On Jan. 13, 1913, 22 women at Howard University founded Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. Since then, the sorority has seen many outstanding women among its membership and honorary ranks. Here are 12 of them.
1. Dorothy Height Rho chapter Civil rights leader
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2. Melissa Harris-Perry Pi Omicron chapter Professor, public intellectual
3. Angela Bassett Honorary member Actress
4. Shirley Chisholm Brooklyn Alumnae chapter Former U.S. congresswoman from New York’s 12th District
5. Mara Brock Akil Theta Alpha chapter Television writer, producer
6. Nikki Giovanni Honorary member Poet
7. Sheryl Lee Ralph Honorary member Actress, singer, activist
8. Barbara Jordan Delta Gamma chapter Former U.S. congresswoman from Texas’ 18th District
9. Keisha Knight Pulliam Eta Kappa chapter Actress
10. Mary McLeod Bethune Honorary member Founder of National Council of Negro Women, civil rights activist
11. Lena Horne Honorary member Singer, actress
12. Soledad O’Brien Honorary member Journalist
Straight From 
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