May Week 2026 Celebrated by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, Bradenton Alumnae Chapter
C.S. Howard
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, Bradenton Alumnae Chapter, recently celebrated May Week 2026 activities. May Week is one of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated’s national programs, created in 1920 to highlight academic and professional achievements that emphasize the importance of higher education in the community, particularly for Black Women.
Delta Sigma Theta’s Five- Point Programmatic Thrusts are observed on each of the days, which are: Educational Development, Economic Development, Physical and Mental Health, Political Awareness and Involvement, and International Awareness and Involvement. Locally, the Bradenton Alumnae Chapter celebrated May Week from Sunday, May 3- Saturday, May 9, 2026. The week started on Sunday with a Scholarship Luncheon held at Doubletree Hotel in Bradenton to recognize the chapters awarded scholarship recipients in Manatee and Sarasota Counties that emphasized Educational Development. Monday and throughout the week were Support Black Businesses in Manatee and Sarasota Counties. Area businesses that were supported and patronized were C&K Smokehouse, Stacy Lou’s Sweet Cravings, and The Barnyard, emphasizing Economic Development. Tuesday was the Virtual Health Symposium that included health related issues including dental care, facilitated by Dr. Tasha Ward and kidney disease and hypertension, facilitated by Dr. Kathy Jenkins, emphasizing physical and mental health.
Wednesday included an in-person Community Financial Awareness Workshop, facilitated by Keisha Bickham, held at State College of Florida Campus, Bradenton that emphasized economic development. Thursday was morning/afternoon community service in Manatee and Sarasota Counties held at Family Heritage House Museum located on the campus of SCF. Volunteers performed operational duties at the Museum for the day. An evening hybrid political hot topics was facilitated by Alice Newlon of the League of Women Voters of Manatee County held at State College of Florida Campus and on Zoom that emphasized political awareness and involvement. Friday was Let’s Get Physical day that included line dancing facilitated by Manatee Heart and Sole Steppers and workouts facilitated by Dr. Jacinda Woodie Jenkins held at 13th Avenue Dream Center that emphasized physical and mental health.
Saturday was the International Tea of Cultures and Foods from Around the World. Entertainment was provided by Sonja Smith who provided two selections on the flute and DJ/MC- JT Money (James Thomas). Vendors who were present to patronize were Horace Parker with Half Rack Barbeque and Chicken, Lorenzo Geathers with Nuplug Apparel, Pooh’s Pieces with Wendy Pressley, and Monique Barber Geathers with Align Right Realty. Teams that were represented were North America, Liberia, Japan, South Africa, South America, and Polynesia. Teams were judged in four categories- Display, Food, Attire, and Special Features. Community judges for the evening were Dr. Lashawn Frost, Keenan Wooten, Charles Whitfield, and Rev. Byron Pressley. The winners were: 1st Place Winner – North America, 2nd Place Winner – Liberia, 3rd Place Winner – Japan. This day emphasized Economic Development and International Awareness and Involvement.
Each day was filled with a wealth of information that enhanced, educated, and serviced our community. Erica Y. Sheppard was May Week Chairperson. Kim Albritton i s chapter President.
