WASHINGTON, D.C. – Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. welcomed a distinguished group of Black women public figures to its 2025 Honorary Member class during the Sorority’s 57th National Convention, recently held in Washington, D.C. The announcement brought the induction of multifaceted, award-winning actresses Queen Latifah and Danielle Brooks, business leaders Fawn Weaver, Janice Bryant Howroyd, and Toni Townes-Whitley, renowned political strategist and analyst Donna Brazile, and trailblazing sports icons Jackie Joyner-Kersee and Swintayla “Swin” Cash.
The convention, attended by more than 20,000 women across the country, including members from the Houston area, was an opportunity for the 113-year-old organization to celebrate Sisterhood, Social Justice and Service.
Powerhouse induction
This newly inducted class includes women from entertainment, business, education, politics, sports and advocacy. This reflects Delta Sigma Theta’s commitment to honoring women who have excelled in their respective fields, driven change and made lasting impacts on both a national and global scale. Their collective achievements amplify the Sorority’s mission of empowering Black women and advancing social action in the broader community.
A legacy of leadership and excellence
The induction ceremony, a key highlight of the convention, was presided over by International President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Elsie Cooke-Holmes, who celebrated the new members’ groundbreaking accomplishments.
“This year’s Honorary Members are a reflection of the Sorority’s enduring values of excellence, service, and advocacy,” Cooke-Holmes said. “Each of these women has not only broken barriers in their field but also created space for the next generation of leaders to thrive.”
From the entertainment world, Queen Latifah and Brooks have made indelible marks with their talent, activism and advocacy. Queen Latifah, an iconic figure who has seamlessly transitioned between music, television and film, has used her platform to champion women’s empowerment and redefine beauty standards. Brooks, known for her role in Orange Is the New Black and her Tony-nominated performance in The Color Purple, has become a powerful voice for cultural representation and inclusion on Broadway.
In business, Weaver, Howroyd, and Townes-Whitley have shattered glass ceilings. Weaver, the visionary behind Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, has become a symbol of Black entrepreneurship, leading the fastest-growing American whiskey brand in history. Howroyd made history as the first Black woman to own a billion-dollar company with ActOne Group, showing the world the power of purpose and grit. Townes-Whitley, the CEO of SAIC, has redefined the tech industry through her work in public-sector innovation and corporate responsibility.
Political strategist Brazile, whose career spans from managing Al Gore’s 2000 presidential campaign to serving as a trusted political analyst, has shaped national conversations and remains a staunch advocate for Black political power. As the first Black woman to manage a major presidential campaign, Brazile’s work continues to resonate in shaping the future of American politics.
Swin Cash and Joyner-Kersee, two trailblazers in sports, have long been symbols of excellence and resilience. Swin Cash, a three-time WNBA champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist, has transitioned from athlete to executive, leading efforts to create opportunities for women in sports through her initiative, She’s Got Time. Joyner-Kersee, widely regarded as one of the greatest athletes of all time with six Olympic medals, continues to impact communities through her foundation, focusing on education, health equity and youth empowerment.
Fueling social change
As Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. continues to build its legacy of public service and social justice, these new Honorary Members bring with them not only their remarkable achievements but a shared commitment to the advancement of Black women and marginalized communities. Delta’s vision, articulated by Cooke-Holmes, is clear: “We are using our collective strength to fuel civic transformation, focusing on creating long-term impact with precision and purpose.”
In addition to its legacy of leadership, Delta Sigma Theta is leveraging its influence through various initiatives such as D4 Women in Action, a newly formed C4 organization designed to engage members in advocacy and electoral strategy. This initiative, along with the Delta Research and Educational Foundation and its C7 structure, is strategically aligning resources to create lasting change, further solidifying Delta’s role in shaping the future of Black women’s leadership.
The Deltas also set the Guinness Book of World Records for the longest Wobble time because all work and no play is no fun!
