Black history crossed several generations last weekend at Quicken Loans Arena as hundreds of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority members, young and old, showed up and showed out as they were honored by the Cavs during the kick off of the 9th Annual Black Heritage Celebration presented by State Farm.
Before the Cavs vs. Orlando Magic game, the Deltas gathered at a reception to mix and mingle with their fellow sisters and other members of the Greek community. Laughter, smiles and kind words filled the room as they greeted one another over food and drinks. The women were later saluted by remarks from Cavaliers President of Business Operations Kerry Bubolz, who was intrigued by their seemingly pervasive sorority call, and fellow sorority member Loren Walker, a field agent with State Farm insurance.
Just before tipoff, the women took to their seats and prepared to cheer the Cavaliers to victory against the Magic and experience the special halftime presentation dedicated to Delta Sigma Theta.
The halftime began with a brief montage of Delta Sigma Theta’s history narrated by the sorority’s National President Cynthia M. A. Butler-McIntyre and remarks from sorority member Congresswoman Marcia L. Fudge. The video highlighted history-making Delta women such as Dorothy Height, Shirley Chisholm, Lena Horne and Barbara Jordan.
After the video, Delta Sigma Theta Greater Cleveland Alumnae Chapter President Deborah Cartwright and Past-National Secretary Pam Smith were presented with a customized Cavaliers jersey by Cavs Legend Campy Russell and Cavalier Girl Amber, who is also a Delta Sigma Theta member.
The halftime concluded with a step routine presented by the sorority’s Delta Kappa chapter of Central State University. The young women stepped, stomped and clapped as they performed a classic tribute in honor of their beloved sorority. “All of my love, my peace and happiness – ‘gonna give it to Delta,” a popular chant, was sung in unison by Deltas all over The Q as the special presentation came to an end.