The six Wisconsin chapters of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., known as the Women of Wisconsin, are coming together to host a statewide celebration of the Sorority’s founding. Held in Madison from Friday, March 18- Sunday, March 20, the theme of the weekend-long celebration is Inspiring Our Sisters, Invigorating Our Community, Illuminating Our Souls.

Each phrase of the theme will be reflected throughout a variety of events with the most notable being the celebration’s signature luncheon featuring Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, the first female elected to the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, Delta Sigma Theta’s National Chaplain and granddaughter of one of the sorority’s 22 Founders, Vashti Turley Murphy.

“We are thrilled and humbled to be able to share Bishop McKenzie with our sisters and the community as we celebrate 103 years,” says Anita Sparks, Ed.D., Milwaukee co-chair of the statewide Founders Day celebration along with Terri Strong, Madison Alumnae Chapter President. “She is historic and anointed and the perfect person to inspire our sisters, invigorate our community and illuminate our souls.”

The weekend kicks off Friday, March 18, with An Hour for Your Health, a community health education event from 6-7 p.m. that is open to the public and designed to increase cancer awareness. At noon on Saturday, the public will get to hear what promises to be a dynamic message from Bishop McKenzie. The public is then invited to join Deltas at their Crimson Chill party beginning at 7 p.m. Finally, the weekend culminates with an ecumenical worship service on Sunday, March 20. The public is invited to hear a message from Anique Ruiz, a member of Delta Sigma Theta’s Milwaukee Alumnae Chapter and founder of The Journey for Women, Inc. All events will take place at the Radisson Hotel, 517 Grand Canyon Drive, on Madison’s west side.

“Our founders, 22 collegiate women at Howard University, used their collective strength to promote academic excellence, provide support to the underserved, to highlight issues and to provide solutions for problems in their communities,” says Carola Gaines, Wisconsin State Coordinator and immediate past president of the Madison Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta. “This weekend is all about honoring their perseverance and continuing their legacy through our work today.”

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. was founded in 1913 on the campus of Howard University to promote academic excellence; to provide scholarships; to provide support to the underserved; educate and stimulate participation in the establishment of positive public policy; and to highlight issues and provide solutions for problems in their communities. Today Delta Sigma Theta Sorority has over 250,000 initiated members and more than 900 chapters worldwide, including six in Wisconsin. The Sorority uses its Five-Point Programmatic Thrust of economic development, educational development, international awareness and involvement, physical and mental health, and political awareness and involvement to create its national and local programs.

For more information, interested guests can email [email protected] or to register for the event, or click here.