Members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Hinesville Alumnae Chapter celebrated their 20th anniversary Dec. 1 at the Midway Civic Center.

Dr. Louise A. Rice, the sorority’s 23rd national president, was the guest speaker.

The sorority is a public service organization with more than 200,000 members and 900 chapters in the United States and in several foreign countries.

Rice is fulfilling the sorority’s mission by employing the theme, “One mission, one sisterhood: empowering communities through committed service” for the 2006-2008 biennium.”

Expounding on the theme, Rice challenged the sorority, elected officials and all in attendance to never confuse movement with action. She had one key question. What have we done today for economic development, educational development, international awareness and involvement; for physical awareness and involvement, physical and mental health; and for political awareness and involvement?

Rice conducted the chartering of the Hinesville Alumnae Chapter on May 24, 1987, at Midway Congregational Church, UCC when she was the director of the Southern Region. This region, the sorority’s largest, is composed of chapters in Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Mississippi, Tennessee and the Bahamas.

Seven of the 12 chartering members of the local chapter were present and recognized. Annie B. Givens, a charter member, was recognized for 67 years of membership in Delta. She was initiated in the Norfolk Alumnae Chapter in Norfolk, Va. in 1940. The Hinesville Alumnae Chapter has named the sorority’s scholarship the Annie B. Givens Scholarship in her honor.

Sallie W. Richardson served as the first president of the Hinesville Alumnae Chapter when there were about 15 members. Today, the chapter consists of about 45 active members.