Senate Resolution No. 2211

BY: Senator WEBB

COMMENDING Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. upon
the occasion of its Annual Delta Day at the Capitol
in Albany, New York, on April 9, 2024

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that
the quality and character of life in the communities across New York
State are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those
organizations and individuals that are devoted to the welfare of the
community and its citizenry; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. upon the occasion of its Annual
Delta Day at the Capitol in Albany, New York, on Tuesday, April 9, 2024;
and

WHEREAS, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. was founded by in 1913 on
the Howard University campus by 22 women who wished to promote academic
excellence, provide scholarships and support to the underserved, to
educate and stimulate participation in the establishment of positive
public policy, and to highlight issues and provide solutions for
problems in their communities; and

WHEREAS, Established in 1989 by the National Social Action
Commission, Delta Days is an annual legislative conference to increase
sorority members' involvement in the national public policy-making
process; and

WHEREAS, This auspicious occasion will bring Delta Sigma Theta
Sorority sisters from across New York State together at the State
Capitol to address concerns, suggest new ideas, and discuss courses of
action to better their home communities with numerous state legislators;
and

WHEREAS, Today, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. has more than
350,000 members and nearly 1,000 chapters worldwide; the Sorority
employs its Five-Point Programmatic Thrust which consists of Economic
Development, Educational Development, International Awareness and
Involvement, Physical and Mental Health, and Political Awareness and
Involvement to create its national programs; and

WHEREAS, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. was once led by Past
National President and acclaimed civil rights leader Dorothy Height; in
1994 and 2004, Ms. Height was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom
and the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian awards in the
United States; and

WHEREAS, Upon her death in 2010, Ms. Height was honored by President
Obama for her many years of service to our country and the world; other
dynamic women who have served the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority in the
capacity of National President include Frankie Freeman, Esq., the first
woman appointed to the United States Commission on Civil Rights, and
U.S. Congresswoman Marcia L. Fudge; and


WHEREAS, New York State has been home to many notable Deltas,
including the late United States Representative Shirley Chisholm, the
founding member of the Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic, and Asian Caucus;
New York State Assembly Deputy Speaker Earlene Hooper; former New York
State Assemblywoman Annette Robinson; former New York State
Assemblywoman Tremaine Wright; and former Queens Borough President Helen
M. Marshall; and

WHEREAS, For the past 111 years, the members of Delta Sigma Theta
Sorority, Inc. have used their collective voices to advocate on behalf
of their communities; since 1989, Deltas gather annually in Washington.
D.C. for Delta Days in the Nation's Capital, a 3-day conference
designed to educate and inspire members about important national issues;
at the conclusion of Delta Days in the Nation's Capital, members conduct
meetings on Capitol Hill with their respective federal legislators; and

WHEREAS, In March of 2003, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. became a
Nongovernmental Organization (NGO) and was granted Special Consultative
status as an NGO to the Economic and Social Council of the United
Nations; on a local level, members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
regularly conduct meetings with their local, state, and federal
political representatives; and

WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body that when an
organization of such noble aims and accomplishments is brought to our
attention, it should be recognized and applauded by all the citizens of
this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. upon the occasion of its Annual
Delta Day at the Capitol in Albany, New York, on April 9, 2024; and be
it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.