NEW BEGINNINGS IN DENVER
It was in 1939, that Mae Adams (graduate of West Virginia State), Elaine Brown Jenkins (graduate of Ohio State) and Jessie Whaley Maxwell (graduate of Bishop College) caught the Delta vision, and sat down to meet over coffee in recognition of what Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., was doing at Howard University and around the United States. The topic of discussion was the Alpha Kappa Alpha Chapter in the city and that Denver could benefit from the additional programs that DST would provide. As a result of that meeting, Elaine Brown Jenkins was designated to write Grand Chapter to explore the possibility of establishing a chapter in Denver.
Grand Chapter was so pleased by their letter they sent the Grand Chapter Secretary Edna Kinchion to Denver to make the new Chapter official. On February 18, 1939, Beta Phi Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority was organized by the Grand Secretary with the following members: Mae Adams, Elaine Brown Jenkins, Jessie Whaley Maxwell, and Neophytes Kathryn Cohron, Eleanor Critz, Ruby Cohron Wright, Claudine McCloud and Marian Morrison Robinson.
The first initiation was held the following Saturday night at the home of Elaine Brown Jenkins. The initiation dinner given by Neophytes was held at the home of Marian Morrison Robinson. Immediately following, the first officers were elected:
- Elaine Brown Jenkins, President
- Mae Adams, Vice-President
- Marian Morrison Robinson, Recording Secretary
- Kathryn Cohron, Correspondence Secretary
- Jessie Whaley Maxwell, Treasurer
- Claudine McCloud, Journalist
- Ruby Cohron, Parliamentarian & Sergeant-at-arms
- Eleanor Critz, Custodian
On Sunday Morning, the women of Delta participated in the first Delta Day at Church by attending Shorter A.M.E. Church where Grand Chapter Secretary Kinchion presented the new Beta Phi Chapter. She spoke from the subject "Our Responsibility." The other Greek letter organizations were special guests and presented their greetings. On Sunday evening an open house was held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Wood. The Delta emblem was given to the Chapter by the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., and it lit the porch. The women of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., decorated the house beautifully with flowers.
The Delta Mothers and Patrons Club was organized on Sunday evening, April 23, 1939, at the home of Eleanor Critz. There were several Delta Mothers and Patrons Clubs across the nation, however, Denver Alumnae is the only Chapter that still has an active club. This Club has supported the Chapter's Scholarship thrust for years averaging approximately $3,000 in donations each year.
With a foundation in place, the women of Delta proceeded to make their mark of Sisterhood, Scholarship and Service in the Community. On May 5, 1939, the first Jabberwock and Scholarship presentation was held at Cole Junior High School. Ramona Rahming McHenry was crowned the first Jabberwock Queen and later became a Delta.
In the meantime... the Charter members were primarily educators in the Denver Public School's system. Billie Holiday's signature song Strange Fruit" was one of the top 10 songs written. Those times were difficult for African Americans. This is one of the songs that helped change the world.
THE FORTIES - WAR TORN
The forties saw Denver Deltas beaming with accomplishments. The presented a Young Adult Forum at New Hope Baptist Church during Negro History week; hosted Soprano Lou Edna McEnroe Savage and Dorothy Manor; hosted the first Regional meeting in 1949, where the 14th National President Dorothy Irene Height presided. These and other activities were accomplished under the leadership of Chapter presidents: Mae Adams, Mary Lou Blanchard, Bernita Buckner, Carrie Wright, Marian Bailey, Pauline Robinson and Esther Nelson.
The black population in Denver was increasing, including the numbers of black women. These were very active years for Deltas in the Denver community. The Chapter held meetings in the homes of members and the membership steadily increased.
In the meantime...Kenneth E. Oberhotzer became the Denver Public School Superintendent in 1947. Moments were filled listening to Nat King Cole's "I Love You for Sentimental Reasons" and "That Lucky Old Sun" by Louis Armstrong and we did the Fox Trot.
THE FIFTIES - THEY WERE FABULOUS
The late Patricia Roberts Harris, the first African American woman to serve in a Presidential Cabinet position as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, and a distinguished Delta, came to Denver to conduct an Internal Development Workshop. This motivated the women of Delta to continue meeting the challenges of that time. Full college tuition scholarships were given to Leona Riley Dixon, Lorene McConnell Peters and Beverly Miller Riley. One main point with Delta's is that we want to invest in our community, and then see a return on our investment, all of the above young women who received scholarships eventually became Deltas and great contributors to the Denver community.
The following events were products of the 50's: Jabberwock continued at Cole Jr. High School; the Delta-Rettes were organized and started singing; the late Theola Jennings directed the Chapter's first production, "A Night in Fairyland;" Bid/Whist Tournaments were held at the Hilton Hotel; Soprano Leontyne Price made her first appearance in Denver at the Tabor Theater.
During this decade, these politically minded Deltas conducted a massive voter registration drive, and more than 1,000 northeast Denver residents were registered. The first Central Regional Conference ever held in a hotel was hosted by Deltas at the Olin Hotel in Denver. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., began a strong tradition of connection by making legacies in the sisterhood. The first legacy in the history of DST was established by Grand Chapter President, Jeanne L. Nobel in June 1959, when a member of the sisterhood inducted her mother.
During the 50's Deltas worked under the capable leadership of Presidents: Jennie V. Woodson, Rachel Beasley Noel, Cecilia Jenkins Bryant, Louella Flannigan, Lela Shanks, Erma Ford and Rachel Walters.
In the meantime... Deltas listened the Platters singing "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes"; Fats Domino's "Blueberry Hill". They also enjoyed swing dancing and dancing close and slow.
THE SIXTIES - BLACK IS BEAUTIFUL
The Chapter's membership continued to increase along with the black population of Denver. Many of the programs that were established by previous administrations were expanded. Providing scholarships continued to be a main thrust of the sorority. Deltas participated in boycotts and marches to aid in the fight for Civil Rights. New programs were implemented including projects to support Historically Black Colleges and Universities. The social event of the year became the Crimson and Crème Ball, which is still held to this day. This event gave Delta an opportunity to thank members in the community who supported the Chapter's activities.
By June, the membership had outgrown meeting in homes and the monthly meeting location was moved to Liggins Tower. The Beta Phi Chapter was a city wide chapter consisting of both alumnae and undergraduate members until June of 1969, when the Grand Chapter chartered the Denver Alumnae Chapter as a graduate Chapter and organized Zeta Pi as the undergraduate chapter. Deltas were led through the sixties by presidents: Beverly Biffle, Ann Goodrum Wright, Lorene McConnell Peters, Conway Moore, Betty Brown Germany and Jeneva McQueary.
In the meantime... Deltas everywhere mourned the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and Attorney General Robert Kennedy. They marched and sat-in in defense of Civil Rights. Deltas listened to the Temptations' "My Girl", Glady's Knight and the Pip's "Midnight Train to Georgia". Then the song of a generation came out from the Godfather of soul James Brown - "Say It Loud, I'm Black and I'm Proud."
THE SEVENTIES - MOVING ON UP
A major event of the seventies was hosting six thousand Deltas and their families at the 34th National Convention during the summer of 1977. The city was definitely painted red and white! The Chapter felt the need to broaden its scope of involvement into other areas of concern. Members became involved in Cenikor, a drug rehabilitation program located in Lakewood, Colorado. This project allowed members to prepare and share Thanksgiving dinner with Cenikor residents. Other projects were with the Denver Girls Club. The Chapter provided tutoring through the Northeast Denver Library. Other projects included senior citizen projects, a clothing bank, and Adopt a Child. To recognize the efforts of women in the community who were not Deltas, they initiated the annual Woman of the Year Award. All of these activities were carried out under the leadership of Presidents: Margaret King-Sherron, Cloteal Jernigan and Linda Bates Leali.
In the Meantime... The Civil Rights Movement did make a difference. The careers of Deltas were changing, and they had choices! Deltas were now Administrators, Managers, Sales Representatives, Bankers, Pilots, Engineers, etc. Deltas continued to enjoy music like Marvin Gaye's "What's Going On" the Staple Singers, I'll Take You There", Curtis Mayfield's "Superfly".
THE EIGHTIES - GROWTH
Liggins Tower became too small for Chapter meetings. The meetings were moved to The University of Denver's Graduate School of Social Work. In 1981 Zion Senior Center was opened and Rachel Walters, the center's director, negotiated for the Chapter to begin meeting there. In keeping with the Sorority's Commitment to support economic development in the African American community, the Chapter continues to meet there. The eighties were led by president's and Vice President's Rosalie Martin and Bobbie Austin; Joyce Pleasants Harris and Jacquelyn Nixon Sample; Jacquelyn Nixon Sample and Valencia Faye Take; Olivia Hudson Smith and Frances E. Jefferson; Valencia Faye Tate and Agnes Brown.
Deltas implemented programs that involved the community. They started Shule` (Saturday School -Education Explosion Project) under the leadership of the [late] Delta and educator Irma Hudson to address the needs of youth. This project was awarded a national grant at the 1985, Delta National Convention in Dallas. Shule` provided tutoring for elementary students in math, language, and African American History and computer skills. The clothing bank thrived under the leadership of Dorothy King, Sr. Deltas volunteered twice a year answering telephones for the KRMA Public Television fund raising drives. The Showcase of Youth was initiated by Delta Frances E. Jefferson to encourage and recognize youth in the community who exhibited excellence in academics and other areas. The annual scholarship awards increased from $2,000 per recipient to $4,000 and for several years two scholarship were awarded. Delta co-sponsored and hosted a reception for the Dance Theater of Harlem.
This was also the decade that honorary member Wilma J. Webb, a former State Representative who sponsored and led the passage of the Martin Luther King Holiday legislation in Colorado was inducted into the sisterhood. In June of 1989, the Denver, Colorado Springs and Zeta Pi Undergraduate Chapter hosted the Central Regional Conference at the Marriott Hotel in Downtown Denver. This was the first time in the Chapter's history that one of the Founders, Bertha Pitts Campbell spoke at a Founders Day.
In the meantime... Deltas listened to the music of Earth Wind and Fire, Whitney Houston, Run DMC and LL Cool J. Some did Da Butt and break danced.
THE NINETIES - CLOSING OUT THE 20TH CENTURY
Throughout the nineties, Denver Alumnae Chapter continued to strive toward the accomplishment of its mission - to continue to be the respected community leaders as in decades before, and to make a difference in the community Delta serves. Recognizing that a multifaceted effort was needed, Deltas focused not only on basic health and education issues, but also larger community challenges.
Following a suggestion by visiting Charter member, Elaine Brown Jenkins, the chapter sponsored two major conferences addressing race relations for the 21st century at the University of Denver. An increased emphasis on health was the focus. The Chapter formed a collaboration with the Mental Health Association of Colorado. Depression screenings were planned and carried out in metro Denver. Emphasis was given to diabetes and blood pressure screening. HIV/AIDS was also another medical phenomenon that was ravaging the community and we adopted an apartment building exclusively for people living with AIDS. Health conferences were held and designed to promote positive interaction and discussion on mental health issues through a series of workshops.
Members participated in fund-raisers for the annual Race for the Cure and the AIDS Walk. Denver Alumnae was recognized for efforts in promoting breast cancer awareness and treatment by receiving three programming grants totaling more than $40,000 from the internationally recognized Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. The Chapter received the 1998, Bea Romer, First Lady of Colorado, Women's Health Leadership Award and fostered social action and community involvement with Delta Days at the State Capitol and Delta Days at Church.
As part of a national thrust on education, the Betty Shabazz Delta Academy was established to provide mentoring for young women ages 8 to 14. Shule` continued to thrive and was the recipient of a Safe Cities Grant. Members participated in the annual United Negro College Walk-a-Thon and raised more than $2,600 for the fund.
Denver Delta Inc., (DDI) the non-profit 501(c)3 arm of the Denver Alumnae Chapter was established. This was established to enable portions of donations to the Chapter be tax deductible. It also has empowered the Chapter to seek larger funds to support the Chapter projects. Organization and implementation of the Economic Development Committee became a reality and the Chapter became serious about garnering resources to acquire property. The Delta Boutique was started to sell Delta and Greek paraphernalia with the proceeds earmarked for the building fund.
Denver Alumnae partnered with Warren Village and Habitat for Humanity Women's Build in response to the National focus. A home for a Warren Village resident was built with the assistance of Denver Alumnae funds and Sorors. Remaining active in the community, Sorors provided resources for babysitting once a month at Warren Village and Seniors at Zion Center were celebrated with a monthly nutritional lunch.
The Chapter continued to Award scholarships to deserving young women in an effort to promote education as the foundation for a successful future. More than forty plus young women received scholarships ranging from $200 to $4,000. In 1995, Charter Member Jessie Whaley Maxwell established the Jessie Whaley Maxwell Educational Book Scholarship which provided for two $400 book scholarships each year with a bible. In 1998, nine scholarships totaling $9,000 were awarded. The success of the scholarship program aided by the generous financial support given each year by our Delta Mothers and Patrons Club certainly contributed to our Educational Thrust.
The Chapter expanded community partnerships by participating in the Coalition of Women's organizations like the President's Roundtable and the Colorado Women's Leadership Council. Through this affiliation individual Deltas were recognized and an ethnic buffet and program were presented to where awareness of the metro Denver's diverse population needs.
The banner event in the nineties was the gathering for the 1997 ,Regional Conference. The Chapter received the "Torch of Excellence Award" for being the best Chapter in the Central Region. In addition, the Physical and Mental Health projects and Chapter Newsletter were recognized. The Delta-rettes melodiously moved us toward the millennium and were the highlight of the Conference. The Chapter also were excited to co-host a reception for [then] Labor Secretary Soror Alexis M. Herman. Several Sorors were recognized for demonstrating excellence in achievement and commitment to human services. The Denver Alumnae Chapter was most proud of being the catalyst that provided the Pauline Robinson Library named for our Soror who was the first African American Librarian and the Jessie Whaley Maxwell Elementary School named for the first African American Principal.
With membership holding steadily at 150, the Denver Alumnae Chapter continued to move boldly toward the millennium under the leadership of President's and Vice President's Patricia Brown Paytee and Michele Bruton Brown, Valencia Faye Tate and Agnes Brown, Marcia Williams and Lisa Neal Graves, Yvonne Parker and JoAnn Pegues, Frances E. Jefferson and Joyce M. Walker.
CHANGING WITH THE MILLENNIUM
It was no longer business as usual. The new Millennium saw the revival of Jabberwock and Delteens. The Betty Shabazz Delta Academy for middle school girls continued in full force and one of the young ladies, Monique McNeil was selected to attend a national convention. The Crimson and Crème became a fund raising dance. The sisterhood committee actively organized an effort to make sure Delta Dears and the sick and shut in received cards and visits for special holidays. New members were inducted into the sisterhood. With the new members from Millennium 21 came into the chapter, the membership soared to 180 active Deltas. Founders Day programs invited national talent like Sister Cantaloupe, a Christian comedian; Roz Burrows a jazz sing and the poplar Vickie Winans. For the first time in the Sorority's history the sitting National President, Gwendolyn E. Boyd was the keynote speaker for Founders Day, International Day of Serve and the Delta Day at Church Speaker that followed for New Hope Baptist's Church Women's Day.
Picnics were held to close the sorority year. The building fund account continued to grow slowly and by 2005, the Chapter voted to take in another line. The Chapter continued its membership with the Colorado Women's Coalition and President's Roundtable during the early part of the millennium.
The Millennium started with President Frances E. Jefferson and Vice President Joyce M. Walker; President Joyce M. Walker and Vice President Janell Lindsey and President Janell Lindsey and Michelle Simmons.
As the nineties closed and the Millennium began, a large number of Sorors made their transition to the Omega Omega Chapter.
Sorors Marjorie Alford, Mabel Autry, Laverene Broadnax, Geri Brown, Patsy Butler, Maxine Collins, Eleanor Critz, Phyllis Denny, Sarah Joe Ennis, Mahala J. Entzminger, Ernestine Fields, Eddye Garmany, Irma Kelly Hudson, Marsha King Lane, Mabel Leathers, Jessie Whaley Maxwell, Claudine Smith McCloud, Ramona McHenry, Matye M. Slaughter, Marian Morrison Robinson, Pauline Robinson, Elizabeth Terrell, Rachel Walters, Jennie Woodson, Ruby Cohron Wright, Dorothy McDowell Watkins, Carrie Wright
The Denver Alumnae Chapter, 66 years later continues to promote One Mission One Sisterhood Empowering Communities through Committed Service.
|