D4 Women in Action (D4) is a 501(c)(4) social welfare and advocacy organization established by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. to advance its commitment to action and social change.
As an independent but Delta-affiliated entity, D4 Women in Action drives policy advocacy, supports legislative priorities, and backs candidates aligned with Delta’s values. Our mission is to amplify the political power of Black women by increasing their representation and influence in public policy, legislation, and elected office. We are building a strong pipeline of Black women leaders engaged in civic life and shaping the political landscape.
D4 Women in Action was established in July 2020 by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., becoming the first Black Greek-letter organization to form a 501(c)(4). Created during the twin crises of the COVID-19 pandemic and a national reckoning on racial injustice, D4 was born out of urgent need, both to protect Delta’s tax-exempt status and to respond boldly to political attacks on Black communities.
Led by the vision of 26th National President Beverley E. Smith, Social Action Co-Chairs Shavon Arline-Bradley and Rhonda Briggins, and with legal guidance from Artist Hampshire Cowan and Norma Leftwich, the road to D4 was not easy.
Our first public event, An Inaugural Toasting…Cheers to Black Women, honored those who helped launch our work. from everyday allies to icons like Congresswoman Barbara Jordan and Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm, namesakes of our Chisholm Jordan Institute. Supporters like Amy Peck Abraham and Black Voters Matter helped us build early momentum.
Since then, D4 has remained focused on increasing the political power of Black women. Through advocacy, strategic partnerships, and leadership development, we fight for equity, justice, and representation. Launched on August 18, 2020, marking 100 years since women won the right to vote, D4 continues the fight our founders began.
We honor their legacy by building power today.
D4Women in Action just celebrated its 5th anniversary! Watch this video with our founders and officers to learn more about why and how we started and the work we’re doing.
D4 Women in Action empowers Black women and women of color to lead change—socially, economically, politically, and globally.
Our mission is grounded in four core pillars:
We fight for policies that protect our rights, uplift our communities, and advance justice at every level – local, state, and federal.
We prepare Black women to run, lead, and win—with programs, coaching, and support to step into political leadership.
We bring together sorors, supporters, and communities to take action, build influence, and move our mission forward.
We take a stand—pushing for the laws and ballot measures that help our people thrive and fighting those that don’t.
Learn more about the issues driving our work—from voting rights and health equity to criminal justice and education reform.
D4 Women in Action cannot do the work of the people without the help of our supporters. Our supporters understand our purpose to ADVANCE, IDENTIFY, AMPLIFY, & STRENGTHEN Black women and women of color—and to support Black and underserved communities across the nation—with a laser focus on creating the largest impact possible through public policy. We welcome you to join our top supporters.