Delta Sigma Theta charity celebrates 25 years

The ladies of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Bermuda Alumnae Chapter (BAC) will be celebrating their 25 years of servitude to the Bermuda community on June 9th, 2014.  The local chapter’s most notable contributions include, but are not limited to their Annual Children’s Reading Festival, Delta GEMS middle and high school mentorship programme, and the Dame Marjorie Bean Scholarship Award.

In true community spirit, the chapter’s first celebratory event included participation in Relay for Life, held on May 30-31.  In addition, the BAC 25th anniversary celebrations, themed “Women of Legacy: Leveraging Influence; Impacting Lives”, will feature a series of Sisterhood activities that will include a church service and special ceremonies, along with a celebratory luncheon. The luncheon will include an address by keynote speaker, Rev. Nicolas Tweed followed by Soror Myrna Phillips, who serves as the National Internal Audit Committee Chair on the National Executive Committee of the Sorority. Attendees of the luncheon will have the opportunity to visit an exhibit that will showcase the 25 years of BAC history.

Roxanne Christopher, Chapter President said, “The women of Delta have dedicated their lives to serving the Bermuda community and we are humbled by the love and support that has been showered on us over the years.  Every woman within our organization takes pride in supporting the country that we love and hold dear within our hearts.  Bermuda we love you and look forward to supporting you unconditionally in the future.”

BAC History

Twenty-five years ago, thirteen dedicated and outstanding members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., met to formulate ideas and reasons for establishing a chapter in Bermuda.  The Charter Members exemplified high ideals and commitment to the Sorority, in addition to their records of public service and their outstanding leadership experiences. Fulfilling the requirements for a charter were Charter Members: Wendy Bassett, Andrea Daniels, Cheri Coleman Daniels, Carol Ross DeSilva, Karen Ratteray Johnson, Lisa Cooke Joynes, Sharon Daniels Michael, Renee Foggo Payneter, Myrna Phillips, Tammy Richardson, Esther Richards Singh, Connie Cann Williams and Aderonke Bademosi Wilson.

Following a sequence of meetings, Thelma Pettis, South Atlantic Regional Director, came to Bermuda to assist members to finalize the chartering process. It was unanimously voted that Myrna Phillips serve as first President of the new chapter, with all of the Charter Members servings as first officers.  Thus, on January 9, 1989, the Bermuda Alumnae Chapter was charted.

These thirteen women deemed it necessary to begin working immediately to combat the economic and social restraints of that era. The impact of BAC during the early 90's was rooted in projects that focused on education and social action.  Some of those projects included the Sickle Cell Awareness Health Fair, providing meals to the needy in Victoria Park, and donating books to local schools and the Bermuda Youth Library.

Amongst the membership of this esteemed sorority were some of Bermuda’s own local heroes; the late Dame Marjorie Bean MBE, CBE, the late Georgine Hill, the late Louise Jackson MBE, JP, MP and the late Connie Williams, all of whom were instrumental in Bermuda’s education reform.

For more information on the Bermuda Alumnae Chapter anniversary celebrations or to purchase tickets, please contact the Lisa Reed at [email protected].