Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. was founded on January 13, 1913 by 22 collegiate women at Howard University to promote academic excellence and provide assistance to those in need.

North Jersey Alumnae’s commitment to sisterhood, scholarship and service dates back to June 11, 1939 when fourteen women established the Kappa Sigma Chapter (now NJAC) – the first chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. in the State of New Jersey.

The Chapter dedicated itself to organizing and moving toward full civil rights for “colored people”. “The right to learn and the right to an education” soon became their creed. Kappa Sigma was a catalyst for the development of one of the first “colored” Girl Scout units in northern New Jersey and for the founding of the Teen Lift Program. Members raised funds for a maternity ward in Liberia, West Africa and produced the first Jabberwock in downtown Newark fueling the first scholarship award of $250. Kappa Sigma Chapter was the trailblazer for many chapters chartered in New Jersey, most notably Delta Zeta, the first undergraduate chapter in the state. In 1956, Kappa Sigma was renamed North Jersey Alumnae Chapter.

Over the years, the chapter moved toward the development of projects and programs that have gained national recognition for scholarship and service. However, the chapter’s greatest honor comes from the thousands of young people who have benefited from the Sorority’s programs through academic scholarships and programs such as Delta Teen Lift, Dr. Betty Shabazz Delta Academy, Delta GEMS, and School America. Today, with a chapter membership of more than 200 members committed to the ideals of the Sorority, the North Jersey Alumnae Chapter continues to serve the northern New Jersey communities in Essex, Hudson and Union counties and is one of, if not THE largest chapter in the state.