On March 3, 1913, the day before President Woodrow Wilson's inauguration more than eight thousand women marched in a Suffrage protest parade in Washington, D.C. Among them were twenty-two young African-American women with a common vision: a few weeks earlier, these Howard University students had founded Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. Their defining purpose was to devote themselves to community service, social action, academic achievement, and the quest for excellence. The march was their first official function, and it galvanized a group that would become one of the largest, most respected African-American women's organizations in the world.

In the ninety-one years since that seminal event, Delta Sigma Theta's membership has grown to more than 200,000 accomplished, dedicated women from all walks of life. The sorority's ideals of sisterhood, scholarship, and service have brought universal recognition, but its chic signature entertaining style, both at home and at full-scale top-to- bottom events, has brought accolades as well. Now, members share the details of their distinctive style and spirit in their first book, a captivating guide to Delta Sigma Theta hospitality.

The list of Delta sisters is a veritable 'Who's Who" among African-American women. Among the group's distinguished and well-known members are:

• Carol Moseley Braun, the first African-American woman elected to the U.S. Senate.
• Former Surgeon General Jocelyn Elders.
• Judith Jamison, international symbol of American modern dance.
• Opera star Leontyne Price.
• Civil rights activist Merlie Evers-Williams.
• Congresswoman Barbara Jordan.
• Shirley Chisholm, the first African-American woman elected to the U.S. House of Representatives.

And the list goes on and on. There are poets and sculptors along with economists and educators like philanthropist Camille Cosby, who wrote the book's foreword. What they all have in common is a devotion to serving the community and a passion for living that drives everything they do including entertaining. OCCASIONS TO SAVOR: Our Meals, Menus, and Memories captures that passion in a rich collection of essays, recipes, and more.

Illustrated with lavish four-color food photography and vintage black-and-white Delta photos, OCCASIONS TO SAVOR features over 250 treasured dishes, 20 menu plans, and a treasury of gracious hospitality traditions. From bridal and baby showers, to book club meetings or backyard barbecues, it supplies recipes for everything from appetizers to desserts, all pulled from Delta sisters' "personal favorites" files. Need suggestions for an after-theater supper? Or a fresh menu for Christmas dinner? It's all here, along with mouth-watering recipes for specialties like "Sunday Morning Waffles," "Del Rio Turkey Chili, Ice Box Rolls," and "Molasses Pie." Need ideas for decorating the table or setting up the bar? There's a whole chapter devoted to smooth entertaining tips that address how to plan effectively, purchase the collect quantities, and create the perfect ambience for a special event.

OCCASIONS TO SAVOR: Our Meals, Menus, and Memories is much more than justa cookbook or guide to entertaining: it's a celebration of accomplished African-American women and what they have contributed to this country. With its archival photographs and accompanying essays, this book is nothing less than a tribute to the spirit and energy of these vivacious women. By serving up recipes, illustrations, and historical narrative, it invites us into their homes and their lives.. providing an unforgettable taste of Delta hospitality.

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., is one of the largest African-American women's organizations in the world. The private, nonprofit organization's mission is to provide services and programs to promote human welfare.

OCCASIONS TO SAVOR
By Delta Sigma Theta Sorority
G. P. Putnam's Sons
Price: $40.00
Pages: 304 pages
ISBN: 0-399-15203-2