On October 31, 1959, in New Rochelle, New York, the Grand Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. authorized the establishment of a new chapter to serve the communities of Westchester County. Sixteen visionary women formalized their commitment to public service, social action, the arts, and educational advancement through the creation of the Westchester Alumnae Chapter.

Charter Members
Telia C. Brigman, Emma C. Davis, Nell B. Rice, Hermantide J. Hubert, Dorothy Lee, Dorothy G. Martin, Evelyn A. McKnight, Amelia C. Pritchard, Doris Douglass, Charlotte A. Dixon, Inez W. Richardson, Susie M. Sharpe, Marguerite J. Singfield, Lillian C. Summers, Doris A. Waters, and Yvonne M. Williams.

From its earliest days, the chapter moved with purpose. Recognizing the need to fund social action initiatives and provide scholarships to deserving students, members hosted a Spring Dinner Dance in 1961 and a Founders Day Celebration for chapters across the New York metropolitan area in 1962. That same year, the chapter awarded its first $500 scholarship. Since then, Westchester Alumnae Chapter has provided more than $435,000 in scholarships and book awards to students throughout the county.

With the formation of the National Social Action Commission, the chapter’s reach expanded to national and international levels. Our fourth Chapter President, Inez W. Richardson, served as the Commission’s first Chair, strengthening the chapter’s local advocacy with national leadership. A 1967 voter registration drive resulted in more than 1,000 residents registering to vote. Today, members continue this legacy through partnerships with the League of Women Voters and other civic organizations.

The Arts and Letters Committee has been active since its first theater party in 1963, featuring Purlie Victorious in New Rochelle. Over time, the chapter’s “Opening Day” theater party program was adopted nationally in 1992 as an initiative to support the arts. In 2019, the chapter launched the O.M.A. Awards, recognizing artists across the New York area for their contributions to culture and community.

Health and wellness have remained central to the chapter’s work. Early efforts included supporting the daycare center of Messiah Baptist Church in the 1960s and equipping the Yonkers Community Kitchen in 1976. Today, that legacy continues through support of Feeding Westchester and programs addressing food insecurity. The chapter’s award-winning Emergency Response Team has installed smoke detectors in Yonkers neighborhoods, conducted fire safety seminars, facilitated emergency preparedness workshops, and hosted climate change forums, providing timely and practical resources to the community.

Westchester Alumnae Chapter is especially proud that its 13th Chapter President, Elsie Cooke-Holmes, went on to serve as International President and Chair, Board of Directors of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. The chapter continues to be represented through service on national commissions and committees and in regional leadership roles.

Grounded in our National mission and Five-Point Programmatic Thrust, Westchester Alumnae Chapter remains steadfast in serving the Westchester County community. Through the leadership of our Executive Committee, Executive Board, committee chairs, and dedicated membership, we continue to identify needs, mobilize resources, and build on a legacy that began more than six decades ago.