It’s a time for celebration, at least for the ladies of the Bermuda chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.

Today marks the organisation’s 25th year of service to Bermuda, after being chartered on June 9, 1989.

Since then the organisation has prided itself on increasing literacy through its Annual Children’s Reading Festival, mentored young women through its middle and high school programme Delta GEMS and offered young people a chance to further their education with the Dame Marjorie Bean Scholarship Award.

Sorority members honoured the milestone anniversary this past weekend with a church service, special ceremony and celebratory lunch, under the theme: Women of Legacy: Leveraging Influence; Impacting Lives.

They also showed off their community spirit last month by taking part in the Bermuda Cancer & Health Centre’s Relay for Life on May 30 and 31.

Roxanne Christopher, Chapter President said: “The women of Delta have dedicated their lives to serving the Bermuda community and we are humbled by the love and support that has been showered on us over the years.

“Every woman within our organisation takes pride in supporting the country that we love and hold dear within our hearts.

“Bermuda we love you and look forward to supporting you unconditionally in the future.”

The local chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority was founded by 13 women, who had high ideals and a commitment to the sorority, along with an interest in public service and leadership experience.

Founding members were Wendy Bassett, Andrea Daniels, Cheri Coleman Daniels, Carol Ross DeSilva, Karen Ratteray Johnson, Lisa Cooke Joynes, Sharon Daniels Michael, Renee Foggo Paynter, Myrna Phillips, Tammy Richardson, Esther Richards Singh, Connie Cann Williams and Aderonke Bademosi Wilson.

The women enlisted help from Thelma Pettis, the South Atlantic Regional Director, who came to Bermuda to aid in finalising the chartering process.

Myrna Phillips was unanimously picked to serve as first President of the new chapter; the other 12 ladies served as first officers.

In the early 1990s the group focused its efforts on education and social action. They hosted a Sickle Cell Awareness Health Fair, provided meals to the needy in Victoria Park, and donated books to local schools and the Bermuda Youth Library. Past members of the sorority include Dame Marjorie Bean, Georgine Hill, Louise Jackson and Connie Williams — all of whom were instrumental in Bermuda’s education reform.

For more information on the Bermuda Alumnae Chapter e-mail: dstbermuda@gmail.com.