Sorority honored with Parish and city proclamations

     On Jan. 24, the Ascension Alumnae Chapter hosted its Inaugural Founders Day Program at the Clarion Inn and Conference Center in Gonzales. The event celebrated the legacy of the founders of the Sorority and commemorated 103 years of service. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, was founded on Jan. 13, 1913 by 22 college women at Howard University.

     The keynote speaker was Cynthia M.A. Butler-McIntyre, 24th National President, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She was initiated into the Sorority through the Beta Gamma Chapter at Dillard University on Nov. 30, 1973. Butler-McIntyre has served Delta with distinction at the local, state, regional and national. She is lovingly regarded as a leader with a servant’s heart.

     Other distinguished guests at the event included Southwest Regional Director of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Pamela Rogers, Louisiana State Coordinator of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Doris Brown, State Senator Regina Barrow, State Rep. Edward Price, Ascension Parish President Kenny Matassa, Ascension Parish Councilman Oliver Joseph, Donaldsonville councilmen Reginald Francis, Sr. and the Rev. Charles Brown and Gonzales councilman Terence Irvin.

     Parish President Kenny Matassa presented Hollis Baker-Graves, President of the Chapter with a proclamation declaring Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016 as Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Day in Ascension Parish. Donaldsonville councilmen Reginald Francis, Sr. and Charles Brown also presented a proclamation from Mayor Leroy Sullivan, Sr. declaring Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016 as Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Day in Donaldsonville.

     The Ascension Alumnae Chapter is a part of the Southwest Region of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. The chapter was chartered on April 15, 2015 in Ascension Parish. The Blazing Southwest Region as it is affectionately known has more than 138 chapters located in Ark.. La. Miss. New Mexico, Texas and Jamaica.