Learn more about what we do

Who We Are

Chi Chapter of the National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa Inc. of the Midwest Region was chartered on January 27, 1939 at the home of Soror Bernice Hoagland. Charter members: Ashley Cain, Marthea Denmark, Thelma Parker, Jessie McCatherine, Geraldine Smith, Sadie Ransom, Elizabeth Morton, Burnice Hoagland, Fannie Raiford, Catherine Duffy, and Evelyn Beatty. Thelma Parker served as the first Basileus of Chi - 1939-1942. Soror Oneida Cockrel from MU Chapter served as the Supreme Basileus 1937-1940.

Chi Chapter was the first chapter chartered in Michigan as a professional organization of women in the field of education. Chi Chapter has worked tirelessly to exemplify our foundational principles of the three-point program-Y.E.S., which stands for Youth, Education, and Service. As educators in the Metropolitan Detroit Area, we have accepted the challenge and responsibility of transforming the lives of youth and carrying the torch of enlightenment everywhere. Although many strides have been made, we have much work to do as “willing workers in the vineyard”.

The purpose of our organization is to stimulate personal growth among teachers, foster a true spirit of sisterhood, to promote the highest ideals of the teaching profession and to encourage the development of the potential of our youth. My vision for Chi Chapter is to nurture the cohesiveness of our sisterhood, grow our membership including our affiliate groups, and increase our exposure throughout the community with service deeply rooted within our history. It is now time to continue to elevate our dedication to training youth and adults to develop and enhance those skills, abilities, attitudes, and ethics that will prepare them to function successfully in a democratic society.