Celebrating the Delta D.E.A.R.S.: A Legacy of Excellence and Service
By Marcia Bentley
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated (ΔΣΘ) was founded on January 13, 1913, by 22 visionary, college-educated women at Howard University in Washington, D.C. Rooted in the principles of academic excellence, sisterhood, scholarship, service, and social action, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. continues to be a beacon of empowerment and advocacy in communities worldwide. Our programs are grounded in the Sorority’s Five-Point Programmatic Thrust: Economic Development, Educational Development, Physical and Mental Health, Social Action/Political Awareness and Involvement, and International Awareness and Involvement. With over 350,000 members and more than 1,000 chapters globally, Delta Sigma Theta remains a powerful force for change.
One of the proud chapters of this illustrious organization is the Melbourne-Palm Bay Alumnae Chapter (M.P.B.A.C.), chartered on April 29, 1989. Serving the Southern part of Brevard County, from south of the Pineda Causeway to the county line, M.P.B.A.C. members have exemplified an unwavering commitment to public service, positively impacting the lives of countless individuals in their community for decades.
Among the most revered segments of our membership are the Delta D.E.A.R.S.—a special group of women who have made extraordinary contributions to the Sorority and their communities. Established by the Golden Life Committee of the National Headquarters in 1982, Delta D.E.A.R.S. is the first and only officially recognized membership category based on age, honoring Deltas who are 62 years or older. This designation transcends the length of membership and acknowledges the invaluable legacy of knowledge, history, and service embodied by these extraordinary women.
A Delta D.E.A.R. is more than just a member—she is a beacon of grace, wisdom, and fortitude. These women are the living embodiment of dedication, energy, activity, respect, and sisterhood—each one a powerhouse who continues to contribute to the ideals and traditions of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.. Their ongoing engagement in planning, maintaining, and enhancing programs within our communities serves as an inspiring standard of excellence in life, service, scholarship, and community engagement.
Our D.E.A.R.S. are truly the heart of our Sorority, continuing to uplift and support their sisters while honoring the legacy of those who came before them. Their commitment to the work of the Sorority, combined with their unwavering dedication to service, makes them an indelible part of our collective strength.
On behalf of the members of the Melbourne-Palm Bay Alumnae Chapter, we extend our deepest gratitude to our chapters (25) Delta D.E.A.R.S. for your tireless dedication, your invaluable contributions to our chapter, and your profound impact on the community. We honor you today—and always—for the wisdom you share, the love you give, and the excellence you inspire.
In recognition of your enduring legacy, we are proud to declare 2025 the Year of the Delta D.E.A.R. This is a year dedicated to celebrating, empowering, and engaging the women who represent the wisest and most steadfast members of our beloved sisterhood. The Year of the Delta D.E.A.R. will serve as an opportunity to highlight the remarkable achievements of these women, while continuing to inspire future generations of Deltas to carry forth the torch of service, scholarship, and sisterhood.
We are grateful to the Delta D.E.A.R.S. for lighting the way for us all. Your legacy is our strength, and we pledge to honor it with every action, every step, and every moment.
LOVE in Service,
2024-2026 Executive Committee (EC7)
Marcia Hunt-Bentley, President
Consuela Smith, 1st Vice President
Dr. Kenyatta Washington, 2nd Vice President
Vanessa Sanz, Treasurer
Latisha Cooper, Financial Secretary
Ashley Womble, Recording Secretary
Delta DEAR Ava Guy, Corresponding Secretary
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