Nashville Alumnae Chapter
QUICK FACTS
Charted April 1930​
Charter Members
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Mary Katherine Battle
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Eloise Lowe Clark
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Melissa Elliot
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Grace Price Goins
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Minerva Hatcher Johnson Hawkins
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Bonnie Bell McLendon
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Edwina Randall Wilson
Service Area (counties)
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Cheatham
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Davidson
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Robertson
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Sumner
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Williamson
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Wilson​​
HISTORY
The Nashville Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated has its roots in the establishment of the first undergraduate chapter in Nashville at Fisk University. Lillian Alexander was instrumental in aiding the group of interested young women to make their dreams of sisterhood a reality.
An alumnae chapter was needed to provide an avenue for sorors to maintain Delta affiliation at the graduate level. Pi Sigma Chapter was chartered at the Morris Memorial Building in April of 1930 with the following members: Mary Katherine Battle, Eloise Lowe Clark, Melissa Elliot, Grace Price Goins, Minerva Hatcher Johnson Hawkins, Bonnie Bell McLendon and Edwina Randall Wilson. Soror Minerva Hatcher Johnson Hawkins served as president from 1941 to 1947. In 1958, the name Pi Sigma was changed to Nashville Alumnae Chapter.
Nashville Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. contributes to the Nashville community in tangible and life changing ways. Long-term programs include seven (7) annual scholarships given to deserving female, high school seniors; support of the Nashville community with our Annual Healthy Family Day; donations to the United Negro College Fund (to support Fisk University) and the Tennessee State University Foundation (to support scholarships for Tennessee State University students). The chapter also supports the community through Jabberwock and Minerva's Closet.
Understanding that Delta Sigma Theta Sorority is not the only organization dedicated to uplift the community and improve the quality of life of individuals living there, Nashville Alumnae Chapter partners with others that share its public goals. Our previous partnership with Nashville Habitat for Humanity resulted in the dedication of a Habitat Home on September 24, 1995. The "Minerva House" was dedicated in honor of Soror Minerva Hatcher Johnson Hawkins, charter member and former president of Nashville Alumnae Chapter (Pi Sigma), former Director of the Southern Region, and past National Historian. Our partnership with the NAACP and other organizations yielded the registration of many Nashville voters. Uniting with other Delta chapters in the city and W.O.M.E.N., Nashville Alumnae Chapter has sponsored events to increase awareness of HIV/AIDS in the Nashville community since March 2002. Additionally, this chapter partners with the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association and March of Dimes.
Supporting the initiatives of Grand Chapter, Nashville Alumnae Chapter sponsors a Dr. Betty Shabazz Delta Academy for girls ages 11-14, Dr. Jeanne L. Noble GEMS Institute for girls ages 14-18 meet monthly and participate in hands-on STEM experiments, life coaching exercises, and activities to promote health awareness. They are also involved in activities designed to develop leadership skills, promote science and technology as career options, and provide hope for a promising future. Through our many endeavors, Nashville Alumnae Chapter hopes to help make the community, the nation, and the world, a better place.
The Dynamic Southern Region
The Southern Region of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is the Sorority’s largest and most dynamic region, with over 219 alumnae and collegiate chapters across Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Tennessee, and The Bahamas. Established in 1926, the region has a proud legacy rooted in the earliest Southern chapters—Tuskegee Alumnae, Atlanta Alumnae, and Alpha Beta at Fisk University. Today, the Southern Region continues to lead with excellence, sisterhood, and service, representing more than 25,000 members committed to uplifting communities and advancing the Sorority’s mission.
Amaris L. Johnson, Southern Regional Director
Noel G. Seymour, Southern Regional Representative
DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY, INC.
Grand Chapter
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated was founded on January 13, 1913, by twenty-two visionary women at Howard University dedicated to sisterhood, scholarship, service, and social action. Since its founding, the Sorority has grown into a global organization of more than 350,000 initiated members and over 1,050 chapters, recognized for its leadership, advocacy, and commitment to addressing social issues impacting the Black community and society at large.
Grounded in its Five-Point Programmatic Thrust, Delta Sigma Theta advances initiatives that support economic empowerment, educational excellence, global awareness, health and wellness, and civic engagement. As the Sorority continues its legacy, it embraces the biennium theme One Delta. One Mission: Anchored in Legacy, Evolving with Intention, reaffirming its dedication to social justice, community uplift, and the enduring power of sisterhood.
Cheryl W. Turner
International President
Chair, Board of Directors