Suffolk area members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority realized in the early ’50s that if they wanted to remain active in Delta after graduating from college and returning home, they would have to travel to Portsmouth, Norfolk, or Petersburg to attend meetings and Sorority activities. They also realized that in doing so, the Suffolk Community would not benefit from the public service projects mandated by the Grand Chapter.
After ten years of meeting, traveling to Washington, North Carolina, and other places to talk to Delta officers concerning their plight, they finally realized their dream of establishing a chapter in Suffolk, Virginia. Suffolk and Franklin area Deltas were established into the Suffolk, Virginia Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated on September 12, 1964, in the residence of Mrs. Grace Lancaster. Soror Edythe Tweedy, South Atlantic Regional Director, performed the “New Alumnae Chapter Ceremony” with the assistance of Mrs. Johnnie Harris.
Mrs. Georgia Williams, Chapter President, presented Mrs. Tweedy with a gift from the newly formed organization. The Suffolk Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated gave a corsage to Mrs. Tweedy after the ceremony. The charter members acknowledged the beautiful floral arrangement sent by the Suffolk Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.
Immediately following the formal ceremony, the Suffolk Alumnae Chapter was honored at a reception in the Masonic Hall. Several Deltas from the Norfolk Alumnae Chapter were present. Also, representatives from the following fraternities and sororities: Omega Psi Phi and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternities, Alpha Kappa Alpha and Zeta Phi Beta Sororities. Mr. & Mrs. Walter Underwood decorated the Masonic Hall for this momentous event. Other Deltas assisted Mrs. Underwood by serving as hostesses: Mrs. Diane Chapman, Ms. Barbara Ann Biggs, Ms. Joyce Lamb, and Ms. Catherine Byrd.
The Suffolk Chapter worshipped together at the First Baptist Church Mahan that Sunday morning, and following church services, the charter members were honored at a banquet in the Hotel Suffolk.
Ann Sue Harrison, who was initiated through the Alpha Eta Chapter at Virginia State College (now University) where she received a B.S. Degree, is highly credited as the member who “rounded-up”, located and called Deltas in Suffolk to a meeting in her home on Lee Street to interest them in the formation of Suffolk Alumnae Chapter in March of 1957.
Due to circumstances beyond her control, Ann Sue Harrison was not present at the Chartering; however, the history of Suffolk Alumnae would not be complete or exist without the perseverance of Ms. Harrison. She entered the Omega Omega Chapter in 1992.
Denotes deceased
