Monroe Dispatch - No Struggle, No Progress

April 25,1998-April 25, 2023 In the spring of 1998, 24 Dynamic Innovative Vivacious Awesome Sisters became members of the Monroe Metropolitan Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. On Saturday April 22,2023, those sorority members gathered to celebrate their 25th silver anniversary at a local restaurant in Monroe LA. The accomplished and stylish women, who experienced the union of being “line sisters” 25 years ago on April 25, 1998, have connections to some of the area’s most prestigious universities. Ladies celebrating their “Silver Deltaversary” included: Consuela M. Hunter, Barbara Traylor, Linda Lloyd, Erica Glenn, Anita Tennant-Mack, Wyvetta Pruitt, Ethel Fielder, Kymberly Bradford, Tammy Robinson-Calhoun, Corine Barral-Sutton, Deborah W. Gilmore, Cynthia Swayzer, Sharon Gilmore, Brenda Smart-Williams, and Silynda Moore-McNeal. As a historical note, the 24 divas reunion coincides with a Black history moment. On April 25,1945, The United Nations was founded at a San Francisco meeting attended by Black American consultants, including W.E.B. Dubois, Ralph J. Bunche, Walter White, “the first lady of the struggle” and honorary member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated, Mary McLeod-Bethune. The 24 D.I.V.A.S. line crossed April 25, 1998. Monroe Metropolitan Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated marked its 37th anniversary on January 18,2023. “It was a reunion that celebrated our past, embraced the joys of the present and encouraged great sisterly opportunities for our future as lifetime sands. Our reunion was a beautiful reminder for us not to take our sisterhood in Delta for granted. Our line of 24 is a remarkably, intelligent, and gifted group of beautiful women, both inside and out. Our careers cross all spectrums including a doctor, lawyers, social workers, nurses, counselors, speech pathologist, educators, pastors, homeless education specialists, CPA, professors, a town alderwoman, PhDs, Physical/Occupational/Respiratory Therapist, DNPS, retirees, military, and MBA recipients, directors, and business owners. All are professions built upon the backs of sorority sisters and activists that came well before us to pave the way for African Americans to live the American dream.” Everyone enjoyed delicious gourmet appetizers, dinner and cake followed by a moment of silence in remembrance of their beloved DIVA sister Carolyn Head who is asleep in heavenly delta land. Congratulations and absolute best wishes are extended to all members of the 24 D.I.V.A.S. on your silver anniversary.