LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. upon
the occasion of its Annual "Delta Days in the Capitol" on June 6, 2016

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 organiza-
tions 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
Days in the Capitol" on Monday, June 6, 2016, to be held in Albany, New
York; and
WHEREAS, This auspicious occasion will bring sisters from the Delta
Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. together from across the State of New York,
to address many social concerns; the 2016 Conference will focus on the
important issue of Education, including the need for increased access to
higher education, the need for increased funding for STEM education, the
need for increased funding for vocational education, and job retraining
programs, as well as other critical topics; and
WHEREAS, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. was founded in 1913 on the
campus of Howard University to promote academic excellence; to provide
scholarship; to provide support to the underserved, to educate and stim-
ulate participation in the establishment of positive public policy; and
to highlight issues and provide solutions for problems in their communi-
ties; and
WHEREAS, Today, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. has more than 250,000
members and nearly 1,000 chapters worldwide; the Sorority uses its Five-
Point Programmatic Thrust of economic development, educational develop-
ment, 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, respectively, 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
Congresswoman Marcia L. Fudge; and
WHEREAS, New York State has been home to many notable Deltas including
the late United States Representative Shirley Chisholm, founding member
of the Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic, and Asian Caucus, which celebrates
its 50th Anniversary this year, United States Representative Yvette D.
Clarke, New York State Assembly Deputy Speaker Earlene Hooper, New York
State Assemblywoman Annette Robinson, New York State Assemblywoman
Rodneyse Bichotte, New York State Assemblywoman Alicia Hyndman, and
former Queens Borough President Helen M. Marshall; and
WHEREAS, For 103 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 meet-
ings 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 Days in the Capitol" on June 6, 2016; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.