Our Legacy, Our Story:
The History of Sigma Chapter
January 1, 1924, when Sigma Chapter, now Atlanta Alumnae Chapter, was chartered in the Southern Region. This chapter, comprised of young women from Atlanta University and Spelman College, was the first authorized in Georgia, the second in the Southern Region, and the nineteenth in the United States.
The charter members included students from Atlanta University and Spelman College. The inductees were: Minnie Lee Perry Bowden, Louise Holmes Elder, Sarah Brinson Forbes, Louise Pace Harris, Lila Moore Brown Hazel Shanks Hynson, Marie Byas, Altona Trent Johns, Magnolia Latimer Coleman, and Mattie Owens.
In 1958, graduate chapters of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. were changed from Greek letter names to the name of the city where the chapter is located. Iota Sigma Chapter was renamed Atlanta Alumnae Chapter.
On May 6, 1931 Sigma Chapter was officially chartered on the Campus of Clark College, now formally known as Clark Atlanta University, by nine courageous students. They were inducted as the first members of the Sigma Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Sammye Griffin Dennis, a 1931 graduate of Clark College and a Sigma Chapter charter member, was the first female to major in and receive a degree in Business Administration. She and the other charter members set the standard for Sigma Chapter.
Sigma Chapter members continue to make a significant impact on the campus and in the community at large through programs based on Delta Sigma Theta’s Five-Point Programmatic Thrust and stand out as campus leaders in all areas.
The Nine Who
Built the Legacy
On May 6, 1931, nine visionary women established the Sigma Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. at Clark College (now Clark Atlanta University). Their courage, leadership, and dedication to the ideals of sisterhood, scholarship, service, and social action laid the foundation for a legacy that continues to inspire generations of Sigma women
- Julia Jackson Bragg
- Rose Upshaw Harris
- Angelyne Tatum McLilly
- Mattalyn Walker Bonner
- Sara Perry Star
- Frankie Neal Moore
- Lucille Stone Perry
- Gussie Griffin Hyatte
- Sammye Griffin Dennis
Our Signature Programs: Empowering, Engaging, Impacting
Sigma Chapter is proud to offer programs that reflect our commitment to sisterhood, scholarship, service, and social action. Our signature initiatives are designed to empower members, uplift the Clark Atlanta University community, and create meaningful impact both on campus and beyond. From educational workshops to community outreach and cultural events, each program embodies the values and legacy of Delta Sigma Theta while fostering leadership, growth, and service.

Delta Charm Scholarship Pageant

Red Goes Pink Breast Cancer Awareness Program

Enough is Enough Domestic Violence Program

Empire State of Mind Financial Literacy Program

Voter Registration Drives

International Pot-Luck Dinners
Making a Difference: Highlights of Sigma Chapter’s Success
- Red Goes Pink Breast Cancer Awareness
- Enough Is Enough Domestic Violence Program
- Campus Superlatives (SGA Leaders, Miss Clark Atlanta University, Class Officers and other campus leadership)
