Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., honors Dr. Dorothy Jackson Orr

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., honors Dr. Dorothy Jackson Orr

By Roslyn P. Woods

On June 7, 2014, Delta Education and Life Development Foundation, Inc. (DELDFI) in partnership with Broward County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., (DST) conducted an event that granted naming rights of the Dr. Dorothy Jackson Orr Botanical Garden. The garden is located at the Kathleen C. Wright Life Development Center in honor of Dr. Dorothy Jackson Orr, a devoted member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. The naming opportunity was granted to acknowledge and honor Dr. Orr, who contributed a major gift that covered the full renovation cost of the project.

Four years ago, DELDFI in partnership with Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., completed the renovation of the former library.

Today, the Kathleen C. Wright Life Development Center (Delta House) is a dynamic, warm haven that offers a place to conduct life changing programs, meetings, scholarship, and fellowship events for the community as well as their membership.

The center is nestled beneath the majestic oaks of Osswald Park in Fort Lauderdale. The facility was named in honor and as a legacy to the late Dr. Kathleen C. Wright, a past president of the Broward County Alumnae Chapter, DST Sorority, Inc.

Dr. Wright was also the first Black person elected to serve on the School Board of Broward County as well as the first Black person to serve on any school board in the State of Florida.  After renovating the facility, plans to renovate the garden was placed on the backburner as a future project. Due to the thoughtfulness and generosity of Dr. Dorothy Jackson Orr, renovation of the garden was immediately initiated.

Dr. Jackson Orr was born in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. to proud mother, Theadora Feacher Jackson. Dr. Orr did not let poverty define her life or her future. Inspired by her teachers, who were among her most memorable role models, she knew from an early age she was meant to be an educator. Her mother also fostered in her a drive to learn, encouraging her to read a book or Bible passage weekly and discuss it with the family.

Dr. Orr graduated from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, affectionately called FAMU. She pledged DST Sorority, Inc. through the Beta Alpha Chap-ter. She has loved and dedicated herself to her sorority ever since that life altering day.

Dr. Orr received her Masters from the University of Michigan and her Doctorate from Nova

Southeastern University. She started working for the Broward County School Board and has

held many positions of increasing authority in teaching and Administration.

     In 1999, she was appointed Superintendent of Broward County Schools, the first African American female to hold this position. Dr. Orr held this position until she retired.

The garden is open, available and functional for enjoyment. It is a beautiful addition to the Kathleen C. Wright Life Development Center. The DELDF and Life Development Foundation and Broward County Alumnae Chapter of DST Sorority are forever grateful and appreciative to Dr. Dorothy Orr for her past and continued support!

The Kathleen C. Wright Life Development Center may be leased for events such as wedding receptions, retirement and graduation parties, baby showers, etc.

For additional leasing information, call (954) 328-3568.