Morristown Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Launches Program Year with Service to the Youth

The members of the Morristown Alumnae Chapter (MAC) of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., kicked off their 2017 program year with a focus on the youth of Morris County, New Jersey. On Sept. 9, 17 members manned the youth pavilion at the 22nd Annual Community Health Day held at Headquarters Plaza in Morristown, New Jersey. Approximately 100 children received face paintings and balloon creations from local artists and competed in hula hoop contests. MAC, a participant in the event since its inception, also distributed age-appropriate books to children who received dental screenings.

The next day, 10 MAC members and two volunteers welcomed nearly 40 students to the opening session of the chapter’s youth and mentoring initiatives: Delta G.E.M.S. (Growing and Empowering Myself Successfully) Institute for high school girls, Dr. Betty Shabazz Delta Academy for middle school girls, and EMBODI (Empowering Males to Build Opportunities for Developing Independence) for middle and high school boys. Designed to enhance academic, social, and intellectual development of African-American students, each program affords participants the

opportunity to engage in workshops and group discussions, perform community service projects, attend field trips, and fellowship with peers. This year, participants in all three programs will travel to Washington, DC, to visit the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

Guided by the 104-year-old sorority’s national Five-Point Program Thrust, MAC’s involvement with Community Health Day, Delta G.E.M.S., Delta Academy, and EMBODI fulfills two of the five points -- educational development and physical and mental health. Economic development, international awareness and involvement, and political awareness and involvement are the other three.

“Members of MAC are committed to supporting the Morristown community, especially the youth,” remarked Marian Sykes Johnson, president and a charter member of the chapter, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary throughout 2017. “Our youth programs are free and led by highly skilled professionals who care deeply about the well-being of each child.”

Registration is required to participate in each of the three youth initiatives, which operate September through June. Applications can be downloaded at www.macdst.org. Go to “Programs” and then click on the respective program under “Educational Development.” Completed applications must be received by Sept. 30, 2017.