PRESS RELEASE: Councilwomen Latisha Bracy and Zanthia Oliver Honor Wilmington Native and Delta Sigma Theta Founder Ethel Cuff Black with Street Sub-Naming
October 22, 2026
Councilwomen Latisha Bracy and Zanthia Oliver Honor Wilmington Native and Delta Sigma Theta Founder Ethel Cuff Black with Street Sub-Naming
Ethel Cuff Black Way unveiled on October 17 in recognition of the pioneering educator, women’s suffrage advocate and champion of Black history.
Wilmington, DE – At-Large Councilwoman Latisha Bracy and 3rd District Councilwoman Zanthia Oliver commemorated the life and legacy of Wilmington native Ethel Cuff Black during a street sub-naming ceremony held Saturday, October 17, 2026, along Walnut Street between 13th and 14th streets.
A street sub-naming ceremony honoring Wilmington native and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, founder Ethel Cuff Black was held October 17, 2026, along Walnut Street between 13th and 14th streets in Wilmington. Photography by Marialic Sanchez-Torres, Communications Assistant for Wilmington City Council.
The ceremony, held on what would have been Black’s 136th birthday, celebrated the unveiling of Ethel Cuff Black Way, honoring one of the 22 founding members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, and a trailblazer in education, women’s suffrage and African American history.
The street sub-naming was authorized through Mayor John Carney’s Executive Order 2026-12, which can be read here.
“It is our responsibility to honor the people who have left their mark on Wilmington,” said Mayor John Carney. “Ethel Cuff Black showed us what it means to serve, to empower, and to take pride in who we are. More than 350,000 members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated carry her legacy forward, and now her hometown will remember her forever.”
Wilmington City Council also recognized Black’s contributions through a resolution sponsored by Councilwoman Bracy and co-sponsored by Councilwoman Oliver.
“Ethel Cuff Black’s remarkable journey began right here in Wilmington, and her contributions helped shape opportunities for generations of women,” said Councilwoman Bracy. “From helping establish Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, to advocating for women’s voting rights and educational equality, she demonstrated what it means to lead with courage and purpose. Naming this street in her honor is about preserving our history and ensuring that future generations know the extraordinary women who helped pave the way.”
Born in Wilmington on October 17, 1890, Black attended Howard School before graduating cum laude from Howard University in 1915. In 1913, she helped establish Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, and participated in the historic Women’s Suffrage Procession in Washington, D.C.
A lifelong educator and advocate for Black history, Black taught at what is now Delaware State University and later became the first African American teacher at Public School 108 in Queens, New York. Her family’s former residence at 1318 Walnut Street stands near the location now bearing her name.
“Ethel Cuff Black’s legacy is deeply woven into the history of Wilmington’s 3rd District,” said Councilwoman Oliver. “She was more than a trailblazer in education and women’s rights. She was a daughter of Wilmington who understood the importance of knowing our history and using education to empower others. I am proud to co-sponsor this resolution alongside Councilwoman Bracy so that her name and contributions remain a visible and lasting part of our community.”
The Wilmington City Council resolution also commends the Wilmington (DE) Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, for its continued efforts to preserve Black’s legacy.
The designation of Ethel Cuff Black Way establishes a lasting tribute in her hometown, ensuring that her contributions to education, civil rights and women’s empowerment remain part of Wilmington’s history for generations to come.
Members of the Wilmington (DE) Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, gathered on October 17, 2026, for a street sub-naming ceremony honoring Wilmington native Ethel Cuff Black, one of the sorority’s 22 founding members. Photography by Marialic Sanchez-Torres, Communications Assistant for Wilmington City Council.
###
MEDIA CONTACT:Yesenia TaverasDirector of Communications, Wilmington City CouncilOffice: (302)576-2585
Cell: (302) 757-5748Email: ytaveras@wilmingtonde.govCity Council Website: www.wilmingtoncitycouncil.com