Forward with Fortitude Special Edition

About This Quilt

This Gift Quilt™ was commissioned by Elsie Cooke-Holmes, 28th International President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, especially for her Sorors.

President Cooke-Holmes envisioned a tribute that honored the multigenerational strength of Delta women—each bold, brilliant, and deeply rooted in the legacy of sisterhood, scholarship, and service. I wanted this quilt to reflect that energy in both imagery and detail.

At the heart of the design are four women, each representing a different generation of Delta. They are united within an iconic red Delta, with the Delta Darling in a fortitude stance, symbolizing the continuous push forward in leadership and purpose. The Delta is framed by 22 white pearls, representing the founders

Every element was crafted with intention—from the 1913 and ΔΣΘ embroidered pins on their garments to the choice of hair, jewelry, and skin tones that celebrate the beauty and diversity within the sisterhood. All the other embroidered touches (hair, skin, jewelry and clothing) are there to make this super-soft quilt truly special.   And of course, stitched across the base in hand lettering is the guiding affirmation: Forward with Fortitude

To make this quilt even more meaningful, the reverse side features the official Sorority crest, surrounded by the principles that define Delta’s legacy, Sisterhood, Scholarship, Service & Social Action

This quilt is more than a gift. It’s a warming reminder of your Sorority’s powerful history, your personal journey within it, and a keepsake to be passed proudly from one generation to the next.

10% of proceeds from this quilt will support Delta Sigma Theta’s Five-Point Programmatic Thrusts, ensuring this piece continues the work it celebrates.