Delta Sigma Theta to Premiere Documentary Honoring Eight Buffalo Women
In a historic first for the Buffalo Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., the chapter premiered its inaugural documentary, Pillars of Our Legacy, a powerful original production that preserves the stories of eight distinguished members whose leadership, professional excellence, and community service have helped shape generations across Buffalo and beyond. The one-time public screening took place on Saturday, May 30, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Roswell Park Research Studies Center, Hohn Auditorium, located at 665 Elm Street in Buffalo.
The event was free and open to the public. Produced by the chapter’s Arts & Letters Committee in partnership with its Heritage & Archives Committee, Pillars of Our Legacy is the first documentary film of its kind, was produced by a Delta Sigma Theta chapter in the Upstate and Western New York region. At a time when communities across the nation continue important conversations around Black legacy, equity, and historical preservation, the film captures and preserves the oral histories of eight women who have each dedicated more than fifty years of service in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., while making lasting contributions in education, healthcare, business, public service, civic leadership, and philanthropy.
The women who were featured in the film include:
Dr. Joyce Harrington — Award winning educator and school leader who helped advance special education curriculum and student support services.
Dr. Lillian Williams — Nationally respected African American historian and co-founder of the Afro American Historical Association of the Niagara Frontier.
Dr. Thomasina Stenhouse — Former IRS executive and global leadership trainer recognized for service leadership across Buffalo and beyond.
Allie Freeman — Clinical social worker and the eldest member of the Buffalo Alumnae Chapter with 72 years of service in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Dr. Bonita Durand — 10th President of Buffalo State University and recognized 2024 Power 200 Woman and Power 100 Leader of Color.
Gertrude Burke — Veteran educator who taught children in Virginia after public schools were shut down to resist integration.
Dr. Mattie Rhodes — Retired U.S. Navy Lt. Commander, nursing professor emeritus, and founder of the Dr. Mattie L. Rhodes College Preparatory Program.
Dr. Yvonne Hargrave — Educator and school administrator recognized as Buffalo’s first African American female superintendent.
“For more than five decades, these extraordinary women have exemplified the principles of sisterhood, scholarship, service, and social action through their unwavering commitment to Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and the Buffalo community,” said President of the Buffalo Alumnae Chapter, Sharon Sanford. “We are honored to celebrate their legacy and preserve the stories of women whose leadership and service continue to impact generations of Sorors, leaders, and communities throughout Western New York.”
Through intimate interviews, rare archival photographs spanning the 1950s through the 1970s, and personal Delta memorabilia collected across five decades, Pillars of Our Legacy offers an unprecedented look at the women whose leadership helped strengthen both the Buffalo Alumnae Chapter and the broader Western New York Community.
Community members, supporters, and local leaders are invited to experience this historic celebration of local leadership and legacy, featuring a red-carpet welcome, a curated legacy exhibit highlighting each honoree’s life and contributions, special remarks from chapter leadership, and the exclusive screening of Pillars of Our Legacy.