PGCAC Jabberwock

The History of Jabberwock

In an interpretation of the immortal classic "Alice in Wonderland," Lewis Carroll created the delightful character known as "Jabberwock" who summoned all of the creatures in the kingdom to perform a gala event. Being mindful of this concept, Delta member Marian G. Conover Hope of Iota Chapter (Boston, Massachusetts) creatively recalled this mystical character, but in a dramatically different manner, when faced with the challenge of devising plans for a fundraising project. Conceptualized in 1925 as a musical variety show that consisted of skits and dances, the Jabberwock has since evolved into a more diverse program that continues to raise funds for scholarships and other Delta sponsored public service projects.

The word Jabberwock, copyrighted by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., has evolved in its symbolism over the past eighty years. It now represents an evening of elegance and entertainment that showcases the gifts and talents of the young women participating in the program while advancing the goals and objectives of Delta's scholarship program.

The program is a two-tiered one that includes the younger girls ages 8 to 12 in the Little Miss Jabberwock component, providing them with similar opportunities for cultural, educational and social nurturing and growth. Miss Jabberwock contestants are Junior and Senior High School students. The Jabberwock Program represents a comprehensive approach designed to instill inspiration and aspiration with no goals being beyond reach when consistently passionate dedication and persistence remain in the forefront.

The Prince George's County Delta Alumnae Foundation in cooperation with the Prince George's County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., is sponsoring the 2012-2013 Biennial Jabberwock Cotillion on Saturday, April 27, 2013.

 

The Delta Jabberwock spans over a period of six months featuring a plethora of cultural, educational, and social opportunities for participants comparable to a rites of passage experience, culminating in an evening of absolute sophisticated elegance.  These activities are designed to minimize the challenges encountered with the transitions from high school to young adulthood, while promoting harmonitous relationships among the participants and their families, friends and the community-at-large.  The ultimate goal rests with assisting young women of color in becoming productive contributing future leaders in their communities and beyond.