Chapter History

Soror Alma L. Nealy moved to Bakersfield, CA during the 1960's.  Upon arrival, she inquired about a Delta Chapter.  Much to her disappointment, she discovered there was not a Chapter in town. The nearest Chapter was in Los Angeles, California, 90 miles south of Bakersfield.  Soror Nealy became affiliated with the Los Angeles Alumnae Chapter.  She never lost the vision of establishing a chapter in Bakersfield.  

Soror Nealy contacted the Regional Director, Homoiselle Davis.  Soror Davis outlined the requirements necessary to establish a local chapter.  One prerequisite was to locate five (5) local Deltas in Bakersfield.  Soror Nealy contacted Sorors Rosalie Baskerville (Michigan State), Earline Bell (Southern University), Hazel Davis, and Ida Randall.  Including herself, Soror Nealy (Prairie View), had accomplished one task successfully.  She began recruiting young women to become Deltas.

Soror Nealy hosted a tea in her home.  The Regional Director, Soror Davis, was in attendance to explain and answer questions relating to Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Approximately 20 young women attend the tea.

After weeks of preparation and study, ten women were initiated through the Los Angeles Alumnae Chapter in July 26, 1975.  The Regional Director and Soror Davis traveled to Los Angeles to conduct the initiation services.  One of the Founders of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Soror Zephyr Chisom Carter, also attended.

Bakersfield Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., was chartered on July 26, 1975.  The 15 Charter members were Sorors: Barbara Hicks Adams, Arma Craig Arbuckle, Rosalie Baskerville, Earline Bell, Helen Collins, Hazel Davis, Joyce Kercheval, Loretta Sharon Martin, Alma L. Nealy, Ida Randall, Leasa Royal, Gloria Scott, Shirley Warner, Denise Brown-Williams, Barbara Winston-Williams.

Bakersfield Alumnae Chapter has seven members in Omega Omega: Sorors Rosalie Baskerville, Earline Bell, Shirley Davidson, Hazel Davis, Shirley Hills, Peggy King, and Emma Weldon.