Our Eleven Dynamic Founders
Delta Chi chapter was founded on December 3, 1965. In accordance with the aims established by our founders, Delta Chi continued to serve the community. Past community service efforts include Focus on the Arts, Loaves and Fishes, AKAdemics, Black History Trivia Bowl, AKAteens, Coats for Kids, Mission work, Breast Cancer Walk, and countless other activities.
A Desire for Change
For years, the campus of Western Michigan University propelled Greek letter organizations into existence. Caucasian students, both men and women, had many options to choose from. Reflective of its time, African Americans during the 60’s struggled for equality and civil rights on Western’s campus, as well as in everyday life. Several Black Greek letter organizations already existed, however it was time for a change. The Alpha’s and Kappa’s had already been established, and Delta Sigma Theta was the only option for African American women on campus at the time – not much of a choice to say the least.
Delta Chi . . . The Dream
The desire for something different among African American women was rapidly growing. Several like-minded individuals petitioned the Administration to charter a new Sorority on campus. The powers that be believed that one Black Sorority was more than enough for the young women. However these women, who felt otherwise, were determined to make a difference.
Delta Chi . . . In the Beginning
The young women were told they needed a representative, and they approached Soror Dr. Jean O. Davis, a member of faculty to be their advisor. Dr. Davis made sure the young ladies exemplified the aims established by the founders. The ladies established an interest group, “The Alphians” which were mostly women with the same dream in mind. The “colony” of the group (Jacquline, Dale, Loretta, Jonnie, Delores, Elizabeth, and Corliss) found four other members (Leslie, Yvonne, Marjorie, and Marlynn) to share in their dream.
Delta Chi . . . The Struggle
It took approximately three years from the initial interest, petitioning administration, to a charter granted. The young women worked hard to demonstrate their commitment through high academic achievement, community involvement, and service on campus. These young women not only had to prove themselves worthy on campus, but also with the Sorority as well. In 1964, the advisor and young ladies, boarded a greyhound bus bound for Lansing (the closest Graduate chapter to Kalamazoo) for initiation. The Sorority incorporated and chartered Delta Chi a year later, December 3, 1965.
Delta Chi . . . Defines its Existence
The chapter was charted a week before the graduation of one of its new members, Corliss Sheffield, however others were not able to see the dream to completion. Jonnie Crawford, who served as the president of the “colony”, stepped down and was replaced by Dale Norwood, as the first Basileus. The chapter elected Leslie Ezidore as second Basileus following Dale’s graduation. Membership in the new sorority on campus reflected the goals and principles set out by its founders, and many young ladies on campus rose to the occasion.