J 737: Commending Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. upon the occasion of its Annual Delta Day at the Capitol in Albany, New York, on May 13, 2025

 Senate Resolution No. 737 BY: Senator WEBB COMMENDING Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. upon the occasion of its Annual Delta Day at the Capitol in Albany, New York, on May 13, 2025 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 at the Capitol in Albany, New York, on Tuesday, May 13, 2025; and WHEREAS, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. was founded by in 1913 on the Howard University campus by 22 women who wished to promote academic excellence, provide scholarships and 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, Established in 1989 by the National Social Action Commission, Delta Days is an annual legislative conference to increase sorority members' involvement in the national public policy-making process; and WHEREAS, This auspicious occasion will bring Delta Sigma Theta Sorority sisters from across New York State together at the State Capitol to address concerns, suggest new ideas, and discuss courses of action to better their home communities with numerous state legislators; and WHEREAS, Today, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. has more than 350,000 members and nearly 1,000 chapters worldwide; the Sorority employs its Five-Point Programmatic Thrust which consists 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, 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 U.S. Congresswoman Marcia L. Fudge; and WHEREAS, Hazel N. Dukes, an early and unwavering crusader for civil rights who died on Saturday, March 1, 2025, was an active member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Northern Manhattan Alumnae Chapter and the proud recipient of its Althea T.L. Simmons Social Action Award in 2010; and WHEREAS, Dr. Hazel N. Dukes exemplified leadership, strength, and courage throughout her career, making significant contributions to both social justice and equality; as the President of the NAACP New York State Conference and a member of the NAACP National Board of Directors, she played an instrumental role in advancing civil rights; beyond her involvement with the NAACP, Dr. Dukes was the President of Hazel N. Dukes & Associates, a consultancy firm specializing in public policy, health, and diversity; and WHEREAS, New York State has been home to many notable Deltas, including the late United States Representative Shirley Chisholm, the founding member of the Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic, and Asian Caucus; New York State Assembly Deputy Speaker Earlene Hooper; former New York State Assemblywoman Annette Robinson; former New York State Assemblywoman Tremaine Wright; and former Queens Borough President Helen M. Marshall; and WHEREAS, For the past 112 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 three-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 at the Capitol in Albany, New York, on May 13, 2025; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.