THE MASTERS

In 2002, the “Masters” was conceived and designed to provide academic, cultural, and social activities to minority males youth, 8-12 years of age and as an activity to generate funds to benefit the Greensboro Alumnae Delta Cultural Enrichment Center, Inc.

The “Masters” offers enriching activities that vary each summer and are facilitated by professional and community volunteers. The activities have included Math and Reading Tutorials, Golf, Basketball, Tennis, Auto Mechanics, Track, shadowing professionals during a Career Day Activity, Robotic STEM Day Camp, and an annual Etiquette Seminar. The majority of Masters’ activities are facilitated by male volunteers from the community.

The “Masters” culminates in October in a coronation. The participants and their female escorts are introduced to society in a formal affair. Highlights of the coronation include the presentation of the Masters’ first, second, and third place winners and “Greek Stepping” performed by the Masters and instructed by a local fraternity. Savings bonds or monetary awards are presented to each Master. Masters and their escorts receive gifts and incentives.

Everyone is encouraged to be a part of this effort to assist our youth in growing up to become well assured and confident young males. The “Masters” emerged from one of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority’s National Initiative – “Summit III, Preparing Our Sons for Manhood.”

Our goal is to involve these youth in enriching activities that will assist them in leading productive lives and contributing responsibly to society.

In 2007, the Tau Omega Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity partnered with the Master Fundraiser. They have provided male mentoring, enrichment and social activities, facilitated the annual etiquette seminars, and instructed the Masters “in step.” Greek collegiate fraternities have volunteered as guest step performers during the Coronation. Greek graduate fraternities have volunteered as enrichment activity facilitators.

In 2011, the Masters celebrated a decade of enriching minority male youth during its tenth anniversary. 22 of 78 prior Masters returned to participate in this anniversary event. Their many accomplishments were celebrated and acknowledged during the Coronation.

The Masters Fundraiser is supported by the community, professional volunteers, local Greek fraternal organizations, area universities and colleges, and members of the Greensboro Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Since the inception of the Masters Fundraiser, we have awarded $39,575.00 in savings bonds.