Delta Sigma Theta Observes Financial Fortitude Month

During the month of April, Delta Sigma Theta observes Financial Fortitude Month! This means Delta Sigma Theta takes a deep dive into all things finance, money, coins, and more! Financial Fortitude Month, also known as Financial Literacy Month, is the month where organizations like Delta Sigma Theta, financial institutions, nonprofits, and human service agencies increase their focus on the importance of financial literacy through events, programs, and counseling.

Delta Sigma Theta has long since championed its commitment to fortitude, however, the term “Financial Fortitude” was first coined by 23^rd National President Louise Allen Rice during her administration through Financial Fortitude: Smart Women Finish Rich, an initiative focused on financial planning and literacy to empower members and the communities Delta serves. The principles of Financial Fortitude have been present in the Sorority’s foundation even through Delta’s 1^st National President Sadie Tanner Mossell Alexander as an economist who dedicated her career to the financial education of Black communities. Through the decades, Delta has illuminated the importance of financial security and creating generational wealth within Black households.  As we celebrate this month of financial literacy and economic wellness, Delta Sigma Theta’s National Economic Development Subcommittee has held a series of webinars, events, and activities to educate its members on navigating financial obligations and establishing financial security.

“This biennium the Economic Development Committee Subcommittee of the Program Planning and Development committee, is committed to providing members with opportunities to live an abundant and healthy financial lifestyle. It is our hope that the programming and workshops we provide, including the monthly tips on social media, The 12 Months of Living Well: Financial Fortitude Across the Life Span, prove beneficial to sorors. We embrace all aspects of living well, and we want sorors to live their best financial lives, and encourage others to do the same,” said Economic Development Subcommittee Chair, Carmen McClendon.

Financial Fortitude is not just an attribute that can be developed throughout adulthood but is a life-long skill and asset that persists for the extent of a lifetime, so the National Economic Development Subcommittee is celebrating Financial Fortitude Month under the theme Financial Fortitude Across the Lifespan. This month, Delta Sigma Theta has highlighted key areas of financial wellness ranging from entrepreneurship to banking and real estate. Click here to access the Financial Fortitude Month Calendar to follow the efforts and activities that are helping Delta’s members and its community to live financially well. The month started with a focus on entrepreneurship leading the way with the Delta Red Tank Pitch Competition, which highlights business owners and aspiring business owners that are creating innovative products and services that inspire and positively impact those in communities across the country – and even across the globe! Not only does Delta Red Tank give Black women a platform to showcase their ideas and genius, but also advances our Women’s Small Business Entrepreneurship Program, that supports, promotes, and advances women and minority small businesses. According to an article authored by Delta Partner, JP MorganChase & Co., Black women are the fastest growing group of entrepreneurs with nearly 2.7 million businesses nationwide.

JP MorganChase & Co. supports the economic expansion of Black women entrepreneurs and also amplifies the need for racial equity in finance and banking. During Financial Fortitude Month, JP Morgan Chase & Co., partnered with Delta Sigma Theta for a webinar series entitled Living Well: Financial Fortitude Across the Lifespan, discussing credit, debt, financial health, and homeownership. As the national and global economies change, these key topics are paramount to the financial health of minority families everywhere. However, there are some external factors that are often unpredictable and may cause financial pitfalls for minority communities. At the dawn of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, we watched the social and economic landscape shift as many suffered from job loss, food shortages, and health crises across the world. Racial tensions expanded as the public drew its attention to the disparities that exist socially and economically for Black people throughout the U.S. Many families and communities are still working to rebuild from the loss experienced at the beginning and throughout the pandemic, but economical factors have presented additional challenges. According to the National Public Radio (NPR), the unemployment rate has risen from 3.4% to 3.6% since January of 2023 and increased consumer spending, but this hasn’t nearly abated inflation rates as much as predicted by experts. As the economy experiences its fluctuations, it is imperative that Delta Sigma Theta continues its due diligence and pushes for greater Financial Fortitude within the organization and community.

“Financial situations are unavoidable for us all, so Financial Fortitude is a concept that needs to continue to be pushed to the forefront by Delta Sigma Theta. It starts with enriching members so that they can have the tools and resources to go out into their service areas and educate and provide those same tools and resources for the communities they serve. Financial Fortitude is encompassed in the biennial charge to move Forward with Fortitude because by aiding in the development of the financial health of our communities, we are establishing a foundation that will make way for sustaining even stronger ones,” said National President and Chair of the National Board of Directors, Elsie Cooke-Holmes.

Happy Financial Fortitude Month!

To learn more about Delta Sigma Theta’s Economic Development work click, here.

To read more on how JP MorganChase & Co. is investing in Black women entrepreneurs click, here.

To read more of NPR’s article on the current state of unemployment and inflation in the U.S., click here.