Assembly Resolution No. 1185

BY: M. of A. Hyndman

COMMENDING Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. upon
the occasion of its Annual Delta Day in the Capitol
in Albany, New York, on May 15, 2018

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 in the Capitol in Albany, New York, on Tuesday, May 15, 2018;
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 2018 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 such as early voting and
criminal justice reform; 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
stimulate participation in the establishment of positive public policy;
and to highlight issues and provide solutions for problems in their
communities; 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
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, 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 105 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 in the Capitol in Albany, New York, on May 15, 2018; and be it
further

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