Historic 50th Southern Regional Conference to Convene Thousands of Members and Guests from Across the South and The Bahamas
The Southern Region of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated (Southern Region) will commemorate a century of transformative service, scholarship, sisterhood, and social action as it convenes its historic 50th Southern Regional Conference in Atlanta, Georgia, from August 5-9, 2026.
This event anticipates more than 8,000 members, guests, and community leaders from Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Tennessee and The Bahamas to celebrate the Southern Region’s 100-year legacy while charting a course for its future and the communities it serves. A 5-day event of this magnitude will generate an estimated $12.6 to $27.2 million in economic impact to the Atlanta-Metro area.
Founded in 1926, the Southern Region has played a pivotal role in advancing Delta Sigma Theta’s mission throughout the southeastern United States and the Bahamas. For one hundred years, Southern Region members have led efforts to expand educational opportunities, promote civic engagement, advocate for social justice, support economic empowerment, and strengthen communities through impactful public service.
Notable sorority members confirmed to attend are: U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett, Mayor Shirley Franklin, Actress Danielle Brooks, Phyllis Newhouse, Civil Rights Activist Joan Trumpauer Mulholland. The event also welcomes local icons like Ambassador Andrew Young.
The landmark conference kicks off with a community-focused HBCU Impact Day/College Fair (Aug. 5, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta – Thomas Murphy Ballroom lobby. The day-long HBCU Impact Day will feature four key components: a Southern Region HBCU/PBI Career and College Fair, HBCU Pep Rally Experience, Community Service Initiative, and a culminating Impact Day Celebration.
The 3,000 high school students from Atlanta Public Schools, Clayton County Schools, Cobb County Schools, Decatur City Schools, Dekalb County Schools, Fulton County Schools, and Home School Associations will interact with college recruiters from 50 HBCUs (e.g., Spelman College, Morehouse College, Clark Atlanta University) and five (5) HBCU presidents:
· Clark Atlanta University, Dr. George French
· Alabama A&M University, Dr. Daniel Wims
· Drake State Community College, Dr. Patricia Sims
· Jackson State University, Dr. Denise Jones Gregory (a member of Delta Sigma Theta)
· Tuskegee University, Dr. Mark Brown
“This centennial celebration represents far more than a milestone anniversary,” said Southern Regional Director Amaris L. Johnson. “It is a powerful testament to the vision, sacrifice, and commitment of generations of Delta women who have dedicated themselves to uplifting communities and creating opportunities for future generations. As we celebrate 100 years of Southern Region excellence, we also recommit ourselves to the work that lies ahead.”
Atlanta provides a fitting backdrop for this historic gathering. Known as the cradle of the modern Civil Rights Movement, the city has long been a center of Black leadership, entrepreneurship, culture, and social progress. Home to world-renowned institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities, influential business leaders, and thriving entertainment and cultural arts industries, Atlanta embodies the spirit of resilience, innovation, and achievement that has defined the Southern Region for the past century.
Conference attendees will have opportunities to experience many of Atlanta’s cultural and historical landmarks, including the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park, the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, and numerous sites that tell the story of Black excellence and the ongoing pursuit of equity and justice.
The 50th Southern Regional Conference will not only celebrate a remarkable century of accomplishments but also serve as a catalyst for continued leadership, collaboration, and service throughout the region and beyond.
As Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated continues to move forward with purpose and impact, the Southern Region’s centennial celebration will honor the women who built its legacy while inspiring future generations to continue the work of transforming communities and changing lives.
ABOUT THE SOUTHERN REGION
The Southern Region of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated was established in 1926 and serves chapters throughout Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Tennessee, and the Bahamas. Through innovative programming, leadership development, and community engagement initiatives, the Southern Region advances the mission and Five-Point Programmatic Thrust of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.
ABOUT DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY, INCORPORATED
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated is a private, not-for-profit organization founded on January 13, 1913, by 22 collegiate women at Howard University. The organization is committed to public service, with a primary focus on the Black community, and has a distinguished history of promoting academic excellence, providing scholarships, supporting the underserved, advocating for civil rights, and positively impacting communities through its Five-Point Programmatic Thrust. Since its founding, more than 350,000 women have joined the organization, making it one of the largest predominantly Black women’s organizations in the world. For more information, visit www.deltasigmatheta.org
