TSU Legacy

Texas Southern University students chartered the Delta Gamma Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. on March 9, 1949

Founded on January 13, 1913, at Howard University, the sorority is rooted in the principles of service, sisterhood, scholarship, and social action.

These values continue to guide its legacy and impact of the sorority.

Happy founders day Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. 🔺🔺🔺

Happy Founders’ Day to Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.!

Founded on January 9, 1914, at Howard University in Washington, D.C., Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. believed in welcoming men from all walks of life, regardless of social status, family influence, skin tone, or wealth.

Phi Beta Sigma was also one of the first fraternities to embrace students from Africa, building an international brotherhood from its earliest years.

This mission lives on at Texas Southern University through the legendary Beta Delta Chapter, chartered on March 13, 1945.

Scott Street exit. If you know, you know. 🩶

Our university was born out of struggle, built on resilience, and carried forward by generations of leaders who refused to let it fail.

Texas Southern University made space to educate those who were denied access at other institutions in Texas. In doing so, TSU became a symbol of self-determination and community.

Even in the face of scrutiny, our history stands as a reminder of what is possible when we come together. Our legacy was not built on avoiding challenges, but on rising through them. Not because we are perfect, but because we are deeply rooted in collective defiance.

Still standing since 1927. Still growing. And still off the Scott Street exit.


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As a new year begins, this photo reminds us that it’s never too late.

Never too late to begin again.
Never too late to become who you were meant to be.
Never too late to break cycles and create new ones.
And never too late to build a legacy you’re proud of.

Here’s to everything we’ve overcome this year and all the blessings that are up next.

Here’s to 2026!

Do you have a Tiger yearbook you’re willing to donate, especially from the 1980s or 1990s?

TSU Legacy is an independent archival project, and donated yearbooks support research, digital archiving, and storytelling so our history can continue to be shared and remembered.

Thank you to everyone who has supported and interacted with the page and continues to keep the Tiger legacy alive. If you would like to donate, just send me a direct message. 🐅

~ Amber Land

These high-stepping majorettes led the Texas Southern University marching band.

FUN FACT: Majorettes first appeared in Europe, twirling batons at carnivals and parades. By the 1930s, baton twirlers became part of marching bands across Europe and the United States to add excitement and boost crowd appeal.

When the tradition reached the American South, particularly at Historically Black Colleges and Universities, it transformed into an art form rooted in Black culture, movement, and expression. By the 1960s, Black majorettes began blending baton twirling with jazz and African-inspired dance styles.

Majorettes definitely redefined their role on the field, becoming the centerpiece of marching band performances. The first recognized HBCU majorette team was the Golden Girls of Alcorn State University, who debuted in 1968 at the Orange Blossom Classic.

TSU’s first majorette team began in the mid-1950s and has since evolved into a powerhouse of dance precision and cultural pride. They continue to lead the Ocean of Soul with unmatched energy!

FOLLOW TSU LEGACY ON ALL PLATFORMS FOR MORE HISTORY AND YEARBOOK NOSTALGIA BY ALUMNA AMBER LAND.

Photo source: Texas Southern University Yearbook (1957), p. 138

Juanita ‘Nita’ Hamilton was the first-ever Miss Texas Southern University!

She attended TSU when it was still known as Texas State University for Negroes. Although several queens held the title of Miss TSU, Hamilton was the first to carry the university’s new name. We honor her legacy and each Queen that came before and after her.

Stay tuned for more weekly TSU history from alumna Amber Land ().

Photos: The Tiger, 1948-52