Bill Summary
The resolution commemorates the 113th anniversary of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, which was founded on January 13, 1913, by 22 women at Howard University. It highlights the organization's significant contributions as the largest African-American Greek letter sorority, consisting of over 350,000 members across more than 1,050 chapters globally. The sorority is dedicated to service through its Five-Point Program Thrust, which focuses on economic development, educational development, international awareness, physical and mental health, and political involvement.
The resolution acknowledges the sorority's commitment to community service and empowerment initiatives, such as financial planning and educational programs for young women, as well as its international humanitarian efforts, including a mission hospital in Kenya. It also honors the legacy of influential members who have impacted American history and recognizes the ongoing contributions of Delta Sigma Theta to both American and global communities. The resolution concludes by applauding the organization and its members for their enduring dedication to sisterhood, scholarship, and service.
Possible Impacts
The resolution recognizing the 113th anniversary of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, can affect people in various ways:
1. **Community Engagement and Support**: The resolution highlights the sorority's commitment to community service through various initiatives, such as the Financial Fortitude program and the Dr. Betty Shabazz Delta Academy. This acknowledgment can inspire individuals and organizations to engage in or support community service efforts, potentially leading to increased resources and assistance for those in need.
2. **Cultural Awareness and Representation**: By honoring Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, the resolution promotes awareness of the historical and ongoing contributions of African-American women in community building and leadership. This recognition can foster a sense of pride and representation among African-American communities, encouraging young women to pursue leadership roles and educational opportunities.
3. **Political and Social Activism**: The resolution emphasizes the sorority's role in political awareness and involvement, including participation in events like Delta Days at the United Nations and in the Nation's Capital. This recognition can galvanize members and supporters to become more active in civic engagement and advocacy, ultimately influencing policies and social issues affecting their communities and beyond.
Overall, the resolution serves as an important reminder of the impact that organized, community-focused groups can have on society at large.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 990 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. RES. 990
Recognizing the 113th anniversary of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority,
Incorporated.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
January 13, 2026
Ms. Lee of Pennsylvania (for herself, Mrs. Beatty, Ms. Brown, Ms.
Clarke of New York, Ms. Crockett, Mr. Davis of Illinois, Mr. Figures,
Mrs. Foushee, Mr. Jackson of Illinois, Mr. Kennedy of New York, Mrs.
McBath, Ms. McClellan, Mr. Mfume, and Ms. Plaskett) submitted the
following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Education
and Workforce
_______________________________________________________________________
RESOLUTION
Recognizing the 113th anniversary of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority,
Incorporated.
Whereas Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, was founded on January 13,
1913, by 22 college women at Howard University;
Whereas the founders of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, include
Osceola Macarthy Adams, Marguerite Young Alexander, Winona Cargile
Alexander, Ethel Cuff Black, Bertha Pitts Campbell, Zephyr Chisom
Carter, Edna Brown Coleman, Jessie McGuire Dent, Frederica Chase Dodd,
Myra Davis Hemmings, Olive Jones, Jimmie Bugg Middleton, Pauline
Oberdorfer Minor, Vashti Turley Murphy, Naomi Sewell Richardson, Mamie
Reddy Rose, Eliza P. Shippen, Florence Letcher Toms, Ethel Carr Watson,
Wertie Blackwell Weaver, Madree Penn White, and Edith Motte Young;
Whereas Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, is a private, non-profit
organization whose purpose is to provide assistance and support through
established programs in local communities throughout the world;
Whereas Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, is the largest African-
American Greek letter sorority, a sisterhood of more than 350,000
predominately African-American college-educated women, comprised of over
1,050 chapters located throughout the United States, the continent of
Africa, Bermuda, the Bahamas, Canada, Germany, Jamaica, Japan (Tokyo and
Okinawa), the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, the Virgin
Islands, and the Republic of Korea;
Whereas Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, has a legacy of exercising its
collective strength to promote academic excellence and to provide
assistance to persons in need;
Whereas Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, uses its Five-Point Program
Thrust of Economic Development, Educational Development, International
Awareness and Involvement, Physical and Mental Health, and Political
Awareness and Involvement to uplift, encourage, and develop the global
community;
Whereas Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, has demonstrated a steadfast
commitment to service by implementing and sustaining programs such as
those through the Financial Fortitude initiative, which seek to close
the widening gap via personal financial planning initiatives, and
through educational programs, such as the established Dr. Betty Shabazz
Delta Academy, which provides opportunities for local chapters to enrich
and enhance the education that young women receive in public schools
across the Nation to prepare them for full participation as leaders in
the 21st Century;
Whereas Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, has demonstrated a steadfast
global commitment to service by establishing and maintaining the Mary
Help of the Sick Mission Hospital in Thika, Kenya, and as evidenced by
its designation as a non-governmental organization to the Economic and
Social Council of the United Nations and its promotion to special
consultative status, as a result of its volunteer services and
humanitarian efforts performed to address issues throughout the world;
Whereas Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, has remained an active and
committed participant in the democratic process by instituting its
annual Delta Days at the United Nations and Delta Days in the Nation's
Capital;
Whereas the current members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, stand
on the shoulders of giants, such as Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm,
Congresswoman Barbara Jordan, Secretary Marcia Fudge, Senator Carol
Moseley Braun, Congresswoman Carrie P. Meek, Congresswoman Stephanie
Tubbs Jones, Dr. Dorothy I. Height, and the Honorable Patricia Roberts
Harris to name a few, who have left an incredible imprint on the
Nation's history; and
Whereas Delta Sigma Theta, Incorporated, continues to make a difference in
American and international communities, always following in the
footsteps of its Founders and upholding its commitment to be great
stewards of sisterhood, scholarship, and service: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) recognizes the 113th anniversary of the founding of
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated; and
(2) applauds and honors Delta Sigma Theta Sorority,
Incorporated, and all its members for more than a century of
fortitude and distinguished service to the people of the United
States and the global community.
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