
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.
Through the Eyes of Delta Sigma Theta: The word ‘‘Jabberwock” was copyrighted by
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., 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 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.
Through the Eyes of Richland County Alumnae: 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.

Key Dates
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June 5, 2021 | Candidate Registration and Orientation
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June 19, 2021 | Workshop
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August 1, 2021 | Participant Application Deadline
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August 14, 2021 | Professional Headshots will be taken
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August 28, 2021 | Rehearsal & Second Fundraising Collection
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September 11, 2021 | Rehearsal
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September 28, 2021 | Workshop
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October 9, 2021 | Rehearsal
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October 30, 2021 | In person recording sessions by appointments; All Journal Ads Due
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November 6, 2021 | Virtual Community Service Activity; All Contestant Videos and Music must be submitted; Fundraising Collection – Fourth Fundraising Collection
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November 20, 2021 | Zoom Interview Question with Judges; Deadline to Submit Revisions for any previously submitted videos
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December 1, 2021 | Final Fundraising Collection – All Fundraising Money Due
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December 4, 2021 | Jabberwock 2021