House Resolution 1011
By: Representatives Davis of the 87th, Burnough of the 77th, Jackson of the 165th, Jones of
the 60th, McQueen of the 61st, and others
A RESOLUTION
Commending Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., for 113 Years of Service and Recognizing
January 13, 2026, as Founders Day; and for other purposes.
WHEREAS, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., was founded on January 13, 1913, by 22
visionary collegiate women at Howard University in Washington, D.C., dedicated to
sisterhood, scholarship, and public service; and
WHEREAS, the Founders of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., 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; and
WHEREAS, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., has grown into a global sisterhood of over
300,000 initiated members with more than 1,000 collegiate and alumnae chapters across the
United States and internationally, including in England, Japan, Germany, the Virgin Islands,
Bermuda, the Bahamas, and South Korea; and
WHEREAS, the Sorority's Five-Point Programmatic Thrust focuses on economic
development, educational development, international awareness and involvement, physical
and mental health, as well as political awareness and involvement, reflecting its enduring
commitment to positive social change; and
WHEREAS, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., has produced trailblazers and civic leaders,
including civil rights icons, educators, business leaders, and public servants dedicated to
justice and equality; and
WHEREAS, distinguished members of the Georgia General Assembly who are proud
members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., include State Representatives Viola Davis,
Rhonda Burnough, Sheila Jones, Edna Jackson, MeKyah McQueen, and Terry Cummings,
each of whom exemplifies the Sorority's ideals of public service and leadership; and
WHEREAS, the Sorority's first public act was its participation in the historic 1913 Women's
Suffrage March in Washington, D.C., underscoring its legacy of civic engagement and social
action; and
WHEREAS, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., continues to advance its legacy of advocacy
through signature events such as Delta Days at the State Capitol and by addressing critical
issues impacting communities across Georgia and the nation; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that
the members of this body commend Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., for 113 years of
impactful service, recognize January 13, 2026, as Founders Day, and celebrate the Sorority's
ongoing contributions toward building stronger communities through advocacy, education,
and leadership.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized
and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to Delta
Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.