Rosia Blackwell-Lawerance  (2004-2008)

When I ran for President, I did so with a mandate to achieve the following benchmarks that were quantifiable and measurable. They included: Raising the profile of our Chapter on a local, regional and national basis by demonstrated innovative programming, hard work and results; Reviving Chapter membership through intake, reclamation and rededication of our Sisters in Delta from all walks of life; Realigning our Chapter activities, respecting our Ritual and Ceremonies, and becoming more aligned with policies and procedures and rules that govern all of our Chapters, and To advance the social action, sisterhood bonds, scholarship and charity of our Chapter--all ideals that motivated me to become a Delta so many years ago.

Over the last four years, the Chapter took on new initiatives and new Initiates, ECLECTIC 34!!! We’ve received many accolades and honors including “1st in Compliance” and “NY Metro Chapter of the Year” and even celebrated NMAC’s 25th anniversary. We’ve reclaimed Sorors, rededicated ourselves, retreated together on a farm to move forward together, and sadly at times wept for those beloved Sorors that have gone on to the Omega Omega Chapter. We’ve taken on socially conscious issues, responded to injustices in our society, showcased the scholastic and artistic achievements of young people, recognized that we need to get ourselves healthy if we are to help others get right with their health, made links to our past through the preservation of our history, exhibited respect for protocol as part of our Delta lives, and saw our fundraising efforts result in the awarding of more than $100,000 in scholarships since the program began.

Our Chapter has not wavered one bit from the mission to provide programming that is innovative and far-reaching. And there is so much more to do as the communities we serve face daunting challenges everyday. Through our programming and presence as college-educated women of color, we offer the promise and hope for better tomorrows.