Cheryl A. Hickmon, the beloved National President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and Chair of its national board of directors, passed away after battling a recent illness.
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority confirmed her death with a statement posted to their website and social media.
"It is with great sorrow that Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. shares the passing of our beloved National President and Chair of the 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 statement read.
"President Hickmon was a devoted member of Delta Sigma Theta since 1982 and served in various capacities at the chapter, region, and national level before being elected National President," the statement continued. "She is remembered not only for her role as a leader but for being a colleague, friend, and most of all, sister. The entire sisterhood of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated mourns the loss of President Hickmon. During this difficult time, we ask that you respect her family's privacy and keep them in your prayers."
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. #DST1913
pic.twitter.com/ZDO40chFw8— dstinc1913 (@dstinc1913) January 20, 2022
Marcia L. Fudge, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and National past President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., spoke with April Ryan about Hickmon's passing.
"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," Fudge said. "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."
Hickmon is the first National President in the history of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc to pass away while holding the position.
The Carolina Panorama reports Hickmon joined South Carolina State University (SCSU)'s Alpha Xi Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta in 1982. She is the first alumna of SCSU to lead the national organization. Hickmon is a Golden Life Member of the Delta Sigma Theta and the Hartford Alumnae Chapter.
The Hartford, Connecticut native served as National Vice President, National Secretary, Eastern Regional Director, South Atlantic regional representative, co-chair of the National Documents Review and Revision Task Force, co-chair of the National Leadership Academy, and President of the Hartford Alumnae Chapter and Alpha Xi Chapter.
Hickmon's passing came just days after Delta Sigma Theta celebrated its Founders Day (Jan. 13), marking 109 years since the original Delta Sigma Theta sisters formed the organization at Howard University to achieve Scholarship, Service, and Sisterhood.
The organization shared Hickmon lived her life by the motto, "Don't measure life by the number of breaths you take but by the number of moments that take your breath away."
