Chapter History

The joys of college years, and even more, the memories of friendships made early, which continue to grow into bonds of love, are lasting testaments to the indelible work which might be found among those in Delta. This is why Monmouth County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. came to be.

In early November 1966 a friendly note from Zara Peters-Wynn was sent to Deltas she knew or heard of in the local Monmouth County area. The message stated she would like to meet them, and any other Sorors they may know, to discuss the possibility of starting a chapter in this vicinity. The closest chapter of Delta Sigma Theta at that time was Trenton Alumnae Chapter. The note was sent to Twyler Daniels, Geraldine Ellison, Roberta Hastie, Ollie Perry, Willie Robinson, Bertha Williams, Delores Williams, and Lillian Williams. The response to the note was great, and names of other known Deltas were given. These Sorors were also contacted.

A meeting was held in Zara’s home in December 1966 with 12 Deltas attending: Evelyn K. Cargile, Geraldine Clark, Twyler Daniels, Geraldine H Ellison, Roberta H. Hastie, Janice D. Keener, Ollie N. Perry, Willie F. Robinson, Bertha R. Williams, Delores J. Williams, Lillian J. Williams and Zara Peters-Wynn. Most of the Sorors unknown to each other, except through the bond of sisterhood, were delighted to meet and learn that they all lived in this area. The idea of establishing a local chapter was exciting. It was decided that they would continue to meet informally, while researching the necessary information to charter a chapter in this area.

The next meeting held in January 1967 at the home of Ollie Perry, was equally uplifting and exciting. Another Soror, Joy Clark, joined the group. Zara reported on information that had been obtained from National Headquarters, and suggested that the group unofficially organize to have designated spokespersons to communicate with the Grand Chapter. The group became “Monmouth County Deltas Interest Group” with Zara Peters-Wynn, President; Geraldine Clark, Vice President; Roberta Hastie, Secretary; and Evelyn Cargile, Treasurer.

During the next five months the Interest Group continued to meet. Two additional Deltas heard of the group and joined - Alice Brickler and Yvonne Jones. From the persistent efforts of Roberta Hastie and Zara Peters-Wynn, within a short period of time approval to charter a chapter in this area was granted by the Grand Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Monmouth County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. was to be the chapter’s official name.

The momentous occasion of chartering Monmouth County Alumnae chapter as the 314th chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. was held June 24, 1967, 6:00 p.m., at the home of Soror Ollie N. Perry, 52 Garden Place, New Shrewsbury, New Jersey (now Tinton Falls, NJ), with Soror Constance Clayton, Director of the Eastern Region of Delta Sigma Theta, as the chartering officer representing the National Executive Board. Signing the original charter were: Alice Brickler, Evelyn K. Cargile, Geraldine L. Clark, Joy K. Clark, Twyler G. Daniels, Geraldine H. Ellison, Roberta H. Hastie, Yvonne O. Jones, Janice D. Keener, Ollie N. Perry, Willie F. Robinson, Bertha R. Williams, Delores J. Williams, Lillian J. Williams and Zara Peters-Wynn. The founding officers remained the same. From that beginning Monmouth County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. began its active mission of public service to the Monmouth and Ocean County communities.

The chartering of those mighty fifteen women as an official alumnae chapter of a national Pan-Hellenic sorority was of great significance to the entire New Jersey community. Monmouth County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. became the first African American sorority chapter to be chartered south of Trenton in New Jersey. This began a series of many “firsts” in this community attributable to Monmouth County Alumnae Chapter.

During its first biennium, involvement in educational endeavors was established as a top priority, and remains intact. As a fundraising mechanism, Monmouth County Alumnae Chapter began hosting Scholarship Luncheons to finance scholarships for worthy high school graduates. Before its second year of existence, its first $1000.00 scholarship was awarded. Shortly thereafter, a community Tutorial service was established collaborating with area schools for referrals. The first College Career Day held in this area, with more than 75 colleges represented, became for a period an annual thrust. It is worthy to note that until this point, no college fairs had been held by a school or organization in this area.

Along with the commitment to education, the need to serve the community spread to others areas as well. Mental Health Projects, Women’s Forums, Career Seminars, Teen Lift Programs, Cultural Uplift Projects - Art shows and Exhibits, Jaberwocks, Music! Music! Music! - youth talent expositions; Ruby Dee book signing Party, Reception to honor Brookdale Community College’s first black president, Honoring outstanding citizens in the community, (Keeping the Dream Alive); hosting international students and teachers, women’s forums, AIDS forums, economic seminars, hospital volunteering, support to needy families with food, clothing and toys; adopting families and senior citizens, sponsoring artist and poets in showings, concerts and readings, economically supporting area community centers and black theaters, voter registration drives, hosting reading programs for children at all Monmouth County Libraries, empowering people to work against injustices, lobbying and testifying in the NJ state legislature, meeting with representatives in the US Congress, purchasing life memberships in NAACP and N.C.N.W., (affiliate memberships), are but a few of the innovative endeavors instituted in this community by this dynamic chapter. Notable recognition must also be given to Monmouth County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. for spearheading the concept of statewide organizations of the sorority. The first ever state council of Delta was the New Jersey State Council, organized in 1972 in Monmouth County. Other states followed suit, and state councils became a component of the sorority’s organizational setup. Monmouth County Alumnae Chapter continues to be a trendsetter in Delta Sigma Theta.

From the time of this chapter’s chartering, to date ten presidents have presided over the Grand Chapter, eleven Directors have steered the Eastern Region, and sixteen committed leaders have guided Monmouth County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. as its president. From Monmouth County Alumnae Chapter through five initiations, fifty four new members have been added to the ranks of Grand Chapter. Over the past thirty nine years contributions to scholarships and other worthy causes number in the hundreds of thousands of dollars, and the hours of volunteer service are innumerable; yet our mission is not complete.

As we continue to impact our community in the areas of Economic Development, Educational Development, International Awareness and Involvement, Physical and Mental Health, Political Awareness and Social Action Involvement, our commitment to render service is our greatest priority.

Membership in Delta Sigma Theta is a Lifetime Commitment.....and in Delta Sigma Theta the greatest of these is love.