The Power of Sisterhood: Individually Unique...Together Complete
Gamma Phi Delta Sorority, Inc.
Alpha Omicron Chapter
Washington, DC
Look at What We Have Been Up To
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A Bit About Us
Officers & National History
Here at Gamma Phi Delta Sorority, Inc., we see the value in elevating the Black community. We want to be a catalyst for positive change and, since our beginnings in 1943, we’ve been driven by the same ideas we initially founded on: the empowerment of women, the development and empowerment of youth, and progress for peace and harmony for all, but especially members of the Black community.
Read below to learn about our fantastic history, and scroll down to learn more about our mission, our vision, and how we go about making the changes we want to see.
Our 2020-2021 Officers
President - Vanessa Harrison
First Vice President - Donna Harrell
Second Vice President - Wanda Jones
Secretary- Solangel Childs
Assistant Secretary - Saundra Lynch Ervin
Treasurer- Antoinette White-Richardson
Financial Secretary- Michele Hallman
Youth Advisor - Carolyn Stuckey
Editor / Asst. Youth Advisor - Marinda Harrell-Levy
Our Founders
Gamma Phi Delta Sorority, Inc. was founded in February 1943 at the Lewis Business College (Lewis College of Business) Detroit, Michigan by Mrs. Elizabeth Garner, an instructor at the College, assisted by her sister, Mrs. Violet T. Lewis, owner and President of the College.
In 1943, our Founders chartered a course into the world of Freedom for Gamma Phi Delta. They stepped forward with bold courage and enthusiasm, leaving us a clearly marked trail to follow. No doubt there were many times when they became weary, nevertheless, the well-marked trail was left.
We pause and look back at the hope and love each had for Gamma Phi Delta and because of their determined efforts on its behalf, we are inspired to Excellency - we are compelled to Move Forward.
Violet T. Lewis was Inducted into the Ring of Genealogy – Humanities & Education in the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, April 24, 2005. In celebration of their 40th Anniversary, Charles H Wright Museum inducted names of 40 Detroiters into the Museum’s Ring of Genealogy, at which time 40 brass plates bearing each name was installed in the rotunda floor. The Detroit 40 are individuals who had made significant achievements in African American History. Soror Violet T. Lewis (1899-1968) was honored for Founding Lewis Business College in Indianapolis, Indiana at the request of the Detroit Chamber of Commerce in 1929. She also founded Detroit’s Lewis Business College and was Co-Founder of Gamma Phi Delta, a businesswomen’s sorority with 87 chapters nationwide.
Our Purpose
Organized exclusively for charitable, religious, educational, and scientific purposes, including, for such purposes, the making of distributions to organizations that qualify as exempt organizations described under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future federal tax code.
Our Mission
In addition to our service in many walks of life, Gamma Phi Delta is particularly committed to youth. Our youth are a great part of the organization. We strive to nurture young people into culturally enriched adults. The auxiliaries are organized groups of youth and adults sponsored by the National Organization of Gamma Phi Delta Sorority, Inc. for the purpose of encouraging, assisting and training youth in the educational, refinement and cultural process through specifically designed programs and activities; and to incorporate a group of adults to assist, promote and be supportive of the programs and goals of the Organization.
Chapters are organized in all areas of the United States, and may, under the corporate structure, extend to its territories. Gamma Phi Delta strives to improve the economic, social and political status of all women; to motivate the members to further their education/training and maintain a better relationship among women of all races and creeds and to be of greater service to the community, country and to each other. The commitment to the pursuit of Social, Cultural and Academic excellence for young people is evidenced through the sponsorship of youth auxiliaries and through encouragement and financial assistance, of educational endeavors.
Graduate members serve as mentors for four youth groups (Rosebuds, Phi-Teens, Junior Cavaliers and Cavaliers). Graduate members serve as role models and give instructional training in refinement and culture; conduct workshops on college preparation, college applications, choosing a career, job application, job interviews, availability of, and how to apply for grants and scholarships, vocational opportunities and motivational sessions on goal setting.
Each Chapter is required to provide a showcase for aspiring young artists through the sponsorship of an annual Artist of Tomorrow program. Many of these participants have achieved national and international fame. Educational and recreational programs are provided to keep young people involved in worthwhile pursuits. The National Headquarters in Detroit MI, provides the space for such activities in that area.
The National Membership Enrichment Program includes general presentations and workshops beneficial to the career woman and provides "Know How" to initiate, organize and carry out programs to enhance the communities we represent. Local chapters are encouraged to support charities and organizations whose objectives are parallel to those of Gamma Phi Delta in serving humanity. This support is accomplished through both financial and volunteer services. The members are particularly interested in working and cooperating with those programs whose objectives are the elimination of economical, educational, vocational and social gaps the exist between the privileged and the underprivileged.
Volunteer services are an integral part membership responsibility and each member is encouraged to contribute their time and expertise in needed areas. A corp of adult affiliates was organized to assist in the pursuit of organizational goals. They are the Echoes (females) and the Senior Cavaliers (males). Gamma Phi Delta is affiliated with other National Organizations; life member of the NAACP with over five hundred individual life members; life member affiliate of the NCNW and member of AOIP. Gamma Phi Delta is non-political; however, we research, study and explore issues that are relative to humanity and make presentations and recommendations to the members. Gamma Phi Delta is non-sectarian; however, a general recognition of a Supreme Being is a part of our creed.
We strive to make peace, patience, joy, kindness, wisdom, courtesy, justice, charity and faith our contribution to society as we endeavor to uplift those around us.