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History

Rockford Alumnae Chapter History

The Legacy Begins
T

he inspiration and catalyst for the creation of the Rockford Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. was Soror Cheryl Box.  She believed it was time for Rockford, Illinois to have its first African American Greek letter organization that would provide public service to the community.  Soror Box located other Deltas in Rockford and DeKalb who she knew were committed and willing to put her plan into action.

This group of Delta Women, as sisters, understood the importance of making a difference in the lives of others.  Under the leadership of Soror Cheryl Box, they worked with determination, perseverance, and their love for Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. within their hearts.  They were committed as they met in their homes and worked diligently with fundraising efforts.  Rockford Alumnae Chapter was chartered on November 18, 1984. There were thirteen Charter Members.

Rockford Alumnae Chapter Illinois Charter Members

  • Sharon Baskerville
  • Cheryl Box
  • Pamela D. Curry
  • Oma O. Moore
  • Karen A. Portis
  • Dorothy Paige Turner
  • Denice Ward
  • Willette D. Caldwell
  • Sandra J. Glaspie
  • Myla Meeks
  • Vinest D. Steele
  • Debra J. Tyler
  • Georgia White

Charter Members

Sharon Baskerville

Cheryl Box

Pamela D. Curry

Oma O. Moore

Karen A. Portis

Dorothy Paige Turner

Denice Ward

Willette D. Caldwell

Sandra J. Glaspie

Myla Meeks

Vinest D. Steele

Debra J. Tyler

Georgia White

Rockford Alumnae Chapter (RAC) currently has 46 active members who continue to positively impact the lives of others in Rockford, Freeport and Winnebago County. The Five-Point Programmatic Thrusts guide the work of our chapter with scholarship, service, and sisterhood.  Education and scholarship are important to the members of RAC.  The chapter has given over 80 scholarships to area high school students pursuing higher education.  During these unprecedented times, members of RAC used forward thinking to ensure scholarships would continue to be available to young ladies in the area.

Rockford Alumnae Chapter Illinois Gospel Brunch 2024Rockford Alumnae Chapter’s signature Delta Academy program provides mentoring activities for middle school girls in both cities of our service area.  Delta Academy is a blessing to young ladies as we prepare them for success in the twenty-first century.  This experience empowers them as they become aware of their talents and ingenuity.

Our Gospel Brunch is the talk of our community before and after the annual event.  This signature event generates a packed house with delectable food and phenomenal artists.  Each year, this spiritual event feeds the soul and body.  Artists range from who’s who of gospel greats in our surrounding area to Stellar and Grammy nominees to Soul Train Award winners. The artist’s talents provide something for everyone including instrumentalists, dancers, mime artists, soloist, spoken word artists, and ensembles.

Rockford Alumnae Chapter Illinois College Fair 2024RAC continues to conduct public service, programs, and projects within the community.  Delta GEMS for high school ladies, and EMBODI for young men have a positive impact on youth as they prepare to become leaders for tomorrow.  Other programs include Narcan Training, American Heart Disease Awareness, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Go Red for Women, HIV/AIDS Awareness, Back to School Projects, Beads for Life, International Awareness, HBCU College Fair, Money Smart Week, Red Carpet Premieres, Silver Chalice, Voter Registration, Resume Writing Workshops, African Princess Pageant, and Toy Dances.  Our partnerships have included Winnebago County Health Department, Black Health Care Coalition, National Council of Negro Women, Divine Nine organizations, and the U.S. Military.

* Deceased Charter Members: Cheryl Box, Georgia White, Pamela D. Curry

Past RAC Presidents:
  • Cheryl Box   1984-1987
  • Willette D. Caldwell   1987-1989
  • Cheryl Box   1989-1991
  • Sandra J. Glaspie   1991-1993
  • Jeanette Caldwell1993-1995
  • Geraldine Malone   1995-1999
  • Karen Portis   1999-2001
  • Oma Moore   2001-2005
  • Vinest Steele   2005-2007
  • Aprel Prunty   2007-2009
  • Joy Sallis Sockwell   2009-2013
  • Luevinus Muhammad   2013-2017
  • Anne M. Edwards   2017-2021
  • Pamela D. Curry   2021-2023
  • Tiffani R. Weatherly   2023-

Rockford Alumnae Chapter (RAC) was chartered on November 18, 1984. There were thirteen Charter Members who understood the importance of making a difference in the lives of others. Members continue to positively impact of others in Rockford, Freeport and Winnebago County. 

Cheryl Box   1984-1987

Willette D. Caldwell
1987-1989

Cheryl Box   1989-1991

Sandra J. Glaspie
1991-1993

Jeanette Caldwell
1993-1995

Geraldine Malone
1995-1999

Karen Portis   1999-2001

Oma Moore   2001-2005

Vinest Steele   2005-2007

Aprel Prunty   2007-2009

Joy Sallis Sockwell
2009-2013

Luevinus Muhammad
2013-2017

Anne M. Edwards
2017-2021

Pamela D. Curry
2021-2023

Tiffani R. Weatherly   2023-