Honor Delta Sigma Theta Day

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

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.