SR0320 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0320 LRB104 13679 LAW 26346 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated (Delta Sigma Theta), an organization primarily of Black, college-educated women committed to public service, was founded by 22 visionary collegiate women on the campus of Howard University in Washington, D.C. on January 13, 1913; and

WHEREAS, In their first public act as an organization, the founding members of Delta Sigma Theta participated in the Women's Suffrage Procession in Washington, D.C. on March 3, 1913, demonstrating their commitment to political advocacy and social justice from the organization's inception; and

WHEREAS, For more than 112 years, the members of Delta Sigma Theta have upheld their organization's commitment to sisterhood, scholarship, service, and social action, particularly addressing issues impacting the Black community and boldly confronting the challenges of African Americans and, hence, all Americans through established programs based on the sorority's Five-Point Programmatic Thrust, which include Economic Development, Educational Development, International Awareness and Involvement, Physical and Mental Health, and Political Awareness and Involvement operationalized through Social Action; and

WHEREAS, Delta Sigma Theta has expanded its reach to include more than 1,050 chartered chapters worldwide, with more than 350,000 initiated members representing diverse backgrounds and professions, including prominent leaders in government, education, healthcare, business, arts, and community service; and

WHEREAS, Delta Sigma Theta has 28 distinguished alumnae and collegiate chapters based in cities and counties across the State of Illinois, including Chicago, Springfield, East St. Louis, Urbana-Champaign, Carbondale, and other communities, which have positively impacted countless lives through mentorship programs, scholarships, voter education and registration, health initiatives, and economic development projects; and

WHEREAS, The members of Delta Sigma Theta in Illinois have been instrumental in advancing civil rights, promoting educational excellence, fostering economic opportunities, and advocating for the well-being of underserved and underrepresented communities; and

WHEREAS, The members of Delta Sigma Theta in Illinois have hosted Delta Days at the State Capitol Building in Springfield on a regular basis since March 31, 2004, with a recent theme being "Fortitude on the Frontline in Illinois"; and

WHEREAS, The members of Delta Sigma Theta in Illinois have strengthened our State's social fabric, improved our educational institutions, enhanced our democratic processes, and enriched our cultural landscape, and the historical significance of the group as a preeminent, international, and service-based sorority, whose members continue to exemplify excellence and commitment to social action, leadership development, and community empowerment should be celebrated; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we commend Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated for its outstanding legacy of public service and advocacy, and we commend its members for their steadfast dedication to creating positive change in communities throughout Illinois and internationally; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the regional and state leadership of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. as an symbol of our esteem and respect.