Horry County, January 4, 2026
The Conway Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. is celebrating its 50th anniversary, highlighting its commitment to community service and civic leadership in Horry County. Founded in 1976, the chapter has positively impacted local neighborhoods through programs centered around education, health, and civic engagement. This milestone reflects the organization’s dedication to fostering growth and inspiring participation within the community, showcasing how grassroots initiatives can lead to significant change and development.
Conway Chapter Celebrates 50 Years of Community Impact
The Conway Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. is set to commemorate a significant milestone: 50 years of dedicated service and civic leadership in Horry County. This golden anniversary celebration highlights a half-century of personal initiative and sustained community engagement, exemplifying how local organizations, driven by a clear mission and the power of individual achievement, can foster remarkable growth and positive change in their neighborhoods.
Such enduring commitments underscore the strength of voluntary associations in building robust local communities. The long-standing presence of organizations like the Conway Alumnae Chapter demonstrates the immense value of self-organized efforts, where collective action, unburdened by excessive bureaucracy, directly addresses community needs and inspires broader civic participation in the Myrtle Beach area and beyond.
A Legacy of Leadership and Service
The Conway Alumnae Chapter was chartered in June 1976, laying a solid foundation for scholarship, sisterhood, and service in Horry County. The chapter was formed by seven initiated Deltas—Andean Campbell, Sylvia Conwell, Thomasina Miller McCloud, Hilda Hortense McKiever, Lenora Sadler, Bernice Gore Sanders, and Ruth Ward Shields—along with Florence Alumnae Chapter initiated Deltas—Willa DeWitt, Betty Dowling, and Sandra Jones. Since its inception, the chapter has actively served communities across Horry County, including Aynor, Conway, Loris, Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, and Surfside Beach.
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., itself a historically African American sorority, was founded on January 13, 1913, at Howard University by twenty-two women dedicated to public service. This Nationwide organization focuses on programs that assist the African American community and has grown to include over 350,000 members and more than 1,000 chapters across the globe. Its commitment to public service was evident from its very first public act: participating in the Women’s Suffrage March in Washington, D.C., on March 3, 1913.
The Five-Point Programmatic Thrust in Action
At the core of the Conway Alumnae Chapter’s work are the principles of Delta Sigma Theta’s Five-Point Programmatic Thrust, which guides its public service initiatives: Economic Development, Educational Development, International Awareness and Involvement, Physical and Mental Health, and Political Awareness and Involvement. These pillars provide a framework for the chapter to develop programs directly aligned with the needs of the communities it serves.
The chapter’s local program initiatives are supported through valuable partnerships with various community entities, including local churches, organizations, businesses, and the Horry County School District. Such collaborative efforts highlight the effectiveness of private partnerships in enhancing community services and underscore the power of local choice in determining the most impactful initiatives for area residents.
Investing in Future Generations
A significant portion of the Conway Alumnae Chapter’s efforts is dedicated to Educational Development. The chapter implements programs such as the Delta Academy for young females aged 11-14, aiming to prevent academic failure and foster self-esteem. This program augments scholarship in areas like math, science, and technology, while also developing leadership through service learning.
For African-American adolescent girls aged 14-18, the Delta GEMS program offers a roadmap for college and career planning, emphasizing academic excellence, goal setting, and community-mindedness. The chapter also supports young men through EMBODI (Empowering Males to Build Opportunities for Developing Independence). These programs exemplify proactive community solutions, nurturing individual potential from an early age.
Further demonstrating its commitment to education, the chapter regularly hosts events like a College Prep Day and Career Fair. One such event, held at Horry Georgetown Technical College, brought together over 100 students and parents, offering direct interaction with numerous college admission counselors and providing opportunities for voter registration. These initiatives, driven by personal initiative and local leadership, help equip Horry County students with the tools they need for academic and professional success.
Promoting Health and Civic Engagement
In alignment with its Physical and Mental Health thrust, the Conway Alumnae Chapter organizes initiatives such as an Annual Health Fair, and campaigns for Breast Cancer Awareness and Go Red for Heart Health. These events contribute to the overall well-being of the community by raising awareness and providing resources for critical health issues.
The chapter also remains active in Political Awareness and Involvement, conducting voter registration drives and “Get Out the Vote” efforts. By encouraging civic participation and informed decision-making, the chapter strengthens the democratic process at the local level. Moreover, the chapter awards scholarships to deserving Horry County students, with six $1,000 scholarships awarded in a past year, directly supporting educational pursuits within the community. These scholarships reflect the spirit of individual achievement and the positive outcomes of community-driven philanthropy.
Sustaining Community Growth Through Individual Action
The 50th Anniversary Celebration of the Conway Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. is more than just a commemoration of a half-century; it is a testament to the enduring power of sustained civic involvement and the profound impact that dedicated individuals can have when they unite with a shared purpose. Their work across Economic Development, Educational Development, International Awareness and Involvement, Physical and Mental Health, and Political Awareness and Involvement continues to enrich the lives of many in Horry County. This vibrant chapter, with close to 88 members, serves as a model for how local initiative, supported by voluntary efforts and limited governmental overhead, can effectively drive community growth and enhance the quality of life for all its citizens.
The ongoing success of organizations like the Conway Alumnae Chapter underscores the importance of individual contribution and local leadership in shaping a thriving community. As Myrtle Beach SC events continue to draw attention, and as the Horry County community grows, supporting such long-standing, purpose-driven organizations is essential. We encourage residents to explore opportunities for civic involvement, engage with local events, and contribute to the initiatives that continue to build and uplift our South Carolina gatherings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Conway Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. celebrating?
The Conway Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. is celebrating its 50th Anniversary of dedicated service and civic leadership in Horry County.
When was the Conway Alumnae Chapter chartered?
The Conway Alumnae Chapter was chartered in June 1976.
What areas does the Conway Alumnae Chapter serve?
The chapter serves communities of Horry County, including Aynor, Conway, Loris, Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, and Surfside Beach.
What is the Five-Point Programmatic Thrust of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.?
The Five-Point Programmatic Thrust includes Economic Development, Educational Development, International Awareness and Involvement, Physical and Mental Health, and Political Awareness and Involvement.
What are some educational programs offered by the Conway Alumnae Chapter?
Educational programs include the Delta Academy for young females aged 11-14, the Delta GEMS program for African-American adolescent girls aged 14-18, and EMBODI for young men. The chapter also hosts College Prep Days and Career Fairs.
Key Features of the Conway Alumnae Chapter’s Impact
| Feature | Description | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| 50th Anniversary Celebration | Commemorates five decades of service since the chapter’s charter in June 1976. | Local |
| Service Area | Covers Horry County communities including Aynor, Conway, Loris, Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, and Surfside Beach. | Local |
| Five-Point Programmatic Thrust | Guiding principles for initiatives: Economic Development, Educational Development, International Awareness and Involvement, Physical and Mental Health, and Political Awareness and Involvement. | Nationwide and Local |
| Educational Programs | Includes Delta Academy (ages 11-14), Delta GEMS (ages 14-18), EMBODI, and College Prep Day/Career Fairs. | Local |
| Health Initiatives | Organizes an Annual Health Fair, Breast Cancer Awareness, and Go Red for Heart Health campaigns. | Local |
| Civic Engagement | Conducts voter registration drives and “Get Out the Vote” efforts. | Local |
| Scholarship Awards | Provides scholarships to deserving Horry County students, such as six $1,000 scholarships in a past year. | Local |
| Community Partnerships | Collaborates with local churches, organizations, businesses, and the Horry County School District. | Local |
| Chapter Membership | Comprises close to 88 members serving Horry County. | Local |
| Parent Organization Founding | Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. was founded on January 13, 1913, at Howard University by twenty-two women. | Nationwide |
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Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
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