This Day in Black History: Jan. 13, 1913

The Delta Sigma Theta sorority was founded at Howard University.

Posted: 01/09/2013 01:43 PM EST

(Photo: Courtesy of delta sigma theta Sorority)

Delta Sigma Theta Inc. was created on Jan. 13, 1913 by 22 Howard University students who were previously members of Alpha Kappa Alpha, another sorority founded on Howard's campus.

Their organization was formed to have its own identity, stronger political leanings, and to spur social activism within the African-American community.

The organization participated in the Women's Suffrage March in Washington, D.C., on March 3, 1913, less than two months after its formation. Delta Sigma Theta was the only Black women's organization to participate.

The sorority currently contains more than 200,000 members and over 900 chapters worldwide. In addition to using their numbers to promote positive change, Delta Sigma Theta also offers scholarships to college students.

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