About Us

On March 2, 1996, the seeds were planted. Eleven visionary Sorors, united in a common cause, met for the first time on March 2, 1996, as the core group, for what would grow to become one of the most dynamic and progressive chapters in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. The core group included Sorors Jacquelwyn Willis Anthony, Janine Anthony Bowen, Jacquelyn Anthony Bryant, Santhalyn Davis, Jacquelyn Gordon, Sandra Echols, Calandria Edwards Lee, Janice Y. Martin, Shawn Evans Mitchell, Charlotte Heath Smith, and Imogene Walker.

Stepping out on faith with a determination to reclaim inactive Sorors, the core group forged ahead under the mantra, “You Can Come Home Again.” They worked countless hours to establish boundaries and identify Sorors who resided within the proposed service area. Within a year — twelve months and seven days later to be exact — 78 Sorors signed the charter on March 9, 1997, which established the Stone Mountain-Lithonia Alumnae Chapter as the 910^th chapter in the sorority! Deborah C. Thomas, EdD, 19^th Southern Regional Director, presided over the ceremony held within Stone Mountain’s historic City Hall building. A celebratory reception, held at the Village of Stone Mountain Art Station, followed the ceremony.

During its 27-year existence, SM-LAC has been directed by women dedicated to the growth of the chapter and the sorority. Our illustrious chapter presidents have included: Jacquelyn Anthony Bryant, PhD (1997-1999); Marie C. Dunn (1999-2001); Beverly (Harris) Schembri (2001-2005); Royce Love-Diagne (2005-2009); Toni H. Johnson (2009-2013); Sabrina A. McCorvey (2013-2015); Pamela L. Lee (2015-2019); Dennette Battle (2019-2021); and Candace Hull-Simon (2021-present).

Dubbed, “The Jewel of the Mountain,” SM-LAC is an award-winning chapter with a membership that has grown up to more than 825 members representing a myriad of professions and interests. The chapter has developed and implemented signature community-based programs, consistent with the Sorority’s Five-Point Programmatic Thrust: Economic Development, Educational Development, International Awareness & Involvement, Physical and Mental Health, and Political Awareness & Involvement.

Some of SM-LAC’s most notable community programs are developed to have a positive impact on youth and the community. Programs include: the Dr. Betty Shabazz Delta Academy for preteen girls, Delta GEMS — “Growing and Empowering Myself Successfully,” an annual College Tour, a pristine Budding Rose Debutante program, and a very significant and timely EMBODI program for young black males — “Empowering Males to Build Opportunities for Developing Independence.” The chapter sponsors a generous scholarship program awarding as much as $46,000 annually. It also implements countless community empowerment workshops, social advocacy events, voter registrations drives, and community health fairs.

On the international front, the Stone Mountain-Lithonia Alumnae chapter has extended its hands across the sea to spread love and good will to the less fortunate. In 2005, a delegation of SM-LAC Sorors visited Soweto, South Africa to aid the Adelaide Tambo School for the Disabled. Two years later in 2007, service was provided to enhance the quality of life in Rio De Janiero and Bahia Brazil, followed by a 2009 collaborative effort with the Marietta-Roswell Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta, during which Sorors traveled to Ghana, West Africa. During the journey, the delegation dedicated a “fresh water well” in the Ashanti Kingdom of Assissiriwa, and donated desks and chairs to a local school. In 2011, Sorors traveled to Grand Cayman and Cozumel Islands on a “Cruise with a Purpose.” School supplies, personal care items, and monetary donations were given to several island orphanages. In 2016, SM-LAC sorors visited Belize and donated computers and reading materials to the student library at Hattieville Government School. The Stone Mountain-Lithonia Alumnae Chapter takes pride in the fact that it has empowered the community and improved the quality of life for hundreds of families. We know that the battle has not been won and our BEST is yet to come.