Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. was founded at Howard University in 1913. From its first social action project supporting the March 1913 Women's Suffrage Parade in Washington, DC, the mission of Delta Sigma Theta has been to transform lives and positively impact communities. In 1943, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.  reached Western New York with the establishment of the Gamma Kappa Chapter, a mixed chapter comprised of undergraduate students and college graduates who pledged to better their community through Sisterhood, Scholarship and Service. By 1979, the national organization had grown so large that it created separate chapters for college graduates and formed the Buffalo Alumnae Chapter, adding a second chapter to the Buffalo Niagara region. 

Buffalo Alumnae is a "small but mighty” chapter who serves the Buffalo Niagara region through programs and initiatives focused on the Sorority's Five-Point Programmatic Thrust. Programs include the biennial Crimson & Cremè Scholarship Gala, Jabberwock leadership development program, the Dr. Mattie L. Rhodes College Preparatory HBCU Tour, Arts & Letters events, the Dr. Betty Shabazz Delta Academy, The Dr. Jeanne L. Noble Delta GEMS (Growing and Empowering Myself Successfully), EMBODI (Empowering Males to Build Opportunities for Developing Independence, Financial Fortitude programs, Physical andMental Health programs, and Social Action initiatives including voter registration drives and Get Out the Vote campaigns.

Buffalo Alumnae Chapter Signature Programs

The Dr. Mattie L. Rhodes College Preparatory Program & HBCU Tour

Founded in 1990 in partnership with Xerox Corporation, the Dr. Matte L. Rhodes College Preparatory Program $ HBCU Tour annually takes high school juniors and seniors on a comprehensive tour of Historically Black Colleges and Universities, exposing them to collegiate life and encouraging students to pursue a college education.  Colleges toured include Howard University, Morgan State University, Hampton University, Bowie State University, and more.

The Crimson & Cremè Scholarship Gala

The biennial Crimson & Cremè Scholarship Gala raises funds for the Chapter's scholarship and public service programs. Held in February with record crowds of over 800 guests, the Crimson &  Cremè  Gala has contributed to the over $500,000 that has been raised over the years and distributed  to graduating high school seniors pursuing a college education. The gala is also a celebration of the arts and recognizes outstanding community members through our Community Impact Awards program.

The Jabberwock Extravaganza

One of the most outstanding chapter fundraising projects has included, “Jabberwock”, which debuted in the Buffalo area around 1960’s and offers leadership development and life skills training for girls, culminating in a pageant with scholarships and prizes.

A Celebration of Arts

Each year, The Buffalo Alumnae Chapter celebrates the arts through a variety of programs and activities such as the Delta Red Carpet events to support movies directed by, produced by, or featuring African American artists, the WNY Black Film Festival and the African America Arts Exposition.