Jabberwock
SCHOLARSHIP PAGEANT
JABBERWOCK HISTORY & MISSION
Through the Eyes of Lewis Carroll, Jabberwock is a traditional program of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. Members of the Iota Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta in Boston, Massachusetts, presented the first Jabberwock in 1925 as an effort to find a new method of raising money for the chapter’s scholarship fund. Marion Hope Conover of Iota Chapter conceived the idea of a variety show with skits, dances, and songs in competition for prizes of varying amounts. She called this new kind of show a “Jabberwock” because it was inspired by the Jabberwock in Lewis Carroll’s “Alice in Wonderland.”
The “Jabberwock” was a mythical character who summoned all the creatures of the kingdom each year for the purpose of putting on a show. The first Jabberwock was an immediate success, and the idea caught on with many chapters of Delta Sigma Theta. The Jabberwock has since evolved into a more diverse program that continues to raise funds for scholarships and other Delta Sigma Theta service projects.
Jabberwock© was copyrighted by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, on December 28, 1947. Today, Jabberwock is a national program within Delta Sigma Theta that reflects the Sorority’s commitment to scholarship and the arts.
Many communities served by local chapters of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated eagerly anticipate the event. Monies raised through Jabberwock are earmarked for scholarships to be given by the sponsoring chapter to young people of promise and ability, and for public service projects.
The Richland County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., provides $20,000 annually in college scholarships given to deserving high school seniors. These scholarship funds provide some assistance with the financial needs of our recipients as they pursue higher education. Our Jabberwock Committee is working diligently to develop a Jabberwock program that will provide a curriculum that includes innovative educational, cultural, community service, and self-enrichment activities and programs.
