CELEBRATING DELTAS' DAWNING

Crimson banquet celebrates Delta Sigma Theta, age 105

The Little Rock Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. opened its annual Founder's Day program to the public this year. But the crowd that gathered in the Robinson Center's William Grant Still Grand Ballroom on Jan. 13 was still mostly a sea of crimson ... the sorority's main color, worn by its members, known as Deltas for short.

The event, also a celebration of the sorority's 105th birthday, was a banquet whose speaker was Barbara Bagneris of Orange, Calif., an aerospace principal financial analyst at the Raytheon Co. in El Segundo; a member of the sorority's national finance committee and a former national second vice president.

A table outside was decorated with small, framed images of the 22 founders of Delta Sigma Theta, and touches of the sorority's signature flower, the African violet.

Cheryl Powell was master of ceremonies for the event, which kicked off with greetings and opening remarks by Pamala Himon, event chairman. The Little Rock Alumnae Arts and Letters ensemble provided vocal entertainment, with local singer and sorority member Genine Perez spicing up the group's second selection.

Awards and special recognition included the 2018 Spirit of Delta Award, which went to Karen Lovelace. Former Little Rock Mayor Lottie Shackelford was presented with the 2018 Delta of the Year award. In addition, members of other predominantly black Greek organizations were recognized during the program.

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority was founded Jan. 13, 1913, at Howard University in Washington.

-- Story and photos by Helaine R. Williams

High Profile on 01/21/2018

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