Leading with Purpose: Alpha Chapter Walks to Break the Silence Around Mental Health
In the beginning of April, Delta Tau Lambda Sorority, Inc.’s historic Alpha Chapter made an unforgettable impact by participating in the Out of the Darkness Campus Walk at the University of Michigan. Hosted by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), this powerful event gathered students, faculty, and local community members in a united stand for suicide prevention and mental health awareness.
This annual event at the University of Michigan serves as a rallying point for change. It brings people together—diverse in background but united in purpose—to shine a light on the weight of mental health challenges and to break the silence that often surrounds them. The presence of Alpha Chapter was not only significant, it was deeply symbolic of the power that emerges when women of color lead conversations that matter.
Delta Tau Lambda was founded at the University of Michigan in 1994 with a mission rooted in unity and service. The Alpha Chapter carries that legacy forward with unwavering purpose. Their participation in this year’s walk is a testament to their strength, compassion, and dedication to creating a culture where mental wellness is prioritized, and no voice is left unheard.
Our sisters didn’t just walk, they showed up with intention. They stood as advocates for equity in mental health care, as allies to those struggling in silence, and as leaders committed to building bridges between awareness and action.
Their presence reminds us that caring for our communities means showing up in visible ways, especially in the spaces that have historically excluded or overlooked our pain. It means creating safe environments where healing isn’t just encouraged, but expected. It means choosing unity every step of the way.
We honor the Alpha chapter for embodying what it means to lead with heart and purpose. Their walk was a powerful act of empowerment, and an open invitation for every person watching to join in and walk forward, too.
A United Front for Mental Health
In September, the Xi Chapter volunteered at the Gryphon Place Suicide Prevention Walk, lending their time and voices to support a cause that impacts countless lives. On Dec. 7, the Epsilon Chapter joined the Southeast Region for the Out of the Darkness Community Walk, raising $165 for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
Efforts continued into the spring. In April, the Lambda Chapter hosted Cafecito and Consejos, a community event at Grand Valley State University that focused on practical stress management techniques. Attendees crafted their own affirmation jars—simple yet powerful tools for bringing positivity into daily life. That same month, the Epsilon Lambda Graduate Chapter wrote letters of hope, offering handwritten encouragement to individuals facing mental health struggles. Their goal was to break the stigma and remind people in their darkest moments that goodness still exists in the world.
In May, the Alpha Lambda Graduate Chapter held its annual Cinco de Mayo 5K Run, using the event to raise awareness for mental health and promote community wellness through movement and visibility.
These actions—big and small—remind us that our collective impact is stronger when we connect and learn from each other. We encourage all sisters and supporters to reach out to other chapters, share stories, and explore how we can continue to support one another in raising awareness, reducing stigma, and prioritizing mental well-being in every community we touch.
Learn more about Delta Tau Lambda Sorority, Inc. and how our chapters rise in power, purpose, and unity at www.deltataulambda.org.
Read more about the Annual Suicide Awareness walk here: https://www.michigandaily.com/news/campus-life/american-foundation-for-suicide-prevention-hosts-annual-suicide-awareness-walk-at-ferry-field/
