On March 24, 1945, the Beta Psi Chapter was chartered in Portland, OR, becoming the first and only chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. in the state. Since the chartering took place in the middle of the war years, service activities primarily focused on assistance and involvement with men in the military.

In the late 1970s, Grand Chapter made a decision to permanently eliminate mixed chapters composed of alumnae and collegiate sorors. After several discussions and granted extensions, the Portland Alumnae Chapter (PAC) was chartered in 1981. Our chapter heritage has been a reflection of the changing racial attitudes in the State of Oregon. The Beta Psi and PAC chartering sorors were challenged by Oregon laws that prevented the Black population from moving freely throughout the city and state, regulating where to eat, live and play. The Beta Psi and PAC sorors continued to challenge those arrogances and helped propel the city into one that has become accepting and welcoming to citizens of all races and nationalities.

Our Heritage & Archives Board reflects the growth that PAC has achieved to become an active and respected organization in the community, not only through our programs, but by the actions and achievements of the professional sorors in the Portland Metro and Vancouver, WA area. We have hosted four regional conferences (1951, 1978, 1997 and 2016), provided nearly $400,000 in scholarships to local area youth, received local and national recognition for our programs and events, and brought our dream to reality by purchasing and renovating our June Key Delta Community Center.

The history of Beta Psi and Portland Alumnae Chapter is long and illustrious. Through inspiration, imagination and innovation, the chapters have moved forward in continuance and the communication of Delta Sigma Theta’s dynamic mission. 

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