KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Ever since it was founded on Jan. 13, 1913, a Black sorority has prided itself on a legacy of sisterhood, scholarship, service and social action. Delta Sigma Theta has more than 300,000 members continuing to uphold that legacy.
"It's all about giving. Giving raises academic success," said Telicia Mims, President of the Knoxville Alumnae Chapter. "The Knoxville alumnae chapter, over the last ten years, we've given out over $100,000 worth of scholarships. And we want to continue that and actually level up, so to speak."
Members of the sorority can be found across Knoxville and the U.S. Most often, they can be found at community events or during volunteering missions. Members have helped at the annual Shoes for Schools event, have raced for cancer research and have helped care for people at rehabilitation centers.
"We want the Knoxville community to walk alongside us, to come and be seen at these public meetings and forums, want them to show up to vote," said Mims.
Three months after the sorority was founded in 1913, its women participated in the Women's Suffrage March. After around 111 years, that call to service and community advocacy stays strong.
"We are an organization that is full of busy people," said Mims.
Its members include Ketanji Brown, the first Black woman to be appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court. Former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms is also a member of the sorority, along with Tennessee's own Wilma Rudolph, an Olympian.
WBIR's own producer, Danielle Riley, is also a member — carrying a legacy of service for the East Tennessee community.
"That's why we're here. We're here to serve," said Mims. "I classify myself as a servant leader. I classify many of the members of the Knoxville Alumnae Chapter as servant leaders, with a servant's heart."
There are three Delta Sigma Theta chapters in East Tennessee. On March 2, the sorority will host a Mardi Gras Gala, celebrating decades of supporting young people with dinner, dancing and a silent auction. Proceeds from the gala go toward its annual scholarship program. It will be at the Venue at Lenoir City, from 7 p.m. through 11 p.m.