The Delta Sigma Theta National Convention is the biennial gathering of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, held every two years in odd-numbered years. It is the sorority’s largest event, bringing together thousands of members for official business, public service, leadership, and sisterhood. The most recent was the 57th National Convention, held in Washington, D.C., from July 8 to 13, 2025, which drew more than 10,000 members.
Here is how the convention works, its history and cadence, what happens during the week, and when the next one is expected.
What Is the Delta Sigma Theta National Convention?
The National Convention is the supreme gathering of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, a service organization founded in 1913 at Howard University that now has more than 350,000 initiated members and over 1,050 chapters worldwide. At the convention, delegates conduct official sorority business, elect national leadership, and set the direction for the coming biennium, alongside service programming and sisterhood events.
How Often Is It Held?
The convention is held every two years, in odd-numbered years. Delta Sigma Theta held its first national convention in 1919 in Washington, D.C., and originally met annually. After the sorority established regions and regional leadership, it moved to a biennial national convention, with regional conferences held in the years between conventions.
Recent Delta Sigma Theta National Conventions
The two most recent national conventions show the pattern of an odd-year gathering in a major U.S. city:
| Convention | Year | Host City |
|---|---|---|
| 56th National Convention | 2023 | Indianapolis, Indiana |
| 57th National Convention | 2025 | Washington, D.C. |
At the 56th convention in Indianapolis, then Vice President Kamala Harris, a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, addressed attendees, a reminder of how closely watched these gatherings are beyond the sorority itself.
What Happens at the Convention
A national convention is part business meeting and part celebration. Over the week, members take part in:
- Official business sessions and the election of national officers.
- The Public Meeting, an event open to the community that honors civic leaders and humanitarians.
- Service and programming tied to the sorority’s Five-Point Programmatic Thrust.
- Sisterhood events, galas, and step and stroll performances.
The 57th convention in 2025 elected a new National Executive Committee, led by International President Cheryl W. Turner, to guide the 2025 to 2027 biennium.
When Is the Next Delta Sigma Theta National Convention?
Because the sorority meets biennially in odd years, the next national convention, the 58th, is expected in 2027. The host city and dates are announced by the sorority as the event approaches, so members should confirm details through official channels rather than third-party listings. Delta Sigma Theta is one of the four historically Black sororities profiled in our guide to the Divine Nine sisterhoods, and you can see how it compares with its peers in our Divine Nine comparison chart. Official convention updates are posted by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.
Convention Culture and Apparel
For members, a convention week means chapter shirts, custom pieces, and crimson-and-cream looks worn with pride across the host city. That tradition of representing your letters is a hallmark of every Divine Nine gathering, from a Delta convention to the AKA Boule. Ireishprint is an independent apparel brand and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or licensed by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. Members should follow their organization’s own guidelines on letters, colors, and branded merchandise.
FAQs
How often is the Delta Sigma Theta National Convention held?
The Delta Sigma Theta National Convention is held every two years, in odd-numbered years. In the years between conventions, the sorority holds regional conferences instead.
Where was the most recent Delta Sigma Theta National Convention?
The most recent was the 57th National Convention, held in Washington, D.C., from July 8 to 13, 2025. It drew more than 10,000 members and elected a new national leadership team.
When is the next Delta Sigma Theta National Convention?
Following the biennial odd-year cadence, the next national convention, the 58th, is expected in 2027. The sorority announces the host city and dates through its official channels closer to the event.
If you are getting ready to rep your letters at a convention or Founders Day, browse Ireishprint’s custom Greek and Divine Nine apparel to show your pride your way.
