RICHLAND COUNTY ALUMNAE CHAPTER HISTORY
HONORING OUR LEGACY & CHARTER MEMBERS
It was a beautiful and bright Sunday afternoon. The date was April 24, 1994. The location was the beautiful Carriage House on the grounds of the Historic Robert Mills House and Gardens in downtown Columbia. Excitement was in the air, along with a smidgen of nervousness.
Then South Atlantic Regional Director, Nettie Faulcon, conducted the chartering ceremony for the 867th Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, the Richland County Alumnae Chapter (RCA). Forty–four (44) charter members were present, along with other invited guests. Of the forty-four (44) charter members, thirty-seven (37) of them were reclaimed by the chapter. These founding members were the guiding force during RCA’s formation and inception.
The newly established Richland County Alumnae chapter became the second chapter in the Columbia Metropolitan area. Prior to chartering, the Sorors participated in community service activities such as the Diabetes Walk-a thon, Habitat for Humanity and also adopted girls in the Whitten Cottage at the Carolina Children’s Home.
After chartering, the chapter participated in established community activities such as Relay for Life, American Red Cross blood drives and various voter registration drives. The chapter’s Scholarship Program for high school seniors began in 1995. In this initial year, a scholarship of $500 was awarded.
The Richland County Alumnae Chapter initiated its own projects, such as the Mother Daughter Relationship Conference, now known as the Women and Girls Conference, geared toward educating and empowering women and girls; the Holiday Gala, which is now known as the Red Diamond Gala, RCA’s major fundraiser; the Little Miss Red and White Pageant, our 2nd major fundraiser and known as Jabberwock, showcases the gifts and talents of the young ladies participating in the pageant.
Our fundraising efforts have allowed RCA to award more than $150,000 in scholarships to students in Richland, Fairfield, and Lexington counties.
RCA continues to sponsor other core programs such as the Delta Gems Program that consists of young ladies in grades 9 - 12, and the Arts and Letters Oratorical Contest, which fosters students in the art of public speaking. During the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, sorors collect toys, food, household products, toiletries, and gift cards for adopted families.
In cooperation with our sister chapter, the Columbia Alumnae Chapter, we have sponsored events such as the Political Issues Forum, the International Day of Service, Delta Day at the State Capital, voter registration drives and Unity Day of Service.
To strengthen the bond of sisterhood, the chapter members participate in activities that afford the opportunities to wind down and enjoy each other in a stress free environment that may include a movie, dinner, a play, bowling, and most recently, virtual gatherings.
RCA has left its footprints in the community for over 25 years. Our beloved chapter has grown greatly in size since its establishment in 1994 and now boasts a membership of over 350 members.
Since our humble beginnings, RCA has initiated the following lines of phenomenal women:
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Fall 1997 - Genesis 22:2 +
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Spring 2002 - 37 Daughters of the Dawn
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Spring 2009 - 80 Degrees of Crimson Heat
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Fall 2020 - 74 Dimensions of Distinction
RICHLAND COUNTY ALUMNAE CHARTER MEMBERS
The Charter Members of the Richland County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated laid the foundation for a lasting legacy of sisterhood, scholarship, service, and leadership throughout the communities in Richland, Lexington, and Fairfield counties.
Through vision, dedication, and collective purpose, these dynamic women established a standard of excellence and committed to making a meaningful impact for generations to come. Because of these remarkable women, RCA continues to thrive in sisterhood, service, and purpose. We proudly honor their contributions and the enduring legacy they created.
Greta Avery
Rosalyn Bland
Helen Bryson
Carla Bullard
Thewanda Cooper
Sylvia Davis
Amy Delyons
Mornique Dozier
Tammie Epps
Rosalyn Glenn
Toni Hassell
Jannette Henry
Kristi Hill
Marjorie House
Felicia Howard
Donna Huger
Linda Jackson
Denine Johnson
Jacquelyn Johnson
Joyce Johnson
Gwendolyn Jones
Yolanda Kennedy
Lula Lee
Cheryl Mack
Donna McCray
Leah Moody
Beverly Morris
Stephanie Morris
Monica Owens
Sharon Parker
Nancy Peppers
Debbie Pinckney
Lakindra Pruitt
DeVonne Smalls
DeAlva Suber
Nancy Tanks
Carolyn Taylor *
Tia Thomas
Rhonda Thompson
Lavell Thornton
Dana Tucker
Priscilla White*
Patricia Williams
Margie Wise
*DECEASED