HR0210 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0210 LRB100 11917 MST 23585 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to recognize the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority as they visit the Illinois State Capitol for Delta Days on March 28, 2017; and

WHEREAS, Since its inception, Delta Sigma Theta has focused on five areas: economic development, educational development, international awareness and involvement, physical and mental Health, and political awareness and involvement; and

WHEREAS, In March 1913, six weeks after its founding, Delta Sigma Theta took part in its first action - marching in the women's suffrage parade in Washington, D.C.; and

WHEREAS, In 1989, the National Social Action Commission instituted Delta Days in the nation's capital, an annual legislative conference to increase members' involvement in the national public policymaking process; the annual conference includes legislative briefings, issue forums, and advocacy skills development; featured speakers include key policymakers, members of the United States Congress, Congressional staff members, and national issues experts; events are also held on the regional, State, and local levels; and

WHEREAS, Delta Days activities include briefings on legislative issues which impact the African-American community; skill development sessions such as "How to Lobby Effectively", "Understanding the Role of Congressional Staffers", and "How to Monitor and Track Legislation"; it also includes legislative visits to members of Congress; and

WHEREAS, Delta Sigma Theta has 24 chapters in the State of Illinois, which is part of the Mighty Midwest Region, comprised of Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin, and West Virginia; it has 3,800 members in Illinois; and

WHEREAS, Today, the goals of Delta Sigma Theta are voter registration and voter education programs, combating voter suppression, full restoration of voting rights for individuals who have paid their debt to society (ex-offenders), affordable health care and access to quality health care, financial literacy and economic empowerment, support for historically African American colleges and universities, political awareness and involvement, gender equality, and ending racial profiling; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we recognize the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority as they visit the Illinois State Capitol for Delta Days on March 28, 2017; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Delta Sigma Theta as a symbol of our respect and esteem.