Charter History

The Ascension Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated was chartered April 15, 2015. The initial organizational meeting was held in the home of Hollis Baker-Graves with Hollis Baker-Graves and Michelle Henderson-Taylor in attendance. Subsequent meetings were held in various places. A “Round Up” was held at Jeff’s Place to bring together as many interested sorors as possible. In this activity, details, plans and progress of what had already been done in establishing the alumnae chapter were presented. The application submitted to the current Regional Director, Mae Frances Rowlett, represented the first for an alumnae chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority in Ascension Parish. Chapter Officers elected at the Chartering Ceremony were: President/Hollis Baker-Graves, First Vice President/Gionne Price McLean, Second Vice President/Tamiko Francis Garrison, Recording Secretary/Kimberly Burgess-Smith, Corresponding Secretary/Syretta Davis Anthony, Financial Secretary/Veronica Jones-Bailey, Treasurer/Shunekia McAuley Spears, and Internal Audit Chair/Michelle-Henderson-Taylor.

Included among the chapter’s first programs and/or activities were a Community Health Fair, a Scholarship Presentation to a Dutchtown High School student and a special donation presented to Christian Assembly Full Gospel Church for providing its yearly assistance to Haiti. Additionally, the Educational Development Committee was quickly underway with the inception of Delta GEMS and Dr. Betty Shabazz Delta Academy.

Ascension Alumnae Chapter continues to forge ahead in expanding its programs and/or activities that embrace Delta’s mission. All areas of the Five-Point Programmatic Thrust are now being fully implemented.