The 90th anniversary weekend for the Memphis Alumnae Chapter (MAC) of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., culminated with a spirited gospel brunch. One might have thought they were in church on the last Sunday morning in November. But instead, a crowd of 300 gathered at the Hilton Memphis for a mid-morning praise break, breakfast fare and a celebration of nine decades of service, sisterhood and social action.
“We lead with purpose and with heart,” said Christin Webb, the hostess for the weekend’s festivities. “And we celebrate our rich history as we look forward to the future.”
The immediate future held a breakfast buffet with delectable delights as light gospel music piped overhead, provided by DJ Truck. But attendees could only arrive at the buffet after perusing items offered by a squad of all female vendors, some with MAC historic memorabilia, lining the hallway.
The long-term future and vision, however, came into view during the next couple of hours into the afternoon, as MAC member Sheronda K and her band periodically lifted spirits and urged the crowd to lift their own voices. And that vision is this: MAC aims to leave a legacy grounded in faith, fellowship and sisterhood. The organization of more than 700 financial members, and 1,200 on the roll, is here to leave an indelible mark on the Memphis community through service, scholarship and leadership.
And leaders were definitely in the room. From First Lady of Memphis, Dr. Jamila Smith Young, to Memphis Police Chief Cerelyn “C.J.” Davis, to doctors, lawyers, nurses, ministers, teachers and so many other professional women, it’s clear that these women’s impact is already great within the Memphis community.
During the “Crimson Conversation” (a nod to the sorority’s colors — crimson and creme) panel discussion, Past President Deborah Green Harris was asked what legacy meant to her. She started naming many of the women in the room.
“It’s the memories of the things we have done, the trails we have blazed. But it’s also Beverly Roberton, Stephanie Scurlock, Marvia Balfour Coleman, Dr. Charlotte Freeman, teachers and administrators,” she said, suggesting that their existence alone is part of the legacy they will leave.
Saxophonist Alexis Cole, who has only been a member of MAC for a few years, shared her perspective during the panel moderated by Alison Delaney.
“I knew about MAC before I even knew about Delta,” said Cole. Her first engagement with MAC was through the Jabberwok Pageant as a youngster, but her favorite memory to date was being on the 85th anniversary planning committee as a Delta Gem.
“I also remember being part of the ACT prep workshops that helped kids get ready to go to college,” said Cole. “When it comes to Memphis, if there’s not a Delta involved, I’m not sure I want to be involved,” she said to a laughing crowd. “We set the tone behind the scenes and in front of the scenes.”
Harris added a memory to the conversation. “How many remember the Ebony fashion show?” as the entire room cheered. “That’s one of the ways we raised so much money so that our seniors would have a chance to go to college,” said Harris.
Harris also asked Legacy members to stand — mothers, daughters, aunts, women who carried the torch and passed it on to their younger family members. “This is also our legacy,” she said.
Bacarra Mauldin facilitated a truncated version of the past presidents’ reflection, that took place live instead of via video (due to technical difficulties), where she asked two past presidents to share what they thought the “secret sauce” was to the longevity and commitment of MAC members.
Past President Annie Lewis said, “MAC has grown and flourished so much through the years because of daring sorors like you who had boots on the ground before there were ‘boots on the ground,’” referring to the popular song and dance. “You did the work, and when there wasn’t a seat at the table, we brought our own.”
Past President Dr. Charlotte Freeman added, “Our membership is the secret sauce. We have sisters who are working, leading at the local, regional and national levels. Sisters who might not be able to come to chapter meetings every month because they’re taking care of loved ones, but they show up financially.”
Representing one of few men in the room, Shelby County Commissioner Mickell Lowery shared a resolution on behalf of the commission, but not before shouting out the “most important Delta” to him, his mother Mary Lowery. LaSonya Hall followed him, sharing proclamations on behalf of Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris, Memphis Mayor Paul Young, and Michalyn Easter-Thomas, city councilwoman (District 7) and a MAC member.
The day ended with an address from MAC President Candace D. Tate, who shared that legacy is intentional influence. “It’s visible fruits of an invisible strength,” she said.
“Hope starts with purposeful leadership,” Tate added. She wrapped up with a tearful sentiment, “I just want them to know that I gave my all… I did my best to bring someone some happiness, made this world a little better just because I was here.”
The atmosphere overall was festive, with hugs, Oo-Oops and “soror” salutes. It’s safe to say MAC has it covered for the next 90 years.
