There will be many asking that questions when thousands of dressed in red, women from Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., one of the most influential sororities in the country converge on the D/FW Metroplex for the Blazing Southwest Regional Conference, June 4-7, 2026, under the leadership of the regional director, the Hon. Crystal T. Barker and Regional Representative Kamyia Gibbs.

Convening in Grapevine, members located in the Southwest Region, which encompasses Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Texas and Jamaica will be joined by not only past national presidents of this sisterhood of women who have overcome adversity, while championing diversity, equity and inclusivity, and addressing many of the societal ills that plague America’s communities.

According to Dir. Barker, at the conference, programming focuses on uplifting and undergirding members so they can be of service to the masses.

“The conference provides a unique opportunity to connect, share stories, and forge a lifelong sisterly bond,” she explained, adding that emphasis is placed on taking care of Delta business because “social action is who we are.”

So as members participate in empowering sessions they are also provided with additional tools to continue a life of service and sisterhood.

There will be fun times, as well as recognizing outstanding efforts by members and chapters in the region. And anytime the organization has conferences or conventions; you can expect a huge infusion of resources as Deltas are known for supporting area businesses and recycling dollars.

“We believe in love,” is what you will hear frequently from Dir. Barker.

When members talk about their regional director, dynamic, committed, anointed, are just a few of the words used to describe her.  

An educator’s educator who is passionate about youth, as she prepares to turn over the directorship at this year’s conference, she was recently installed as a member of the  North Little Rock School Board; continuing a life of service.

And Gibbs is a 2026 graduate with honors from the University of Texas at Austin where she received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology, with a minor in Sports Media, and a Certificate in Forensic Science.

Since its inception in 1913 on the campus of Howard University the college-educated members, who are primarily African American, have worked alongside others who believe in liberty and justice for all.

Cheryl W. Turner is the International President and Chair, of Deltas Board of Directors and most recently, Elsie Cooke-Holmes, who resides in the D/FW Metroplex, served in that position.

Like the eight other dynamic member organizations of the Divine Nine Black Greek-Letter Organizations (Alpha Phi Alpha, Kappa Alpha Psi, Omega Psi Phi, Phi Beta Sigma and Iota Phi Theta Fraternities and Alpha Kappa Alpha, Zeta Phi Beta and Sigma Gamma Rho Sororities), they have been working vigorously to educate, inform and enlighten American citizens about the importance of their fundamental right to vote.

As nonprofit organizations, they are mindful that they cannot endorse candidates, however, as Deltas, committed to social action, members can promote and engage in voter education efforts.

Despite the valiant efforts of the aforementioned organizations, as well as others that walk with us side-by-side, there are those who are unfamiliar with key points of interest regarding Delta Sigma Theta’s mission and significance in the growth and development, as well as the well-being of people, internationally. 

Delta Sigma Theta awards millions in scholarships annually; mentors thousands of youth; feed, clothe and educate families in every major city in this country, rural areas, and internationally; while galvanizing resources to provide billions annually through conventions, conferences, community programming, and international outreach.

And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

The organization has some of the largest social events of the year, raising millions to recycle back into communities to provide services that historically were provided in the schools; like tutoring, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) programming, financial literacy classes, and college preparatory events, to name a few.

As leaders in the social action arena, Delta Sigma Theta is following in the rich tradition of its 22 courageous founders who participated in the women’s suffrage movement.

Delta Sigma Theta has introduced training and tool kits that address voting rights, dispelling mis/disinformation, fact-checking lies, engaging college students and all segments of the voting population, and also working with the Legal Defense Fund, National Bar Association and other legal minds to help litigate against voter suppression.

Now who are the members of Delta Sigma Theta?  

They are your educators, clergy, executives, engineers, attorneys, journalists, actors, scientists, entertainers, doctors, judges, first responders, entrepreneurs, chefs, stay-at-home moms, community activists, elected officials, veterans, and women from every other walk of life.