The annual Y. Jean Whitley Flame Awards given to community partners recognizing accomplishments linked to our Five Point Programmatic thrust. The "5-Point Programmatic Thrust" refers to the core public service areas guiding Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.'s initiatives: Economic Development, Educational Development, International Awareness & Involvement, Physical & Mental Health, and Political Awareness & Involvement, focusing on improving Black communities and beyond through community service, education, and social action. 

In 1973, Y. Jean was initiated into Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. Membership in Delta Sigma Theta was yet another opportunity to serve the public. As the community knows, she was the very epitome of Delta Sigma Theta… in the Baton Rouge Sigma Alumnae Chapter, the state of Louisiana, the Southwest Region and on a national level. She served in many leadership roles in the sorority including, President of the Baton Rouge Sigma Alumnae Chapter; undergraduate advisor for the Alpha Tau Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta at Southern University; and as Louisiana State Coordinator. She served on the National Membership Intake Committee under three National Presidents. Most importantly, Y. Jean served as a mentor to many young Sorors who are current leaders in the Sorority as well as in their public and professional lives. There is no way to count the number of people that can testify to how Y. Jean shaped who they have become and what they have learned about leadership and service.

The award was established by the Baton Rouge Sigma Alumnae Chapter in 2022 and carries Soror Whitley's name in memory of her many contributions to the growth of our Chapter.