Sorority salutes black excellence

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

The Youngstown Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. celebrated its 60th anniversary in style Friday with a gala event at Stambaugh Auditorium on Fifth Avenue.

The chapter’s annual “Tribute to Black Excellence” was augmented with stories and tributes of the women who started the Delta Lambda Chapter in 1951. In 1975, Delta Lambda became Youngstown Alumnae Chapter.

The honorees for the event were Arlette Gatewood, longtime community activist, who also worked 32 years for Youngstown Sheet & Tube Co. before he was appointed business agent for the steelworkers union, and who has also served as a mentor to many leaders and civic groups; William Blake, director of student diversity programs at Youngstown State University; and the charter members of the sorority’s local graduate chapter.

Delta Sigma Theta provides services and programs for this and surrounding communities.

The establishment of a chapter of DST in the Youngstown area was originally envisioned by seven charter members: Charlene Alexander, Margaret Christman, Catherine C. Allison, Catherine Diehl, Mildred Patterson, Elenora Quarles and Doris Wilson.

The first inductees for the new chapter were Betty Green Armstrong, Kathryn Johnson, Johnnie Mae Davis Stonework and Anne Walker Tate.