TL;DR: Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. acknowledged eight remarkable Black women as Honorary Members during its 57th National Convention, celebrating their significant contributions across diverse sectors. The inductees embody the sorority’s principles of sisterhood, scholarship, service, and social action, reinforcing the heritage of Black women’s leadership and inspiring future generations.
Honoring Excellence: Delta Sigma Theta’s New Honorary Members
During its 57th National Convention, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. marked a significant event by welcoming eight outstanding Black women as Honorary Members. This esteemed acknowledgment celebrates individuals whose lives and contributions align with the sorority’s lasting mission focused on sisterhood, scholarship, service, and social action. The inductees have not just excelled in their fields but have also shattered ceilings and paved the way for future leaders, epitomizing the essence of leadership that Delta Sigma Theta has advocated since its founding in 1913.
Paying Tribute to Pioneers in Varied Domains
The newly honored Honorary Members span a wide range of sectors, including sports, politics, entertainment, and business. Their remarkable accomplishments demonstrate a strong dedication to justice, purpose, and progress, resonating with the Sorority’s Five-Point Programmatic Agenda: economic development, educational enhancement, global awareness, health, and political participation. Each inductee’s legacy showcases the lasting impact of Black women within society.
Political Groundbreakers: Donna Brazile
Among the most prominent inductees, Donna Brazile made history as the first Black woman to manage a major party nominee’s presidential campaign when she oversaw Al Gore’s 2000 election efforts. Her career includes many influential roles, like acting as the interim Chair of the Democratic National Committee and a respected political analyst. Brazile’s path exemplifies the significance of political engagement and the necessity for representation in leadership positions.
Icons of Entertainment: Danielle Brooks and Queen Latifah
In the entertainment sphere, Danielle Brooks has risen as a significant cultural influencer. Renowned for her performance in “Orange Is the New Black,” Brooks also co-founded Black Women on Broadway, advocating for greater representation and diversity in the arts. Her contributions go beyond mere performance, enhancing the cultural narrative with impactful stories.
Queen Latifah, born Dana Owens, is another celebrated inductee whose diverse career has transformed standards of beauty and artistry. A recipient of Grammy, Emmy, and Golden Globe Awards, she has set records in both music and film while promoting empowerment for women and underrepresented communities. Latifah’s impact stretches well beyond the realm of entertainment, serving as a beacon of inspiration for many.
Pioneering Entrepreneurs: Fawn Weaver and Janice Bryant Howroyd
Fawn Weaver, the founder and CEO of Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, is spearheading a movement within the spirits industry while honoring the heritage of African American distillers. Her creative approach has earned her significant acclaim and success, illustrating the strength of Black entrepreneurship.
Janice Bryant Howroyd, the creator of ActOne Group, represents excellence in business leadership. As one of the first Black women to establish a billion-dollar company, Howroyd’s endeavors highlight the significance of education and empowerment, serving as a guiding light for aspiring businesswomen.
Sporting Legends: Jackie Joyner-Kersee and Swin Cash
Jackie Joyner-Kersee, an iconic athlete with six Olympic medals, is celebrated not just for her athletic achievements but also for her dedication to youth empowerment and health equity. Her continuous advocacy for children’s health initiatives emphasizes the role of athletes in fostering societal change.
Swin Cash, a decorated WNBA champion, has transitioned from a successful playing career to an executive role with the New Orleans Pelicans. Her journey underscores the growing significance of women in sports leadership, paving the path for future generations to excel in athletics and beyond.
Visionary Leaders: Toni Townes-Whitley
Toni Townes-Whitley, CEO of SAIC, embodies a contemporary wave of leadership within the tech landscape. Her dedication to ethical practices and social responsibility highlights the crucial importance of integrity in technological growth. Townes-Whitley’s initiatives promote a more equitable future in tech, fostering inclusivity and diversity.
Inspiring Future Generations
The induction of these eight extraordinary women into Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. goes beyond a celebration of their successes; it serves as a potent affirmation of the transformative leadership of Black women. Their narratives inspire resilience, strategy, and faith, motivating young Black women and girls to carve their own paths toward leadership.
With over 350,000 members worldwide, Delta Sigma Theta continues to elevate communities and advocate for social transformation. The 2025 Honorary Members embody the ongoing legacy of Black women’s leadership, underscoring the significance of representation and empowerment in crafting a brighter future.
