The Columbia (SC) Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated is celebrating 85 years of public service, sisterhood, and social action, both locally and nationally.
The 85th Anniversary celebration begins this Saturday, November 15, the Chapter’s Charter Day, with two signature events: a reenactment of the first chapter meeting and an evening black-tie gala.
At 10 am, the reenactment will take place at Second Nazareth Baptist Church. Chartered in 1940 as Beta Beta Sigma, Columbia (SC) Alumnae holds the distinction of being the first Divine Nine sorority established in Columbia. At its inaugural meeting, the 14 charter members voted to establish a nursery for military wives and to volunteer at the segregated USO, laying the foundation for a legacy of service that continues today.
At 7 pm, the Black-Tie Gala will be held at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center. The gala will showcase community programmatic thrusts impacting the Midlands and recognize the Chapter’s long-standing commitment to educational excellence, awarding more than $34,000 in scholarships in 2025 and more than $500,000 since its inception.
A highlight of the evening will be a tribute to Lieutenant Colonel Charity Edna Adams Earley, the highest-ranking African American female Army officer in World War II and the first president of the Columbia (SC) Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. LTC Adams (Earley) was the commanding officer of the historic 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion. Based on her true story, her remarkable leadership and service were recently immortalized in the Tyler Perry film, The Six Triple Eight.
Distinguished Delta dignitaries attending include Rosie Allen Herring, First National Vice President; Rosalyn Glenn, National Treasurer; Dr. Louise Rice and Dr. Cynthia Butler McIntyre, Past National Presidents; Lisa Downing Hood, National Scholarship and Standards Committee; Natalie Pennywell, Past South Atlantic Regional Representative; and Thyra White Austin, Past Second National Vice President.
United States Congressman James E. Clyburn will serve as Honorary Chair of the 85th Anniversary Gala.
Five chapter members who each hold the distinction of 60 years of continuous commitment to Columbia have been named 85th Anniversary Honorary Chairs: Rosena Reese Lucas, Helen Curry Schumpert, Priscilla Foggy Murrell, Marlene Murphy McClerklin, and Doris Glymph Greene, who also chairs the 85th Anniversary Gala.
The General Chair of the yearlong celebration is Doris C. Cochran. Dr. Arlene Prince serves as President of Columbia Alumnae, the second-oldest Alumnae chapter in South Carolina. Currently, the chapter boasts more than 500 college-educated financial members dedicated to public service and the uplift of the dignity and worth of every woman, man, and child.
The sorority will culminate its 85th Anniversary weekend celebration with a Sunday Worship Service at First Calvary Baptist Church this Sunday, November 16 at 10:30 am.
The public is invited to join hands with members of First Calvary Baptist Church, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, the Booker T. Washington High School Foundation & Alumni Association, and Allen University to honor the family of Lieutenant Colonel Charity Adams Earley and Bishop John Hurst Adams.
Lieutenant Colonel Charity Adams Earley was the highest-ranking African American female officer in World War II and the first president of the Columbia (SC) Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
The childhood home of the Adams family, now owned by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, is located in Historic Waverly on Lady Street, within walking distance of First Calvary Baptist Church.
The church’s address is 1401 Pine Street, Columbia.
The Reverend Dr. Samuel K. Lewis serves as pastor.