was moved when asked how it felt being a part of Delta Sigma Theta at a PWI.
“There is so much beauty in it,” Anderson said. “Being a part of a group like this is so empowering, and it is thanks to past Sorors who have paved the way for us and USC has been more diverse than it has ever been, and we can see how Upsilon has been instrumental in that growth not only in Greek life but also in the Black lives of students at USC. I think that we should celebrate that.”
Not only was this weekend one of celebration but one of reunion. Many members of the sorority traveled near and far to come to the Centennial Celebration and were greeted with the warm embrace of new members but also seasoned members that they hadn’t seen in years.
“The Mix and Mingle event that happened on Saturday was my favorite event because it felt intimate,” said Julia Alexander, a Fall 2023 Initiate. “We got to connect with [other Sorors] as well as learn more about who they are, their impact on and off campus, their time at [the] University of Southern California and overall just hearing the amazing things that Delta women have done. There was so much laughter and good memories that filled the room. "
There was a lot of planning that took place to bring this Centennial Celebration to life. “It was a very big deal,” Laila Smith, a Fall 2023 initiate, said “From reserving a space to planning each detail of the banquet which was our very big event to overall making sure that Sorors have a really amazing time, everything went into consideration.”
Alumni of the Upsilon chapter spoke on how inspired they are by the ambitious charter members of the chapter that were actively contributing to their community and creating an impact on the world.
Joi Hardy, USC Class of 1994 said, “This celebration of 100 years, definitely makes me think about the charter members and what their lives were like in 1924, to be a Black woman on a white campus. I often think about their lives, the lives of Black people at that time, even though it’s Los Angeles, California, it’s still Black people in 1924 and to be bold enough to start a chapter and be a part of an organization.” Hardy continued, “If they were here today I know they would not even be able to fathom and grasp that their decision to be bold has created something legendary. Seeing how beautiful this weekend went it definitely makes me proud to be in an organization that is tight knit and about public service.”
The weekend celebration closed out with community service at South LA Cafe. The owner of the cafe mentioned that this was the largest group of people he’d seen volunteer, with a number of 87 volunteers ready to help bag, distribute and give away groceries to the community.
“We are just one organization,” Polk said. “The words of the owner moved me so deeply and I am grateful for the opportunity to be able to start a partnership with South LA Cafe and I am really looking forward to improving the lives of those in LA and one day the lives of those across the country.”
In commemorating a century of existence, the Upsilon Chapter’s Centennial Celebration not only symbolized a remarkable milestone but also served as a testament to the unwavering spirit of sisterhood, scholarship, and service within its members. The events encapsulated the essence of a thriving legacy and demonstrated a collective commitment to the ideals that have defined the chapter for a hundred years. As these remarkable women set sail into the next century, their steadfast dedication persists, driving them to continue shaping a brighter and more impactful future for their community.