Delta Sigma Theta celebrates 100 years in Southern Region with service project

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Nearly 3,000 Delta Sigma Theta members are gathering at the Savannah Convention Center this weekend as part of the Southern Region’s centennial celebration.

Members from alumni and collegiate chapters kicked off the weekend with a large-scale service project, working alongside local domestic violence shelters. Attendees brought personal care items and feminine hygiene products to registration, resources that advocates often say are urgently needed.

The donations will benefit three locations in the area: Safe Shelter of Savannah, Safe Haven of Statesboro and the Tri-County Protective Agency of Hinesville.

Focus on women’s protection and empowerment

“The protection of women and girls is important for the future of all of us,” said Amaris Johnson, Southern Regional Director for Delta Sigma Theta.

“And if we can do our small part to make sure that they have a place that is safe, welcoming and inclusive in terms of their escaping from their situation... that’s one small part that we can play as an organization.”

Leaders say the centennial also focuses on long-term impact, equipping members with tools they can take back to their home communities. They say these are efforts they’re taking to fight decreasing employment rates among black women in the U.S.

“We’re definitely focused on how do we help entrepreneurship, how do we help people connect talent and resources to jobs and opportunities,” Johnson said.

Student leadership and mentorship

That mission spans generations, with sorority members playing a hands-on role in service initiatives while balancing academics and leadership.

“I feel like it’s also another misconception, like just being that we’re young or we’re collegiate, that we can’t do much,” said Arianna Johnson, Savannah State Chapter President.

“But I think if you’re a great leader, it’s instilled in you. You can do anything that you put your mind to.”

The theme this year is “Mardi Gras Let the Good Times Roll Across the Southern Region.” Sorority leaders said they are expecting several surprise guest speakers and visits from local elected leaders.

For the students in this space, this weekend is all about mentorship, connection and momentum.

“It motivates me to do great things. They motivate me as far as just like, no excuses, just building that momentum to keep going. So it’s really empowering,” Arianna Johnson said.

Organizers say the centennial events continue through the weekend, which is estimated to be the largest state meeting the organization has ever held in Georgia.