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Chapter History

Tacoma Alumnae
Date of Charter: April 30, 1972
Service area of chapter: Tacoma, Washington

Founded with an energetic slate of officers, the Tacoma Alumnae Chapter swiftly embraced Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated’s Five-Point Programmatic Thrust. The chapter’s mission has always been to establish, maintain, and encourage high cultural, intellectual, and moral standards among its members and the broader community. Members continually seek opportunities to foster growth and strength through dedicated service initiatives that uplift and empower the community while promoting positive human relations.

Charter Officers

Cleo Chatman

Barbara Wesley

Eunice Johnson

Wilma McClendon

Christine Turner

Sylvia Dixon

Evelyn Hardin

Anne Wade

Ruth Jefferies

President

Vice President

Financial Secretary

Recording Secretary

Treasurer

Sergeant-at-Arms

Chaplin

Parliamentarian

Historian

Charter Members

Justine Austin

Peggy Fowlkes

Alice Mitchell

Alma Dansby

Bonnie Gill

Norma Robertson

From L to R: Back row - Sylvia Wells Dixon, Eunice Johnson, Soror, Justine Austin, Anne Wade, Wilma McClendon, Alma Dansby, Bonnie Gill;
Front row - Norma Roberson, Ruth Jefferies, Harriet Williams, RD, Cleo Chatman, Barbara Wesley, Christine Turner, Alice Mitchell, Peggy Fowlkes, Evelyn Hardin

Early Years and Community Engagement

Surviving Charter Members

Pictured from left to right:

Sylvia Dixon, Christine Turner, Cleo Chatman, Bonnie Gill, and Justine Frank Austin

In May 1973, the chapter initiated its first new members: Christine Miller-Betts, Wille Mae Johnstone, Florence Joseph, and Ruth Howard Starke. That same year, the chapter launched a Voter Education Drive, actively engaging in political advocacy by serving in advisory roles, supporting Black candidates, hosting workshops on local initiatives, and conducting seminars on elections and voting.

Recognizing the importance of youth development, Tacoma Alumnae established programs aimed at broadening educational and cultural experiences for Black youth. The Teen Lift program at Lincoln High School in Tacoma emphasized leadership, self-confidence, communication skills, and career readiness. Members provided resources on college programs while also fostering self-esteem, poise, and personal development.

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The chapter’s commitment extended to the elderly community. Sorors participated in a Christmas program at the “M” Street Apartment complex in Tacoma, providing entertainment and holiday cheer to thirty-five senior residents. Additionally, members contributed handmade crafts to the Pacific Lutheran University (PLU) Yule Boutique, an annual fundraising event.

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In 1973, the chapter hosted a Founders Day Workshop at the Colored Women’s Clubhouse in Tacoma, focusing on prison reform and women’s rights. The event, attended by Seattle’s Alpha Omicron chapter and Portland Alumnae, underscored the chapter’s commitment to social justice.

Political Engagement and Public Service

Despite national challenges, such as the Arab oil crisis of the mid-1970s, the chapter remained committed to service. Sorors organized a career-planning workshop featuring thirty-five professionals who provided guidance on employment opportunities. They also published the Political Action Handbook for the Greater Tacoma Area, an essential resource detailing voter registration, polling locations, elected officials, and emergency contacts.

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At the height of Expo ’74, Washington’s World’s Fair, Tacoma Alumnae addressed health disparities by launching a Sickle Cell Anemia Project. This initiative included fundraising, public education, and financial assistance for affected families.

Expanding Programs and National Engagement

The late 1970s and 1980s saw Tacoma Alumnae expand its reach with impactful programs like the Friend Program, Blood Pressure Clinics, March of Dimes Youth Health Seminar, and participation in the Miss Black Washington Contest. The chapter also collaborated with the Clover Park Afro-American Gospel Group and continued its dedication to senior citizens and youth empowerment.

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Despite the eruption of Mt. St. Helens in 1980, Tacoma Alumnae remained steadfast in its mission, awarding five scholarships to deserving students. That same year, Sorors eagerly anticipated the publication of Too Young to Be Old: The Story of Bertha Pitts Campbell by Pauline Anderson Simmons Hill and Sherrilyn Johnson Jordan.

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In 1986, as Debi Thomas made history as the World Figure Skating Champion, Tacoma Alumnae celebrated Soror Esther Johnson’s appointment to the National Membership Services Committee (1985-1988). The chapter maintained its presence at national and regional levels throughout the 1990s, with Sorors holding leadership roles, including:

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  • Esther Johnson – National Membership Services Committee (1992-1996, 1996-2000)

  • Mary Green – Regional Nominating Committee (1997-1999)

  • Yvonne Gilbert – Regional Program Committee (1994-1997), Election Committee (1997), Washington State Coordinator (1999-2001)

  • Membership Intake Trainers: Mary Green, Yvonne Gilbert, and Wanda Wilder (1992-2000), Frances Brown (1992-1998), Christine Turner (1992-1996)

  • Rededication to the Five-Point Programmatic Thrust
     

By the late 1990s, Tacoma Alumnae reaffirmed its commitment to Delta’s Five-Point Programmatic Thrust by enhancing existing programs and launching new initiatives:

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  • Adopt-a-Black Business Initiative

  • Adopt-a-Family Project

  • Teen Lift

  • Dr. Betty Shabazz Delta Academy

  • Annual Scholarship Dance and Scholarship Awards

  • Pan-Hellenic Scholarship Drive Contributions

  • Annual Black College Fair, providing resources and transportation for students

  • Support for Komenda School in South Africa

  • Contributions to Thika Memorial Hospital in Kenya

  • HIV/AIDS Awareness and Prevention Campaigns

  • Pierce County AIDS Walk and Hunger Walk Participation

  • Thanksgiving and Christmas Basket Drives

  • Depression Screening and Education Campaigns

  • Annual Support for Allen A.M.E. Christmas House Project (serving over 600 families and 2,500 children)

  • Voter Registration Drives

  • Delta Days at the State and National Capitol

  • Letter Writing Campaigns to Legislators

  • Advocacy Against I-200 (Anti-Affirmative Action Initiative)

 

In 1990, charter member Christine N. Turner was recognized as Washington State’s Active Teacher of the Year by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, and honored at the national level.

Entering the 21st Century

As Tacoma Alumnae entered the 2000s, it reassessed its membership, operations, and community visibility. Under the leadership of President Wanda Wilder, the chapter strengthened its financial foundation by aligning the budget with operational needs and implementing a dues increase to sustain its initiatives.

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Today, Tacoma Alumnae remains dedicated to public service, community well-being, and fostering positive relationships. Programs such as the Dr. Jeanne L. Noble Delta GEMS Institute, the Dr. Betty Shabazz Delta Academy, and award-winning Social Action initiatives continue to reflect the chapter’s unwavering commitment to uplifting the community.

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With a rich legacy of service, Tacoma Alumnae Chapter stands poised to embrace the future while honoring the foundational principles that have guided its impactful journey since 1972.

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