The Archives & Special Collections of the Robert W. Woodruff Library (RWWL) of the Atlanta University Center (AUC) will house the historical documents and artifacts of Clark Atlanta University’s Sigma Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. During a 5 p.m. ceremony on Monday, January 22, the Sigma Chapter will dedicate the first organizational archive for an AUC fraternity or sorority at the Woodruff Library.

Founded in May 1931 on the campus of Clark College, Sigma Chapter was the first Delta Sigma Theta chapter established in the South. The scrapbooks, photos and other memorabilia in the initial collection donated to RWWL Archives & Special Collections chronicles decades of Sigma activities.

Ashley Walton, current Sigma Chapter president said the group decided to donate the items after learning how RWWL’s Archives and Special Collections could preserve the documents, while also providing public access to anyone interested in learning more about Sigma chapter.

“Delta Sigma Theta has a strong alumni membership in the Atlanta area and we hope our sisters will visit the Archives and view Sigma Chapter’s collection,” said Walton. “We also hope other Atlanta University Center Greek-letter organizations will follow our lead and donate their historical documents and artifacts to the Woodruff Library Archives.”

Andrea Jackson, RWWL’s curator of archives and manuscripts, helped to facilitate the Sigma Chapter donation and believes the collection will be a valuable research tool.

“We are excited that the ladies of Sigma Chapter are donating their archives documenting seventy-five years of service to the Atlanta University Center community,” she said. “Documentation from student life and Black Greek-letter organizations not only supports research focusing on sorority or fraternity life, but also student leadership and educational and social opportunities for African Americans on college campuses.”

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., was established more than 90 years ago on the campus of Howard University in urban Washington, D.C., by 22 women dedicated to community service, social action, academic achievement and the quest for excellence. The sorority now includes a membership of more than 200,000 college-educated women.

About the Library
Constructed in 1982, the Robert W. Woodruff Library is an
independent entity organized and operated for the exclusive benefit
of its member institutions—Clark Atlanta University, the Interdenominational Theological Center, Morehouse College and Spelman College. These colleges and universities represent the
world’s largest consortium of historically black institutions of higher learning. The Library serves a combined student body of more than 10,000.