Celebrating their 100 years of service, Delta Sigma Theta sorority presented an afternoon of phenomenal women featuring Nikki Giovanni, renowned author and poet, this past Sunday in the Bernell and Flora Snider Music Recital Hall.
Marijo Lynell provided the audience with a piano prelude while they awaited Giovanni.
Welcoming the audience, Interim President Dr. Joseph Sheley and Delta Sigma Theta Atwater-Merced Alumni President Sylvia F. Fuller gave thanks to all the organizations involved in making this event happen. Marvalene Hughes, Delta Sigma Theta alumni, then gave the introduction to the speaker.
As Giovanni took the stage, she captivated the audience with her contagious smile and charming personality.
Giovanni spoke of her childhood and growing up in Tennessee. Being raised by her grandmother who she admired, Giovanni spoke about how phenomenal women were as she grew up.
Dedicating her work to civil rights and equality, Giovanni spoke of her participation in the march for women’s right to vote.
“We recognized we didn’t belong in the back of the march, but we knew that it was important that we be there… so that we could tell our daughters and our daughters and our daughters… that we and Delta Sigma Theta stand for public service,” Giovanni said.
“[Being] women’s history month we asked Nikki Giovanni to come as our keynote presenter,” said Dr. Kilolo Brodie, Delta Sigma Theta Alumni and CSU Stanislaus professor.
The speech was followed with a praise dance by Jessica McDaniels and Dolores M. Maples reciting “Phenomenal Woman” by Maya Angelou.
“Numerous awards [were given] to women who in the local community are also doing [phenomenal] things in acknowledgement of women’s history month,” Brodie said.
Phenomenal they were. Five women in the area received the Phenomenal Woman award in Economic Development, Educational Development, International Awareness and Involvement, Physical and Mental Health and Political Involvement and Awareness.
Community service awards were also given to six phenomenal women.
As the event finished, a raffle took place. The proceeds contributed to scholarship funds of the Delta Sigma Theta sorority.
Gift baskets, a DVD player and a Caribbean dinner for four were all raffle prizes.
Books were sold in the lobby after the event and Giovanni was available for photographs and book signings for the public.