Chapter History

In 1921, Founder Madree Penn White began a vigilant lookout for a significant number of inflowing members of the Sorority in order to constitute a necessary quorum for the establishment of a chapter in the St. Louis area. It was significant that St. Louis was chosen as the location of a new chapter, as it was strategically located in the center of the country. It was an area that offered a challenge for building wholesome interracial relations and attacking problems and issues pertinent to racial betterment.

Through tireless efforts and unremitting determination in the face of unexpected circumstances, the Lambda Sigma Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. was chartered on December 19, 1926 under the leadership of Founder Madree Penn White. In addition to Founder White, charter members included:

Golda Crutcher
Elizabeth Gross Green
Helen Lucas
Imogene Wilson

Due to the growing number of under graduate chapters established during the 1960s, it was decided that graduate chapters would turn over their nomenclature and rename according to the city in which they were located. The Lambda Sigma Chapter was then renamed the St. Louis Alumnae Chapter.

In addition to its charter members, the St. Louis Alumnae chapter is home to notable Sorors:

Frankie Muse Freeman – 14th National President. Appointed by President Lyndon B. Johnson, Soror Freeman became the first African American woman to serve on the U.S. Civil Rights Commission. For a complete list of Past National Presidents, visit the National Website of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Golda Crutcher – 4th Central Regional Director.

Dr. Queen Dunlap Fowler – 16th Central Regional Director. Soror Fowler was the first African American female superintendent of Missouri Schools.

Sandra Lucado – 22nd Central Regional Director.

Dr. Felicia C. Echols – 25th Central Regional Director

Since 1926, the St. Louis Alumnae Chapter has prevailed in service to the St. Louis community implementing various projects and programs such as the Rites of Passage/Ariya Program and Delta Twinkles.

With a current membership of over 400+ members, the St. Louis Alumnae Chapter will continue to perpetuate the goals and ideals of our 22 visionary founders in the areas of Sisterhood, Scholarship, and Service.