HERE’S a look inside Cheryl Hickmon’s Delta Sigma Theta rise as the “beloved” sorority president’s life and legacy are mourned.
South Carolina State University announced Cheryl Hickmon’s passing on Thursday, January 20 of 2022.
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Hickmon was the president of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., a nonprofit organization that provides community service across the globe.
The sorority’s official Twitter account tweeted on Thursday: “It is with great sorrow that Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. shares the passing of our beloved National President and Chair of the National Board of Directors, Cheryl A. Hickmon.
“President Hickmon transitioned peacefully on January 20, 2022 after a recent illness.”
The sorority did not confirm her official cause of death.
Following the sorority president’s death, Marcia L. Fudge, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and National Past President of the sorority, spoke with theGrio‘s White House correspondent April Ryan.
Fudge said: “I’ve had the pleasure, the blessing of knowing Cheryl Hickmon since she was 19 years of age. We have served together for almost 40 years through our journey together.”
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She continued: “Just never ever met a stranger; made everybody feel comfortable and she was so very solid in her commitment to bettering the lives of other people. She was thoughtful and loyal to a fault.
“She was that person that possessed that extraordinary Delta spirit of scholarship, sisterhood, and service that we all strive for.
“She will be greatly missed. Just an extraordinary and outstanding woman of God.”
SOUTH CAROLINA STATE GRADUATE
Hickmon, a native of Hartford, Connecticut, first pledged Delta Sigma Theta’s Alpha Xi Chapter in 1982, Carolina Panorama reports.
Cheryl stayed affiliated with the organization well after her graduation from SCSU in 1984.
According to Carolina Panorama, Hickmon was a Golden Life Member of Sigma Delta Theta and a member of the Hartford Alumnae Chapter.
Hickmon was elected the 27th national president of Delta Sigma Theta in November 2021.
For the organization’s Hartford chapter, she took on the titles of Co-chair of the National Leadership Academy, Eastern Regional Director, National Secretary, and National Vice President.
COLLEAGUES EXPRESS CONDOLENCES
A number of Cheryl Hickmon’s colleagues took to social media to express their condolences regarding her death.
Florida politician, Val Demings, posted a photo of Cheryl on Twitter and said: “As a member of @dstinc1913, I am devastated by the sad news of the passing of our beloved National President, Cheryl A. Hickmon.”
She added: “My prayers are with President Hickmon’s family, friends, and all members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.”
News anchor Anita Blanton tweeted: “Shock is putting it lightly. Rest in Power to the one and only Cheryl A. Hickmon, National President of my beloved Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Unbelievable,” along with heartbreak emojis.
Organization NAACP also tweeted: “The NAACP is sad to learn of the passing of Cheryl A. Hickmon, national president of @dstinc1913.”
The organization also shared the following statement on its website: “The NAACP is sad to learn of the passing of Cheryl A. Hickmon, national president of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.
“Throughout her membership with the organization, she served in many capacities.
“From vice president to Atlantic regional representative, her dedication and commitment to seeing the legacy organization thrive were unmatched.”
The NAACP continued: “Among her accolades, she received the 100 Most Influential African American in the State of Connecticut by the Connecticut Chapters of the NAACP and the Citizen of the Year Award from Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. (Tau Iota Chapter).
“The NAACP extends our thoughts and prayers to her family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time. “
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