CHAPTER 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. The Alpha Beta Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. was chartered in 1926.

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). Additionally, this chapter makes quarterly visits to Bordeaux Hospital, gives donations to Goodwill of Middle Tennessee, and supports the American Cancer Society.

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 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.

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.