Women’s representation in social change dates back centuries, from Harriet Tubman leading slaves to freedom through the Underground Railroad to the Women’s Suffrage Movement on March 3, 1913. The desire to be a part of the change for the welfare of our community led to the creation of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. The organization was formed on Christian ideals, and its rich social action past exemplifies its commitment to making society a better place by addressing challenges impacting our community and supporting equality and justice.
L-R: March 3, 1913, Women Suffrage Parade in Washington, DC; Courtesy of the National Woman’s Party Records, Library of Congress; March 1, 2020, Fort Bragg (Now Fort Liberty) Area Alumnae Chapter Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc, participation in the 60th Anniversary of Bloody Sunday in Selma, Alabama
Delta’s social action core values have carried the torch of the twenty-two founders’ principles onto a legacy of Delta women, such as Barbara Jordan, Fannie Lou Hamer, Dorothy Heights, Mary McLeod Bethune, Shirley Chisholm, Ketanji Brown-Jackson, and Marcia Fudge, who have taken on a leadership stance on social justice through a political platform to address issues rooted in constitutional bylaws that weren’t based on mere equality.
Courageously taking a stance on a larger platform demonstrates Delta fortitude, particularly throughout challenging times such as the Jim Crow era, gender inequality, voter injustice, and so forth, which spark social action. Societal issues have also prepared its members to have a high level of community involvement and political awareness, influencing activism through initiatives such as Delta Day, partnerships with like-minded organizations, serving our community, and program development to prepare Delta women to run for political office.
As we approach the primary elections, the article reflects on Delta’s women, who are aiming to celebrate a victory on election night.
Courtney Banks-McLaughlin (candidate for NC House Representative): Banks-McLaughlin, a three-term Fayetteville city councilwoman, is a change agent who tackles issues affecting her community and fulfills all constituents’ needs. Her heart and spirit of serving others derived from her childhood and of wanting to see people happy. Her passion for volunteerism and community engagement led her to serve on the city council.
As a third-term Fayetteville City Council member, she served on various city boards and is well versed in both state and municipal concerns. She was nominated by Gov. Roy Cooper to the Governor’s Crime Commission in April 2023. Banks-McLaughlin supports civil, voting, and equality rights for all (women, seniors, veterans, military families, children, etc.).
Her goal is to bring about good change through openness to her constituents’ concerns and issues. She also looks to bring visibility and availability to the needs of District 42 citizens, which includes Fayetteville, Spring Lake, and Fort Liberty.
Satana DeBerry (Candidate for North Carolina District Attorney): As District Attorney, DeBerry emphasized serious crime prosecution, adopted procedures to eliminate needless pretrial detention and court engagement, and sought to promote confidence and equity in the justice system.
Throughout her career, DeBerry has fought to remove structures that limit the lives of low-income individuals, families, communities of color, and other oppressed groups. She brings extensive experience to the District Attorney’s office, having previously worked as a criminal defense attorney in her hometown of Hamlet, North Carolina, as General Counsel for the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, and as Executive Director of the nonprofit North Carolina Housing Coalition.
Lora Cubbage (candidate for NC Supreme Court): Judge Cubbage spent countless hours behind a barber chair learning about the needs and problems of the Greensboro, North Carolina, community. Her barbershop served as a safe haven for open discussions about the sensitive problems of judicial inequity.
From there, she recognized she had a greater calling to serve in a position that would allow her to influence social change and senior officials, which molded her view of the tremendous influence of the court system on everyday life. Cubbage has since served in North Carolina as an Assistant District Attorney, Assistant Attorney General, and District Court Judge. She was appointed by Governor Cooper in March 2018 as Superior Court Judge.
The Delta women’s representation is a prime example of the milestones Delta women have reached, from gender inequality to racism, to promote social reform, equality, justice, and civic advancement. Although we still have ways to go, their candidacy for their desired political seat will continue the legacy of the Delta greats, who aspire to be the change that impacts their community.
