Delta Sigma Theta is made up of predominantly African American collegiate women from across the world.

Beverly Smith is National President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. which is holding its 55th National Convention in Atlanta. Photograph credit Getty Images

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. has more than 350,000 members worldwide. The organization is holding its 55th National Convention in Atlanta starting Fri and at that place are some adjustments to the usually mega event that'south commonly held every two years in cities across the U.S. .

With the ongoing Pandemic and Covid-xix concerns, National President & CEO Beverly Smith tells Audacy Atlanta's Maria Boynton this volition be their first hybrid national convention.

The convention is beingness held November nineteen-22.

Georgia Day of Action

Our strength is in our numbers" said Smith equally they kicked off the convention in Atlanta Thursday by holding a "Georgia Day of Activity."

Delta Sigma Theta is holding its first virtual national convention this week in Atlanta GA.

Helen Butler, Executive Director of the Georgia Coalition for the People'south Calendar addresses the news media during Th's Day of Action press event. Butler is also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Photo credit Kimberly Male monarch

During a morning press briefing Smith and other leaders of Delta Sigma Theta, joined with the Atlanta NAACP, Atlanta Urban League, Georgia Coalition for the People'south Agenda and others, in addressing redistricting in Georgia. This comes ahead of a crucial coming together on the matter in the legislature this calendar week. They've also spoken out against the new election law in the state, which many contend diminishes the voting rights of minorities. Equally office of its "Diva Drib" programme, the sorority delivered letters to members of the Georgia Legislature

Impact Day

An estimated 300 Delta Sigma Theta volunteers volition be on hand Friday morn to assist in what'south existence called a "first of its kind" pre-Thanksgiving event. They are joining Hosea Helps to receive in-kind donations and to distribute food boxes and supplies simultaneously. It volition begin at eleven:00 Fri morning in the Bluish Parking Lot of the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta. Dubbed "Bear upon Day", members will also appoint in community service with the Andrew & Walter Young and Arthur Blank Family YMCAs and Open Hand Atlanta.

A public meeting will be held subsequently in the day with remarks from Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, who is a member of the arrangement.

Covid Protocols

While in that location are no mask mandates in the city of Atlanta, Smith says attendees to the convention will exist required to mask upwardly. "We have incredible numbers of Covid protocols in place, even downwards to screening if you lot need to get information technology," said Smith. Those attending the convention in person are required to submit their vaccination card via an app "before they walk into the door", adds Smith.

Economic Impact

The Atlanta Convention and Visitor's Bureau estimates that the Delta Sigma Theta convention volition take a $v million dollar bear upon on the city. That doesn't have into account the throngs of other people expected in the city as a result of the convention. Smith calls the revenue generation "most important" because "right at present our cities need an economic heave and that'due south what we're doing here."

It'due south and so hard to say 'goodbye'

President since 2017, Smith says this weekend volition be somewhat bittersweet. With her time every bit president coming to an end, Smith reminisces nearly 2002 when Atlanta was the site of that year's convention, Coincidentally, Smith chaired the 2002 event equally a member and now returns presiding over the 2021 convention every bit the organisation's national president. "The fact that I started my national career at the Atlanta convention and I'thou ending it in the same place is providence for me," says Smith.

Click below to hear President Beverly Smith'southward full interview.