Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated is 101 years strong. Founded on the campus of Howard University, the historically Black sorority boasts a membership that includes plenty of notable actresses, athletes, politicians and all-around history makers.
Dedicated to public service, DST was founded on January 13, 1913. Interestingly, the 22 founders were originally members of the Alpha Kappa Alpha chapter at Howard. However, feeling disenchanted with AKA’s direction, the members decided to form a new sorority that they felt was more reflective of their goals of social activism and other civic-minded duties.
With plenty to choose from a membership that spans the globe, here are 13 of the most notable members of DST. Some of these ladies may even surprise you.
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Photo: Instagram
Photo: Ivan Nikolov/WENN.com
Keyshia Knight Pulliam
Yep, “Rudy” from The Cosby Show is a Delta. She was made at Spelman’s Eta Kappa chapter.
K.Michelle
That’s right. Your favorite crooner with a tendency for ratchet behavior is a member of the Beta Alpha chapter at Florida A&M University.
Betty Shabazz
The late, great Betty Shabazz, widow of slain Civil Rights activist Malcolm X, is a member of the New York Alumnae chapter.
Photo: DJDM/WENN.com
Kym Whitley
The actress and comedian crossed the burning sands at the Alpha Beta chapter (Fisk University).
Kimberly Clarice Aiken
Aiken, from NYC’s Epsilon Tau chapter, is 1994’s Miss America, then only the fifth African-American woman to do so.
Natalie Cole
Nat “King” Cole’s daughter joined the ranks of DST at USC’s Upsilon chapter.
Roberta Flack
An incredible singer and vocalist, Flack is a member of the founding Alpha chapter at Howard University.
Jacque Reid
Reid, a former BET News anchor and currently a host of New York Live on NBC, is a member of the New York Alumnae chapter.
Shirley Chisholm
A member of the Brooklyn Alumnae chapter, Chisholm was the first African-American woman elected to Congress and ran for president of the United States in 1972. Biz Markie voted for her.
Adrienne-Joi Johnson
Better known as A.J. Johnson, this actress, choreographer and stunning example of “Black don’t crack” is a member of Eta Kappa (Spelman).
The 22nd Little Miss African American Scholarship Pageant hosted by World Boxing Champion/TV Host Laila Ali
Featuring: T’Keyah Crystal Keymáh
Where: Los Angeles, California, United States
When: 16 Aug 2015
Credit: WENN.com
T’Keyah Crystal Keymáh
We’ll always remember her as part of the original cast of In Living Color, but Keymáh became Delta at FAMU’s Beta Alpha chapter.
Wilma Rudolph
Most track stars ain’t got nothing on Wilma Rudolph. A member of the Alpha Chi chapter at Tennessee State University, Rudolph was the first African-American woman to win three Gold medals during the Olympics in 1960.
Candice Wiggins
Golden Globe Viewing Party and First Annual Child Trafficking Benefit held at the John Lovitz Comedy Club.
Beverly Hills, California – 16.01.11
Featuring: Candice Wiggins
Where: United States
When: 16 Jan 2011
Credit: WENN
Candice Wiggins
The 3rd pick in the 2008 WNBA draft, this Tulsa Shock guard was initiated at Stanford’s Omicron Chi chapter.
