# Sisterhood and Service: An Institutional Analysis of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. ## Executive Summary This report provides a comprehensive institutional analysis of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, examining its history, governance, financial structure, membership processes, and socio-political influence. [Founded on January 13, 1913](https://archivesfiles.delaware.gov/online-exhibits/delta-sigma-theta/dst-history.html), at [Howard University](https://thedig.howard.edu/all-stories/delta-sigma-theta-sorority-inc-goes-forward-fortitude-and-howard-homecoming), the sorority emerged from a foundational schism with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, pivoting from a campus-centric social club to an organization fundamentally dedicated to social activism and public service. This ideological choice has defined its trajectory for over a century, shaping it into one of the largest and most influential Black Greek-Letter Organizations in the world, with [over 350,000 initiated members and more than 1,050 chapters globally](https://deltasigmatheta.org/). The sorority's operational strength is rooted in a sophisticated national governance structure, a dual-entity financial strategy that leverages both a 501(c)(7) social organization and a 501(c)(3) charitable foundation, and a standardized programmatic framework known as the Five-Point Programmatic Thrust. This framework ensures ideological and operational cohesion across its vast network, directing the collective energy of its members toward specific goals in economic development, educational development, international awareness, physical and mental health, and political awareness. Delta Sigma Theta's membership is a formidable force in American public life. While its membership policies are officially non-discriminatory, its mission has a primary focus on the Black community, attracting high-achieving Black women who have risen to the highest levels of government, law, business, and activism. The report details the careers and political ideologies of prominent members, including pioneers like [[Shirley Chisholm]] and [[Barbara Jordan]], and contemporary figures such as former HUD Secretary [[Marcia Fudge]], former Atlanta Mayor [[Keisha Lance Bottoms]], former Attorney General [[Loretta Lynch]], Federal Reserve Governor [[Lisa D. Cook]], and U.S. District Judge [[Jia M. Cobb]]. The analysis reveals that the sorority functions as a de facto pipeline and credentialing institution for Black women within the Democratic Party and progressive movements. Finally, the report conducts a rigorous ethical analysis of the sorority's lifelong membership pledge and secret initiation rituals. A textual comparison of the Delta Oath—which demands perpetual loyalty and secrecy among its members—with professional codes of conduct, particularly for the judiciary, reveals an inherent and textually irreconcilable conflict. The vow of sisterly loyalty is fundamentally at odds with the public duty of impartiality. This tension creates the potential for both actual conflicts of interest and, perhaps more significantly, the appearance of impropriety, a critical issue for members in positions of public trust. The report concludes that the very source of Delta Sigma Theta's enduring strength—the profound, lifelong bond of sisterhood—is also the origin of the most significant ethical challenges it faces as its members continue to ascend to the highest echelons of power in the United States. ## Genesis and Evolution: The Forging of a Social Action Organization The identity and influence of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, are inextricably linked to its origins. Its establishment was not merely the formation of a new student group but an ideological schism that encoded a commitment to social and political activism into the organization's foundational DNA. The decision by its 22 founders to break from the established Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority in 1913 represented a deliberate pivot from the conventional role of campus-based social organizations toward a more engaged and confrontational model of public service. This foundational act of rebellion against the status quo established a precedent that has guided the sorority's trajectory for over a century, making it a powerful magnet for women with ambitions in public life and social reform. ### A. The Howard University Milieu and the Break from Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. was [founded on](https://archivesfiles.delaware.gov/online-exhibits/delta-sigma-theta/dst-history.html) [[January 13, 1913]], by twenty-two undergraduate women on the campus of Howard University in Washington, D.C. At the time, [Howard University was a critical incubator for the Black elite](https://thedig.howard.edu/all-stories/delta-sigma-theta-sorority-inc-goes-forward-fortitude-and-howard-homecoming), a space where future leaders could develop their skills and ideas without the pervasive racism of the era. Many of the sorority's founders were already members and elected officers of the Alpha Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) Sorority, the first Black Greek-letter sorority, founded at Howard in 1908. [[Myra Davis Hemmings]] was the president of AKA, and [[Ethel Cuff Black]] was the vice-president. By 1912, these women had grown dissatisfied with what they perceived as AKA's limited focus. They were ["not pleased at the lack of progress of Alpha Kappa Alpha to move beyond organizing the affairs of campus society"](https://archivesfiles.delaware.gov/online-exhibits/delta-sigma-theta/dst-history.html) and sought to reorient the organization toward more substantive issues like ["public service and women's advancement"](https://archivesfiles.delaware.gov/online-exhibits/delta-sigma-theta/dst-history.html). Their vision was to transform the sorority from a social club into an engine for social activism. To signify this profound shift in purpose, the [members voted in 1912 to change the organization's name](https://archivesfiles.delaware.gov/online-exhibits/delta-sigma-theta/dst-history.html) to Delta Sigma Theta. This proposal was met with resistance from some graduate members of AKA, most notably [[Nellie Quander]], a [former president who argued for preserving the sorority's existing identity](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Delta_Sigma_Theta). After a graduate AKA member issued an ultimatum to the 22 women to cease their reorganization efforts, they made a decisive choice. On [[January 13, 1913]], they [formally split from AKA](https://archivesfiles.delaware.gov/online-exhibits/delta-sigma-theta/dst-history.html) and established Delta Sigma Theta Sorority as a new and distinct entity. This founding moment can be understood as an early 20th-century manifestation of the ideological tension within the Black elite between social accommodation and activist confrontation. The established AKA leadership, represented by the graduate members, appeared to favor a more traditional, less confrontational role focused on campus social life—a path of accommodation to the prevailing norms for women's organizations of the time. In contrast, the 22 founders of Delta Sigma Theta chose a path of activism. Their demand for a focus on ["social activism and greater public service"](https://archivesfiles.delaware.gov/online-exhibits/delta-sigma-theta/dst-history.html) was a direct challenge to that status quo. This decision mirrors the broader philosophical debates within the Black community, reminiscent of the tensions between the accommodationist approach of [[Booker T. Washington]] and the more confrontational, rights-based activism of [[W.E.B. Du Bois]]. The creation of Delta Sigma Theta was a definitive vote for the activist path, a choice that has shaped its character for over a century and directly explains its enduring appeal to politically-minded women who would later become trailblazers in American government and civil rights. ### B. The 22 Founders: A Collective Biography The 22 women who founded Delta Sigma Theta were more than just students; they were, as described by the sorority, ["innovators and visionaries"](https://thedig.howard.edu/all-stories/delta-sigma-theta-sorority-inc-goes-forward-fortitude-and-howard-homecoming). They undertook this endeavor at a time when both women and Black people were systematically disenfranchised in the United States, making their act of creation a profound statement of agency and purpose. They established a framework for empowerment in a hostile environment, leveraging the unique space of Howard University, which served as a ["training ground where opportunities were so that you can develop your gifts without having to explain or having your melanin or even your womanhood challenged"](https://thedig.howard.edu/all-stories/delta-sigma-theta-sorority-inc-goes-forward-fortitude-and-howard-homecoming). The ethos of resilience and service that they sought to embed in the new sorority was captured in a poem that founder [[Vashti Turley Murphy]]'s grandmother often recited: ["Be strong. We're not here to drift a dream there are miles to go, loads to lift. Be strong"](https://thedig.howard.edu/all-stories/delta-sigma-theta-sorority-inc-goes-forward-fortitude-and-howard-homecoming). This sentiment reflected a deep-seated understanding that their education and organization were not for personal aggrandizement but for the uplift of their community. The founders were creating an institution designed to ["meet this moment"](https://thedig.howard.edu/all-stories/delta-sigma-theta-sorority-inc-goes-forward-fortitude-and-howard-homecoming) and ensure that the voices of the disenfranchised were heard and that those who had been unseen were seen. **Table 1: The 22 Founders of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.** - [[Osceola Macarthy Adams]] - [[Marguerite Young Alexander]] - [[Winona Cargile Alexander]] - [[Ethel Cuff Black]] - [[Bertha Pitts Campbell]] - [[Zephyr Chisom Carter]] - [[Edna Brown Coleman]] - [[Jessie McGuire Dent]] - [[Frederica Chase Dodd]] - [[Myra Davis Hemmings]] - [[Olive C. Jones]] - [[Jimmie Bugg Middleton]] - [[Pauline Oberdorfer Minor]] - [[Vashti Turley Murphy]] - [[Naomi Sewell Richardson]] - [[Mamie Reddy Rose]] - [[Eliza Pearl Shippen]] - [[Florence Letcher Toms]] - [[Ethel Carr Watson]] - [[Wertie Blackwell Weaver]] - [[Madree Penn White]] - [[Edith Motte Young]] ### C. Early Years: The First March and National Expansion (1913-1930) Immediately following its founding, Delta Sigma Theta wasted no time in demonstrating its commitment to social action. In March 1913, less than two months after its establishment, the [founders participated in the historic Women's Suffrage March](https://hbculifestyle.com/divine-nine-sororities-fraternities/) in Washington, D.C. This was their first public act, a powerful and deliberate statement that positioned the nascent sorority as a political entity concerned with national issues far beyond the confines of the Howard University campus. Marching for women's suffrage, particularly as Black women who faced both racism and sexism, was a radical act that unequivocally declared the organization's activist intentions. The sorority also embarked on a rapid national expansion. The Beta chapter was established at Wilberforce University on [[February 5, 1914]], followed by the Gamma chapter at the University of Pennsylvania in 1918. By the end of 1919, chapters had been chartered at the University of Iowa (Delta) and The Ohio State University (Epsilon). This [expansion continued throughout the 1920s](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Delta_Sigma_Theta), a decade of significant development for the organization. In 1920, the sorority established ["May Week,"](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Delta_Sigma_Theta) a national program designed to encourage Black women to pursue higher education, and began publishing its official journal, ["The Delta"](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Delta_Sigma_Theta). The organization's structure was further formalized with the [establishment of regions in 1925](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Delta_Sigma_Theta) to manage the growing number of chapters. ### D. Incorporation and the Establishment of a National Framework A pivotal moment in the sorority's institutional development came on [[January 20, 1930]], when the [Grand Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta was incorporated](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Delta_Sigma_Theta) as a perpetual body under the laws of the District of Columbia. This was a strategic move, making Delta Sigma Theta the [first sorority predominantly composed of undergraduates to successfully petition](https://nmaahc.si.edu/explore/stories/divine-nine-black-fraternities-sororities) a university's board of trustees to become an incorporated entity. Incorporation was a critical step in transforming the organization from a loose confederation of campus chapters into a centralized, national institution. It [eliminated the need for each individual chapter to seek its own charter](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Delta_Sigma_Theta) and provided the legal and organizational framework necessary to pursue a unified, national agenda. This deliberate construction of a national infrastructure was not an accident of growth but a core strategy. The founders' belief that a lack of a national charter had limited AKA's ability to expand and effect change drove their [early focus on building a scalable and ideologically coherent organization](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Delta_Sigma_Theta). The establishment of new chapters, the creation of standardized national programs like May Week, the formation of a regional governance structure, and the final step of national incorporation were all systematic efforts to build a platform capable of projecting power and influence far beyond a single university. This robust national framework is the very mechanism that enables the modern-day sorority to implement its Five-Point Programmatic Thrust uniformly across more than 1,050 chapters and to mobilize its [350,000 members](https://deltasigmatheta.org/) for collective action, effectively transforming a local campus idea into an enduring national force. ## Governance, Finance, and National Programs Delta Sigma Theta's enduring influence is sustained by a sophisticated operational apparatus that combines centralized governance, a strategic financial model, and a unified programmatic framework. This machinery allows the sorority to manage a global network of chapters, maintain financial stability, and execute its social action mission with remarkable consistency and scale. An examination of its governance, finances, and national programs reveals how a mission-driven vision is translated into a tangible, high-impact operation. ### A. The Grand Chapter: National Governance and Regional Structure The sorority operates under a hierarchical governance structure defined by its [national Constitution and Bylaws](https://drexel.campuslabs.com/engage/organization/ephidst1913/documents/view/64626), with the "Grand Chapter" serving as the ultimate ruling authority. This national body, which convenes biennially at a National Convention often attended by [over 10,000 members](https://thecompass.cnu.edu/organization/dst/documents/view/476257), sets the overarching policy and strategic direction for the entire organization. The day-to-day leadership is vested in a [National Executive Committee](https://www.uiw.edu/studentlife/greek-life/our-greeks.html), which includes a National President, First and Second Vice Presidents, a National Secretary, and a National Treasurer. Throughout its history, each National President has contributed to the evolution of this structure, from the creation of the Grand Chapter under [[Sadie T. M. Alexander]] to the [establishment of National Boards under](https://quizlet.com/571751203/delta-sigma-theta-sorority-inc-national-presidents-flash-cards/) [[Gladys Byram Shepperd]]. To manage its vast network of over 1,050 chapters, the sorority is geographically divided into [seven regions](https://staging.deltasigmatheta.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Appendix-11L-Delta-Applicant-Information-Sheet-2.pdf): Central, Eastern, Farwest, Midwest, South Atlantic, Southern, and Southwest. Each region is overseen by a Regional Director, who acts as a crucial link between the national leadership and the local chapters. This regional structure allows for more direct oversight and support, ensuring that national mandates are implemented effectively at the local level. Individual chapters, both collegiate and alumnae, are accountable to this leadership structure. They are required to remit national and local dues, file regular reports, and send representatives to both the National Convention and their respective Regional Conferences, which are [held in the years between conventions](https://involved.millersville.edu/organization/deltasigmatheta/documents/view/465349). This model of centralized policy-making combined with distributed regional management enables the sorority to maintain ideological cohesion and operational accountability across its global footprint. ### B. Financial Profile: A Dual-Entity Strategy Delta Sigma Theta employs a sophisticated dual-entity financial strategy to maximize its funding and operational flexibility. The primary organization, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, is a [501(c)(7) non-profit social club](https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/delta-sigma-theta-sorority-inc-combined,520215218/). This classification is typical for fraternal organizations and allows it to focus on activities that benefit its members. Publicly available financial records show the scale of its operations. For the fiscal year ending in December 2023, the [combined report for the sorority showed total revenues of over $36 million](https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/delta-sigma-theta-sorority-inc-combined,520215218/). The largest source of this income was ["program services,"](https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/520215218) which accounted for approximately $22.5 million, followed by contributions and grants ($8.5 million) and net income from fundraising events ($4.7 million). **Table 2: Financial Summary of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (Combined Report, FYE 2023)** |Category|Amount| |---|---| |Total Revenue|$36,020,913| |Program Services Revenue|$22,577,436| |Contributions, Gifts, and Grants|$8,486,892| |Net Fundraising Revenue|$4,704,956| |Total Expenses|$30,364,266| |Net Assets|$66,972,097| The high proportion of revenue from "program services"—a category that typically includes member dues, initiation fees, and conference registration fees—indicates that the sorority's financial health is heavily reliant on the consistent financial commitment of its members. This is not an organization primarily funded by external grants or a large endowment, but by the ongoing support of a highly engaged and loyal base of over 350,000 women who perceive significant value in their membership. This financial loyalty is the bedrock that supports the entire organizational structure. Complementing the 501(c)(7) entity is the [Delta Research and Educational Foundation (DREF)](https://deltafoundation.net/), which the sorority established as a 501(c)(3) public charity. DREF's stated mission is to [support the charitable and educational programs of the sorority](https://deltafoundation.net/) by conducting research and providing funding for initiatives focused on African American women and their families. As a 501(c)(3), DREF can solicit tax-deductible donations from the public, corporations, and other foundations, which it then uses to award grants, often directly to the [sorority's chapters](https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/delta-sigma-theta-sorority-inc-combined,520215218/), to carry out public service projects. This dual structure is a shrewd financial strategy. It provides a clear legal and financial separation between the sorority's membership-focused activities (covered by the 501(c)(7)) and its public service work, which can be funded through the tax-deductible contributions to the 501(c)(3) foundation. This maximizes funding opportunities while maintaining compliance with U.S. tax law. ### C. The Five-Point Programmatic Thrust: A Framework for Service The core of Delta Sigma Theta's public service mission is executed through its [Five-Point Programmatic Thrust](https://www.pgcacdst.org/delta-sigma-theta-sorority-history). This national framework provides a consistent and comprehensive structure for all of the sorority's service initiatives. The [five points](https://deltasigmatheta.org/) are: 1. Economic Development 2. Educational Development 3. International Awareness and Involvement 4. Physical and Mental Health 5. [Political Awareness and Involvement](https://fsl.mtsu.edu/nphc-deltasigmatheta/) This framework functions as a powerful internal control mechanism, ensuring that the sorority's over 1,000 disparate chapters remain aligned with the national ideological and political mission. A chapter in Frankfurt, Germany, and a chapter in rural Mississippi are both required to develop and implement local programs that [map directly onto these five points](https://involved.millersville.edu/organization/deltasigmatheta/documents/view/465349). This top-down mandate prevents mission drift and ideological fragmentation, allowing the national leadership to direct the collective energy of its vast membership toward specific, consistent goals. Under these five pillars, chapters implement a wide range of signature programs. For example, under Educational Development, many chapters run the [Dr. Betty Shabazz Delta Academy](https://www.dstlachapter.com/five-point-programmatic-thrust), a mentorship program for at-risk girls aged 11-14, and the [Delta GEMS (Growing and Empowering Myself Successfully) program](https://dstrichmond.org/chapter-committees/) for older teens. Under Economic Development, chapters host financial literacy workshops and homebuyer seminars as part of the national ["Financial Fortitude"](https://www.tucsonalumnae.org/five-point_thrust_-_revamp) initiative. Political Awareness and Involvement is addressed through voter registration drives, candidate forums, and ["Delta Days,"](https://www.caacdst.org/fivepoint-programmatic-thrust) which are annual legislative conferences held at the U.S. Capitol and state capitols to allow members to engage directly with lawmakers. This programmatic structure is the primary vehicle through which the sorority translates the founders' abstract goal of "public service" into concrete, measurable, and unified action across the globe. ### D. Comparative Standing: A Leader Among Peers Delta Sigma Theta is one of the largest and most influential organizations within the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), the collective body of nine historically Black Greek-Letter Organizations often referred to as the "Divine Nine." With [over 350,000 initiated members and more than 1,050 chapters worldwide](https://thedig.howard.edu/all-stories/delta-sigma-theta-sorority-inc-goes-forward-fortitude-and-howard-homecoming), its scale is immense. Its closest peer and historical counterpart, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., is of a similar size, with [over 365,000 members and 1,085 chapters](https://aka1908.com/). Together, these two sororities represent a tier of their own in terms of size, reach, and resources within the NPHC. Financially, Delta Sigma Theta's [reported revenues](https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/delta-sigma-theta-sorority-inc-combined,520215218/) place it among the most powerful Greek-letter organizations in the United States, rivaling and in some cases exceeding those of large, historically white sororities. This scale is not merely a point of pride; it is a critical component of the sorority's ability to effect change and wield political and social influence on a national level. **Table 3: Comparative Overview of National Pan-Hellenic Council ("Divine Nine") Sororities** |Sorority Name|Founded|Approximate Membership| |---|---|---| |Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.|1908|365,000+| |Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.|1913|350,000+| |Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.|1920|125,000+| |Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.|1922|85,000+| ## The Path to Membership: Process, Demographics, and Lifelong Commitment Membership in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority is not a casual affiliation but a highly selective, multi-stage process that culminates in a profound, lifelong commitment. The sorority's intake procedures are designed to identify and cultivate women who have already demonstrated an alignment with its core values of scholarship, service, and sisterhood. While its official policies are inclusive, its mission and culture remain rooted in its identity as a historically Black institution. The enduring nature of the membership bond is the central pillar of the sorority's power, transforming a collegiate experience into a perpetual source of social capital and a vehicle for collective action. ### A. The Membership Intake Process: From "RUSH" to Initiation The journey to membership typically begins when a local chapter announces an informational meeting, commonly known as a ["RUSH"](https://orgs.gmu.edu/delta/faq.html?gmuw-rd=sm&gmuw-rdm=ht). This event provides prospective members with details about the sorority's history, mission, and the specific requirements for application. The process is intentionally rigorous and serves as both a screening mechanism and an early-stage indoctrination into the sorority's culture of high achievement. Applicants, whether at the collegiate or alumnae level, must meet a stringent set of criteria. Academically, candidates must have a [minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale](https://involved.millersville.edu/organization/deltasigmatheta/documents/view/465349), verified by an official transcript sent directly from their university. A significant and documented history of public service is also mandatory. For alumnae chapters, this often means a [minimum of 120 hours of volunteer work](https://staging.deltasigmatheta.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/11H-Membership-Eligibility-Requirements-and-Criteria-for-Alumnae-Chapters.pdf) with a single entity within the 24 months prior to the RUSH. This service must be ["active public service involvement as opposed to self-serving involvement,"](https://staging.deltasigmatheta.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/11H-Membership-Eligibility-Requirements-and-Criteria-for-Alumnae-Chapters.pdf) meaning activities like teaching Sunday school or singing in a church choir do not qualify, whereas community outreach programs run by a church, such as a food bank, would. The application packet itself is extensive. It requires official transcripts, multiple letters of recommendation (including one from an active Delta member for alumnae), verification of public service, and completion of an [online background screening](https://staging.deltasigmatheta.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Appendix-11L-Delta-Applicant-Information-Sheet-2.pdf). Applicants must also pay a [non-refundable application processing fee](https://staging.deltasigmatheta.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Appendix-11L-Delta-Applicant-Information-Sheet-2.pdf). This demanding process pre-selects for individuals who are already disciplined, service-oriented, and capable of navigating a complex bureaucratic system, ensuring that new members are prepared for the high expectations of the organization. After applications are reviewed and interviews are conducted, the final selection is made by a majority vote of the existing chapter members, and this vote must be approved by the [Regional Director](https://staging.deltasigmatheta.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Appendix-11L-Delta-Applicant-Information-Sheet-2.pdf). ### B. An Examination of Racial Inclusivity: Policy vs. Practice Delta Sigma Theta strategically balances a universalist, non-discriminatory official policy with a particularist, Afrocentric mission. This duality is essential for its survival and success, allowing it to operate within mainstream, legally regulated spaces like universities while maintaining its core cultural identity. Officially, the sorority is an ["equal opportunity organization"](https://orgs.gmu.edu/delta/faq.html?gmuw-rd=sm&gmuw-rdm=ht). When asked explicitly if non-African American women can join, the [official answer is "Yes"](https://orgs.gmu.edu/delta/faq.html?gmuw-rd=sm&gmuw-rdm=ht). The organization's bylaws and the documents filed with affiliated universities include clear non-discrimination clauses, stating that [membership shall not be denied on the basis of race, color, religion, or national origin](https://ramlink.campuslabs.com/engage/organization/delta-sigma-theta-sorority-inc/documents/view/947937). This public posture is a legal and practical necessity for an organization with chapters at hundreds of public and private universities that must adhere to institutional and federal non-discrimination laws. However, the sorority's mission statement and public identity are equally clear and consistent. It describes itself as a sisterhood ["comprised primarily of Black, college-educated women"](https://deltasigmatheta.org/) with a ["primary focus on the Black community"](https://deltasigmatheta.org/). Its programs are designed to ["boldly confront the challenges of African Americans"](https://deltasigmatheta.org/). This is not a contradiction but a reflection of its history and purpose. If the sorority were to abandon its focus on the Black community, it would lose its historical identity and reason for being. If it were to abandon its official non-discrimination policy, it could lose its standing at many institutions. Therefore, the sorority maintains a careful and necessary balance: it is open to all women in policy but focused on Black women in its mission and culture. This results in what can be termed "mission-driven demographics" rather than discriminatory policy, a sophisticated strategy that has enabled its growth and endurance for over a century. ### C. "A Lifetime Commitment": The Nature of the Delta Bond The most defining characteristic of membership in Delta Sigma Theta is its permanence. The organization explicitly frames membership not as a four-year college activity but as a ["lifetime commitment"](https://www.deltasigmatheta.org/collegiate-connection-month-how-to-stay-engaged-empowered-and-connected-beyond-college/). The sorority journey ["doesn't end at graduation—it evolves,"](https://www.deltasigmatheta.org/collegiate-connection-month-how-to-stay-engaged-empowered-and-connected-beyond-college/) transitioning from the collegiate to the alumnae experience, which is often described as ["just as fulfilling—if not more"](https://www.deltasigmatheta.org/collegiate-connection-month-how-to-stay-engaged-empowered-and-connected-beyond-college/). This is not merely a sentimental notion; it is a structural and financial reality. To remain an active member in good standing, sorors must pay [annual national and local chapter dues](https://dstsaac.org/chapdues-glife-dlife/). The expectation of continued engagement is high, with local chapters urging members to avoid becoming mere ["T-Shirt' Wearers"](http://www.dstmilledgevillealumnae.org/membership-retention.html) and to actively participate in meetings, committees, and service projects. The commitment is described as a ["LIFESTYLE,"](https://nueta.tripod.com/PROSPECT.HTM) demanding that the sorority and its programmatic thrusts become ["a prominent part of your life FOR THE REMAINDER OF YOUR LIFE"](https://nueta.tripod.com/PROSPECT.HTM). In return for this lifelong commitment, the sorority provides a powerful and enduring support system. It functions as a vast professional and social network, offering connections that span industries, generations, and continents. Members who relocate to a new city for work or graduate school can immediately connect with the local alumnae chapter, which often serves as a resource for finding housing, job opportunities, and trusted community services. This ["built-in community"](https://www.deltasigmatheta.org/collegiate-connection-month-how-to-stay-engaged-empowered-and-connected-beyond-college/) ensures that ["wherever life takes you, a Delta is always near"](https://www.deltasigmatheta.org/collegiate-connection-month-how-to-stay-engaged-empowered-and-connected-beyond-college/). This perpetual bond is the central pillar of the sorority's power. It guarantees a continuous, engaged, and financially supportive membership base that does not diminish upon graduation. It is this lifelong commitment that transforms a college organization into a lifelong source of social capital and a formidable vehicle for sustained, collective action. ## A Legacy of Influence: Prominent Members and Political Engagement Delta Sigma Theta Sorority has cultivated a legacy of influence that extends to the highest echelons of American society. Its membership roster reads like a who's who of trailblazing Black women in politics, law, civil rights, arts, and business. This concentration of power is not coincidental; it is the logical outcome of an organization founded on the principles of social action and political engagement. The sorority functions as a de facto political pipeline and credentialing institution, particularly for Black women aligned with the Democratic Party and progressive causes. An analysis of its most prominent members reveals a remarkable ideological cohesion and demonstrates how the sorority's foundational mission is expressed through the public service careers of its members. ### A. Pioneers in Politics and Civil Rights The sorority's early members set a precedent for political engagement that continues to this day. These figures are not outliers but exemplars of the Delta ideal, translating the sorority's mission into historic careers that reshaped the American political landscape. **Shirley Chisholm**: As the [first Black woman elected to the U.S. Congress](https://news.hbcusince.com/2025/01/13-notable-members-of-delta-sigma-theta-sorority-incorporated/) (1968) and the first to run for a major party's presidential nomination (1972), [[Shirley Chisholm]] embodied the sorority's ethos of fearless advocacy. Her political identity was defined by her famous slogan, ["Unbought and Unbossed,"](https://www.aaihs.org/resurrecting-shirley-chisholm-from-symbol-to-life/) reflecting a commitment to principled pragmatism and a refusal to be swayed by entrenched political interests. A member of the Brooklyn Alumnae Chapter, her legislative agenda was deeply progressive and aligned with Delta's focus on the ["unfortunate and weak"](https://www.simplycharmedgreek.com/blogs/news/famous-delta-sigma-theta). She was a fierce opponent of the Vietnam War, arguing that [military spending drained resources from vital domestic programs](https://www.aaihs.org/resurrecting-shirley-chisholm-from-symbol-to-life/). She championed universal childcare, fought for unemployment benefits for domestic workers, and worked to expand federal programs that [protected vulnerable Americans](https://www.aaihs.org/resurrecting-shirley-chisholm-from-symbol-to-life/). Her career was a direct manifestation of the sorority's call to social action. **Barbara Jordan**: The [first Southern Black woman elected to the U.S. House of Representatives](https://news.hbcusince.com/2025/01/13-notable-members-of-delta-sigma-theta-sorority-incorporated/) (1972), [[Barbara Jordan]] was a towering figure in American law and politics. Initiated into the Delta Gamma Chapter at Texas Southern University, she became a national voice of conscience during the Watergate hearings with her powerful [defense of the U.S. Constitution](https://www.simplycharmedgreek.com/blogs/news/famous-delta-sigma-theta). Her political career was dedicated to social equity and the protection of civil rights. In the Texas Senate, she worked to [establish the state's first minimum wage law](https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/jordan-barbara-charline). In Congress, she was a key architect of the [1975 extension of the Voting Rights Act](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barbara_Jordan), successfully fighting to include protections for Hispanic voters. Her work on legislation like the [Community Reinvestment Act of 1977](https://arc.la.psu.edu/the-barbara-jordan-lecture-series/about-barbara-jordan/), which required banks to serve low-income and minority communities, directly reflected the sorority's economic development and social justice priorities. **Dorothy Height**: Often called the "Godmother of the Civil Rights Movement," Dr. [[Dorothy Height]]'s influence was both within the sorority and far beyond it. She served as the [10th National President](https://quizlet.com/571751203/delta-sigma-theta-sorority-inc-national-presidents-flash-cards/) of Delta Sigma Theta from 1947 to 1956, a period during which she institutionalized the "Five-Point Project," the precursor to today's Programmatic Thrust. For over 40 years, she was the president of the National Council of Negro Women and was a central strategist and organizer who worked alongside movement leaders like Dr. [[Martin Luther King Jr.]]. Her [life's work](https://thegrio.com/2025/01/13/13-influential-women-of-delta-sigma-theta-sorority-inc-whove-inspired-us-all/) was the embodiment of the sorority's commitment to leadership and service. ### B. Contemporary Power Brokers: Executive and Legislative Influence The pipeline of Delta influence continues into the 21st century, with members consistently holding positions of significant power in the executive and legislative branches of government, almost exclusively within the Democratic Party. **Marcia Fudge**: The [21st National President](https://quizlet.com/571751203/delta-sigma-theta-sorority-inc-national-presidents-flash-cards/) of Delta Sigma Theta (1996-2000), [[Marcia Fudge]] has had a distinguished career in public service. After serving as the first female and first African American mayor of Warrensville Heights, Ohio, she was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, where she served for over 12 years and [chaired the Congressional Black Caucus](https://www.taftlaw.com/people/marcia-l-fudge/). In 2021, President [[Joe Biden]] appointed her as the [18th U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marcia_Fudge). Her political positions are staunchly progressive; she is pro-choice, supports gun control, advocates for expanding federal entitlement programs, and opposes the [repeal of the Affordable Care Act](https://justfacts.votesmart.org/candidate/political-courage-test/110640/marcia-fudge). Her career demonstrates a direct path from leadership within the sorority to leadership on the national stage. **Keisha Lance Bottoms**: The [60th Mayor of Atlanta](https://news.hbcusince.com/2025/01/13-notable-members-of-delta-sigma-theta-sorority-incorporated/), [[Keisha Lance Bottoms]] gained national prominence for her leadership on issues of racial justice and public health. A member of the Beta Alpha Chapter at Florida A&M University, her mayoral administration focused on a vision of ["One Atlanta"](https://thegrio.com/2025/01/13/13-influential-women-of-delta-sigma-theta-sorority-inc-whove-inspired-us-all/) dedicated to affordability and equity. She established the city's first Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, appointed an LGBTQ Affairs Coordinator, and [eliminated cash bail bond](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keisha_Lance_Bottoms). After her term as mayor, she served in the Biden administration as a Senior Advisor and [Director of the White House Office of Public Engagement](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keisha_Lance_Bottoms). **Loretta Lynch**: Appointed by President [[Barack Obama]], [[Loretta Lynch]] became the [first African American woman to serve as the 83rd U.S. Attorney General](https://millercenter.org/president/obama/essays/lynch-2015-attorney-general). Her career as a federal prosecutor was marked by high-profile cases involving public corruption, civil rights violations, and violent crime, including the prosecution of police officers in the [Abner Louima brutality case](https://www.justice.gov/ag/bio/attorney-general-loretta-e-lynch). Her tenure as Attorney General saw the [[DOJ]] launch investigations into police departments and oversee the federal response to major events like the [Charleston church shooting](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loretta_Lynch). ### C. Case Study: Federal Reserve Governor Lisa D. Cook The appointment of Dr. [[Lisa D. Cook]] to the Federal Reserve Board of Governors in 2022 highlights both the reach of the sorority's network and the political complexities that can arise from it. Dr. Cook is the [first Black woman to serve on the board](https://www.revolt.tv/article/facts-to-know-about-federal-reserve-governor-lisa-cook), a historic achievement for an institution that has immense power over the U.S. economy. An accomplished economist with a Ph.D. from the University of California, Berkeley, and a former professor at Michigan State University, she has served as a [senior economist in the Obama administration](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lisa_Cook). Dr. Cook is also a proud and active member of Delta Sigma Theta. She has spoken publicly about the profound influence of the sorority on her life, specifically citing [[Sadie T. M. Alexander]]—the sorority's first National President and the first Black woman in the U.S. to earn a Ph.D. in economics—as the person who ["introduced me to my calling"](https://dstsouthbroward.org/notable-deltas/). During her contentious confirmation process and subsequent tenure, the sorority's public statements of support for her were seized upon by political opponents. Former President [[Donald Trump]] shared a statement from the sorority backing Governor Cook and declared it a ["complete conflict of interest,"](https://www.binance.com/en/square/post/09-01-2025-trump-criticizes-delta-sigma-theta-sorority-s-support-for-fed-governor-29081528513594) demanding her recusal from an unrelated judicial matter. This episode illustrates a crucial dynamic. The sorority's network, when activated to support a member in a high-stakes, traditionally non-partisan role, can be weaponized by opponents to undermine that member's perceived impartiality. An act of sisterly support, entirely natural within the sorority's culture, was reframed in the political arena as evidence of bias. This demonstrates the strategic dilemma the organization faces: publicly celebrating a member's success can validate her within the community but simultaneously create a political liability in arenas where the appearance of unconflicted independence is paramount. ### D. Case Study: U.S. District Judge Jia M. Cobb The appointment of Judge [[Jia M. Cobb]] to the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia in 2021 provides a compelling case study in how members navigate the ethical tightrope between their sorority affiliation and their public duties. Nominated by President [[Joe Biden]], Judge Cobb's professional background is a perfect embodiment of the sorority's social action mission. Her entire pre-judicial career was in the public interest sector, first as a trial attorney for the [Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia](https://www.fjc.gov/history/judges/cobb-jia-michelle) and later as a partner at [Relman Colfax](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jia_M._Cobb), a prominent plaintiff-side civil rights law firm where she litigated cases of housing and employment discrimination. Her work directly aligns with the Delta Oath's pledge to use one's influence ["for the protection of the unfortunate and weak"](https://www.stichtingargus.nl/vrijmetselarij/g/deltasigmatheta_r.html). Crucially, in her questionnaire submitted to the Senate Judiciary Committee during her confirmation process, Judge Cobb listed her affiliation as: ["Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (2002 - present) Member (currently inactive)"](https://www.judiciary.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/Cobb%20SJQ%20Public%20Final.pdf). The parenthetical addition of "(currently inactive)" is a significant data point. It represents a deliberate and proactive acknowledgment of the potential for an appearance of conflict of interest. By signaling a formal move to an inactive status upon her nomination to the federal bench, she attempted to create a clear separation between her lifelong fraternal obligations and her new judicial duties, which demand absolute impartiality. This action suggests a sophisticated awareness of the ethical challenges posed by the sorority's powerful bonds and represents a strategy to mitigate the very vulnerability that was exploited in the case of Governor Cook. ### E. Ideological Cohesion: Assessing Political Alignment While Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is officially a non-partisan organization, the overwhelming weight of evidence from its most prominent public figures and its national advocacy positions points to a deep and consistent alignment with the Democratic Party and its progressive wing. This is not the result of a formal policy but is an emergent property of its foundational mission. An organization founded on principles of social justice, racial equality, and women's rights will naturally attract members who share those values. Its Five-Point Programmatic Thrust, with its emphasis on political awareness, voter registration, and advocacy for affordable healthcare and economic empowerment, mirrors key planks of the [Democratic Party platform](https://www.salisburydst.org/5point). The careers of its most influential members, from [[Shirley Chisholm]] and [[Barbara Jordan]] to [[Marcia Fudge]], [[Keisha Lance Bottoms]], and [[Loretta Lynch]], trace a clear path through Democratic politics. The sorority, therefore, functions as a powerful incubator and network within this specific ideological ecosystem. Membership serves as a potent signal to voters and political leaders of a candidate's commitment to a set of community-oriented, social justice values. This ideological cohesion is a source of the sorority's political strength, allowing it to speak with a unified voice on issues of importance to its members and the Black community at large. **Table 4: Profile of Prominent Members in U.S. Government and Judiciary** |Name|Position|Years of Service|Notable Achievements| |---|---|---|---| |[[Shirley Chisholm]]|U.S. Representative|1969-1983|First Black woman in Congress; 1972 presidential candidate| |[[Barbara Jordan]]|U.S. Representative|1973-1979|First Southern Black woman in House; Watergate hearings| |[[Patricia Roberts Harris]]|HUD Secretary|1977-1979, 1979-1981|First Black woman Cabinet member| |[[Alexis Herman]]|Labor Secretary|1997-2001|First Black woman Labor Secretary| |[[Loretta Lynch]]|Attorney General|2015-2017|First Black woman Attorney General| |[[Marcia Fudge]]|HUD Secretary|2021-present|21st National President of DST| |[[Keisha Lance Bottoms]]|Mayor of Atlanta|2018-2022|White House Senior Advisor| |[[Lisa D. Cook]]|Federal Reserve Governor|2022-present|First Black woman on Fed Board| |[[Jia M. Cobb]]|Federal Judge|2021-present|U.S. District Court, D.C.| ## Oaths, Obligations, and the Appearance of Impropriety: An Ethical Analysis The strength of Delta Sigma Theta lies in the profound and permanent bond of sisterhood its members share. This bond is forged through a solemn initiation ritual and sealed with sacred oaths that demand lifelong loyalty and secrecy. While these commitments are essential for internal cohesion, they create significant and complex ethical challenges when members assume positions of public trust, particularly within the judiciary. A rigorous, text-based analysis of the sorority's internal obligations juxtaposed against external professional codes of conduct reveals an inherent tension that can lead to both actual conflicts of interest and, critically, the appearance of impropriety. ### A. Deconstruction of the Initiation Ritual and the Delta Oath The sorority's initiation ceremony is not a mere formality; it is a solemn rite of passage where candidates are explicitly told they are about to take upon themselves ["vows and obligations from which you can never be freed"](https://www.stichtingargus.nl/vrijmetselarij/g/deltasigmatheta_r.html). The language used throughout the ritual is absolute and unequivocal, designed to impress upon the initiate the permanent and sacred nature of her commitment. During the ceremony, each candidate individually approaches an induction table, places her hands on a symbolic "Torch of Wisdom," and recites a pledge. This pledge contains a vow of absolute secrecy: ["I... do promise... that I will never reveal in any manner whatsoever, for any purpose whatsoever, any of the secrets, passwords, signs, grips, or other confidences entrusted to my keeping as a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority"](https://www.stichtingargus.nl/vrijmetselarij/g/deltasigmatheta_r.html). This is followed by the Delta Oath, which all members—new and existing—recite together. The oath contains several clauses with direct ethical implications for public life: - A pledge to ["close my ears and seal my lips to slanderous gossip"](https://www.stichtingargus.nl/vrijmetselarij/g/deltasigmatheta_r.html) - A pledge to ["always protest against the double standard of morals"](https://www.stichtingargus.nl/vrijmetselarij/g/deltasigmatheta_r.html) - A pledge to ["take an active interest in the welfare of the country, using my influence... for the protection of the unfortunate and weak, and for the repeal of all laws which deprive human beings of their privileges and rights"](https://www.stichtingargus.nl/vrijmetselarij/g/deltasigmatheta_r.html) Furthermore, the ritual charges each member to hold for every other soror ["a feeling of kinship and devotion"](https://www.stichtingargus.nl/vrijmetselarij/g/deltasigmatheta_r.html) and to pledge ["true loyalty and sisterly attitudes"](https://www.stichtingargus.nl/vrijmetselarij/g/deltasigmatheta_r.html). These are not aspirational goals but foundational obligations of membership, understood to be binding for life. ### B. Juxtaposition with Professional Codes of Conduct: The Case of the Judiciary The absolute, loyalty-based commitments of the Delta Oath stand in stark contrast to the situational, impartiality-based requirements of professional codes of conduct, particularly the Code of Conduct for United States Judges. The central tenet of judicial ethics is impartiality, both in fact and in appearance. The Code of Conduct states that a judge ["shall act at all times in a manner that promotes public confidence in the integrity and impartiality of the judiciary"](https://www.lasc.org/Court_Rules?p=CJC). It explicitly commands that a judge ["shall not allow family, social, political, or other relationships to influence judicial conduct or judgment"](https://www.lasc.org/Court_Rules?p=CJC). The standard is not merely the avoidance of actual bias but also the avoidance of the ["appearance of impropriety"](https://jib.illinois.gov/code.html). This means a judge must conduct themselves in a way that a reasonable, objective observer would not question their ability to be fair. While judges are generally permitted to participate in fraternal organizations, they must always consider whether their membership or activities would [conflict with their judicial obligations](https://www.americanbar.org/groups/professional_responsibility/publications/model_code_of_judicial_conduct/model_code_of_judicial_conduct_canon_3/rule3_7participationineducational/commentonrRule3_7/) or create an appearance of bias. The central ethical conflict is, at a textual level, irreconcilable. The Delta Oath's demand for "true loyalty" to a specific group of people is fundamentally incompatible with the judicial canon's demand for absolute impartiality to all people who come before the court. A vow to "seal my lips to slanderous gossip" could conflict with a judge's duty to hear and consider all relevant, admissible evidence, even if that evidence is damaging to a fellow soror. A pledge to use one's influence "for the protection of the unfortunate and weak" is a noble goal for a private citizen or an advocate, but for a judge, it could be interpreted as a pre-commitment to favor one class of litigant over another, which is the definition of bias. One set of rules demands unwavering loyalty to a specific group; the other demands unwavering impartiality to all. Any individual who takes both oaths places herself in a state of inherent, unresolved conflict. ### C. Analysis of Potential Conflicts of Interest in a Judicial Context A Delta judge presiding over a case involving a Delta defendant, witness, or attorney brings this latent conflict into an acute ethical crisis. **The Core Conflict**: The judge is bound by two competing, and contradictory, sacred oaths. Her oath of office requires her to be an impartial arbiter of the law, treating all parties equally. Her Delta Oath requires her to have a feeling of "kinship and devotion" and "true loyalty" to her soror. It is impossible to fully satisfy both oaths simultaneously in this context. Any action she takes could be seen as a violation of one oath or the other. **The Appearance of Impropriety**: Even if the judge sincerely believes she can set aside her fraternal bond and rule impartially, the appearance of impropriety is undeniable and deeply damaging to public confidence in the judiciary. A reasonable member of the public, knowing that the judge and the defendant share a secret, lifelong bond of sworn loyalty, would have legitimate grounds to question the fairness of the proceedings. The losing party, in particular, would be left to wonder if the outcome was decided not on the merits of the case, but on the basis of a shared "grip" or secret "confidence." This is precisely the scenario the judicial canons are designed to prevent. **The Secrecy Problem**: The vow of secrecy exacerbates the problem. Because the full extent of the ["secrets, passwords, signs, grips, or other confidences"](https://www.stichtingargus.nl/vrijmetselarij/g/deltasigmatheta_r.html) is unknown to non-members, it creates an accountability vacuum. An opposing attorney seeking the judge's recusal cannot fully articulate the nature of the potential bias because the core tenets of the relationship are, by design, secret. The secrecy itself becomes a basis for challenging the judge's impartiality. This transforms the sorority from a transparent public service organization into what critics could frame as a secret society, making it impossible to externally verify the absence of improper influence. ### D. Mitigation Strategies: The "Inactive" Status and Recusal Recognizing this inherent conflict, members in or aspiring to judicial roles have employed mitigation strategies. The most prominent example is Judge [[Jia M. Cobb]]'s declaration of her membership as ["(currently inactive)"](https://www.judiciary.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/Cobb%20SJQ%20Public%20Final.pdf) during her Senate confirmation. This move serves as an important public signal of her awareness of the ethical issue and her intent to prioritize her judicial duties. However, the effectiveness of this strategy is debatable from a purely ethical standpoint. The initiation ritual's text states that the vows are ones ["from which you can never be freed"](https://www.stichtingargus.nl/vrijmetselarij/g/deltasigmatheta_r.html). This suggests that an "inactive" status may reduce a member's participation in chapter meetings or her financial obligations, but it does not and cannot nullify the sacred oaths she has taken. The lifelong bond of kinship and loyalty, once sworn, is permanent. Therefore, while declaring an inactive status is a politically astute and necessary step to navigate the confirmation process, it does not resolve the underlying ethical conflict. According to the high standards of the Code of Judicial Conduct, the most appropriate and effective mitigation strategy in a direct conflict scenario would be full disclosure to all parties, followed by recusal. To uphold public confidence in the judiciary's impartiality, a judge would likely be ethically compelled to step aside from any case where a known sorority sister is a party, an attorney, or a material witness. The risk to the perceived integrity of the judicial process would simply be too great. ## Conclusion: Synthesizing a Century of Influence and Scrutiny Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, is far more than a collegiate social club; it is a formidable American institution that has, for over a century, successfully translated the activist vision of its 22 founders into a powerful and enduring force for social and political change. Its genesis in an ideological rebellion against the status quo set it on a distinct path, prioritizing public service and political engagement over campus social life. This foundational choice has defined its character, attracting generations of high-achieving Black women who have gone on to break barriers and assume leadership roles in every sector of society. The sorority's success is undergirded by a sophisticated and resilient organizational structure. Its national governance model, dual-entity financial strategy, and the unifying framework of the Five-Point Programmatic Thrust enable it to operate with remarkable cohesion and impact across a global network of more than 1,000 chapters. This structure has made Delta Sigma Theta a significant pipeline for Black female leadership, particularly within the progressive political sphere, producing a lineage of influential figures from [[Shirley Chisholm]] and [[Barbara Jordan]] to the cabinet secretaries, federal judges, and mayors of the modern era. The data overwhelmingly indicates that while officially non-partisan, the sorority's mission, programs, and the public careers of its most prominent members are deeply aligned with the principles of the Democratic Party. Yet, this analysis must conclude that the very source of Delta Sigma Theta's profound strength—the deep, secret, and lifelong bonds of sisterhood—is also the source of the most significant ethical questions it faces. The absolute and permanent vows of loyalty and secrecy sworn by its members are textually and philosophically incompatible with the public duties of absolute impartiality required of those in positions of high public trust, especially the judiciary. This inherent conflict creates a persistent challenge, forcing members in these roles to navigate a difficult ethical landscape where even the appearance of impropriety can undermine public confidence. As Delta Sigma Theta's members continue their rightful ascent to the highest echelons of power, the tension between their private, fraternal loyalty and their public, impartial duty will only become more acute. The organization's future influence may well depend on its ability, and the ability of its distinguished members, to transparently and proactively manage this fundamental conflict, ensuring that the public's trust remains as strong as the bonds of their sisterhood.