Beta Chapter
Founder Madre Penn (White), second president of Alpha Chapter extended the vision of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. by setting in motion the creation of the second chapter. Ruby Martin, a young student at Wilberforce University informed Madre Penn White she had a group of inspiring, suitable young women ready to join the new sorority.
Alpha Chapter authorized Soror Frances Gunner to conduct initiation rites for Ruby Martin, and instructed her in the procedures for establishing the second chapter. On February 5th, 1914, Martin returned to Ohio and established Beta Chapter. On February 17, 1914, Beta Chapter was chartered by Freddie Billings, Nakomis Boyd, Helen Ferguson, Margaret Glass, Ruby Martin, Beatrice Mason, Marie Ody, Bernice Sandler, Annie Singleton (Cobb), and Iolyn Springfield (Clark). Beta Chapter was the first sorority established on the campus of Wilberforce University, the oldest chapter of the Mighty Midwest Region, known and respected as the Mother of the Mighty Midwest and Home of the Beta Hymn. Beta Chapter gave Delta the opportunity to induct prominent women, which included Sarah Scarborough, Josephine Washington, Julia Gee Hunnicut, and Hallie Quinn Brown. Beta Chapter also extended the vision of our sorority by assisting with the chartering of numerous chapters. |