The Jacksonville (FL) Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. hosted its ninth annual Delta Days at City Hall on January 23^rd and 24^th.  Ascending on city hall since 2014, its purpose is to discuss pertinent issues that are impacting Jacksonville, especially marginalized communities and those of color.

Conducted virtually, the Chapter members met with 15 of the 19 Council Members: Al Ferraro, Kevin Carrico, Ju’Coby Pittman, Michael Boylan, Ron Salem, Matt Carlucci, Terrance Freemen (President), Sam Newby, Danny Becton, Brenda Priestly- Jackson, Nick Howland, Joyce Morgan, LeAnna Cumber, Randy White, and Reginald Gaffney, Jr.  The key discussion topics were: Redistricting, Crime, and Affordable Housing.

The two-day event concluded with a virtual luncheon, themed “Black Girl Magic…Educating and Elevating Lives in the Community.” The luncheon was attended by over 130 women and featured a powerful panel discussion moderated by past chapter member, Tia Mitchell, Jacksonville native and Washington Correspondent for the Atlanta Constitution. Included in the agenda were sorority members in the field of lobbyists, state representatives and executive directors throughout the state. The panelist conversation stressed the importance of the attendees to engage in the political process by not only casting their individual vote, but to also impact, educate and serve their communities by volunteering with grass root campaigns or assisting others to get out to the polls. Panelist Michele Rayner- Goolsby, JD (Florida House of Representatives, District 70 in Pinellas, Hillsborough, Manatee and Sarasota Counties) said it best, “I’m not waiting on anyone else. We have to save ourselves!”