The chapter was chartered in 1938 as the Beta Rho Chapter by five visionary women who had special concerns to develop and promote projects that would aid in solving some of the problems that existed for Black people at that time in Fort Worth. Thus, the inception of many social action programs that would create community awareness of the need for education, cultural enlightenment, emphasis on lite
rary skills, and provision of wholesome recreational opportunities. Some of the notable projects and accomplishments of the chapter has included: adoption of a group of orphans at the Lena Pope Home in the 1960’s; the Black Arts Festival and teen lift programs of the 1970’s; the renaming of the Poly Freeway (Highway 287) to the Martin Luther King Freeway in 1981; School America in the 1990’s; the Children’s Literary Café in 2004. Today, the chapter continues its long-standing tradition and mission of service to the community through Delta Sigma Theta’s Five Point Program Thrust: Economic Development, Educational Development, International Awareness and Involvement, Physical and Mental Health, and Political Awareness and Involvement. Major programs and initiatives today include:
Delta GEMS (Growing and Empowering Myself Successfully) is a national initiative targeting African-American female teenagers aged 14-18 resulting in an increased knowledge and awareness of issues and concerns affecting women today. Areas of focus include academic excellence, self-esteem, financial awareness and social responsibility. Delta Academy is a national initiative for young girls 11-14 with a focus on building self-esteem, leadership and non-traditional careers in math, science and technology. Miss Jabberwock Scholarship Pageant is an annual event for young ladies who are high school seniors who exemplify a vital concern for social welfare, academic excellence, and cultural enrichment. Through this valuable fundraising activity, participants are awarded scholarships to assist them in furthering their education
Senior Citizens Project is a monthly effort in which toiletries and other essentials are collected and delivered to our senior members of the community who do not readily have access to obtain these items. Barbara Jordan Historical Essay Competition engages students in an opportunity to research, interview, and write essays about African Americans in Texas.. Fort Worth Alumnae sponsor and awards a MAC Book, IPAD Pro, and monetary gifts to winners. Sisterhood Luncheon is an annual event which began in 1990 to highlight issues important to the African American community and honoring various outstanding African American community leaders. This event has remained one of the Chapter’s signature annual events. In addition to implementing chapter programs and initiatives, Fort Worth Alumnae holds a Gold Life Membership in the NAACP and has supported many local events and charities throughout the years through volunteerism and donations, some of which include Meals on Wheels, United Community Centers, HOPE Farm, American Diabetes Association, United Negro College Fund (UNCF), ACH Child and Family Services, Save Darfur, Women’s Haven, Union Gospel Mission, Tarrant Area Food Bank, etc. Fort Worth Alumnae currently consists of over 235 committed members who individually and collectively work to serve and enhance the Fort Worth and surrounding communities.
