“Education is for improving the lives of others and for leaving your community and world better than you found it,” said Marian Wright Edelman. African American has known that education would be the key to achieving any success in America after slavery.
Not only were Historically Black Colleges and University formed in the late 1800s and early 1900s, but so were Black educational organizations focused on developing minority teachers.
The National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Incorporated an organization founded by teachers, recently celebrated its 96th Founders’ Day. The organization was incorporated May 23, 1923 in the home of founder Gladys Merritt Ross along with seven members looking on. Surrounding chapters Delta Delta (Jacksonville), Delta Zeta (Waycross, Georgia), Gamma Eta (St. Augustine) and Alpha Gamma (Jacksonville) the Host Chapter came together to celebrate their legacy.
The DoubleTree by Hilton Downtown was the location for the event, and the keynote speaker for the occasion was Vanessa Bracy-Jenkins, Admissions Representative Duval County Public Schools. Bracy-Jenkins message focused on the Founders’ Day Theme “Children, Our Most Valuable Resource.” Scholarships were awarded to their graduating Xinos and Kudos and to Eric Odom a graduate of Edward Waters College and member of the “Call Me Mister” program.
At the close of the program, sorority members held their Founders’ Day Torch Lighting Ceremony to commemorate the past, present and future heritage. To culminate the Founders’ Day Festivities each Chapter worshiped on Sunday as a family at the church of their choice to commemorate the life and legacy of our Founders.
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