ATLANTA — A sea of red filled the Georgia World Congress Center this week as thousands of members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated gathered in Atlanta for a historic milestone.
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More than 8,000 members attended the organization’s 50th Southern Regional Conference, bringing together members from across the region — including 61 of Georgia’s 219 chapters.
For Delta Sigma Theta International President Cheryl Turner, the gathering is about more than celebrating sisterhood. It’s also about making an impact in the communities where members serve.
“Deltas come here to spend a lot of money… so I think Atlanta will be happy that we’re in the city," Turner told Channel 2’s Lori Wilson.
Turner said the four-day conference is expected to have a $15 million economic impact on Atlanta, with money spent on hotels, restaurants and transportation.
“The lodging…restaurants… even the transportation systems…and we leave that in the community,” Turner said.
The organization also focused on investing in the next generation by inviting 3,500 high school students from across metro Atlanta to learn more about historically Black colleges and universities.
Some students walked away with scholarship opportunities, including full-ride offers.
“Twenty thousand dollar scholarships…full ride scholarships…the universities came to play yesterday,” Turner said.
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Turner said seven university presidents attended the event, giving students the chance to connect directly with college leaders.
Delta also hosted a “Collegiate Day” for about 600 young sorors, including Darrielle Bullard, who recently joined the organization.
“I’m really excited for that and to meet new people and have new connections,” Bullard said.
As the sorority celebrates the 100th anniversary of the founding of its Southern Region, members are also reflecting on one of the organization’s core missions: social action.
“You know our first step was that of social action,” Turner explained.
Turner said voter engagement remains a key focus for the organization moving forward.
“That is a main component of Delta… to engage voters…get them registered …get them to the polls,” Turner said.
The conference continues Delta Sigma Theta’s legacy of service, leadership and community investment while marking a century of work across the Southern Region.
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