SR 674: Delta Day; recognize February 23, 2026

Senate Resolution 674

By: Senators Wicks of the 34th, Kemp of the 38th, Mangham of the 55th, Howard of the 35th, Jackson of the 41st and others

A RESOLUTION

Commending Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. for its 113 years of service and recognizing February 23, 2026, as Delta Day at the State Capital; and for other purposes.

WHEREAS, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. is a public service organization founded on January 13, 1913, by 22 visionary collegiate women at Howard University in Washington, D.C.; and

WHEREAS, the founding members included Osceola Macarthy Adams, Marguerite Young Alexander, Winona Cargile Alexander, Ethel CuffBlack, 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. is a sisterhood of college educated women dedicated to academic excellence and committed to community service; and

WHEREAS, more than 300,000 women have joined the organization to implement the sorority's mission through its five-point programmatic thrust of educational development, economic development, political awareness and involvement, physical and mental health, and international awareness and involvement; and

WHEREAS, the sorority has more than 1,000 collegiate and alumnae chapters located in the United States as well as internationally, including Germany, England, Japan, the Virgin Islands, Bermuda, the Bahamas, and the Republic of Korea; and

WHEREAS, the Southern Region of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. thrives under the dynamic and visionary leadership of Soror Regional Director Amaris L. Johnson, and this body extends its deepest gratitude for her tireless efforts, steadfast dedication, and unwavering commitment to the empowerment of the communities she serves; and

WHEREAS, the year 2026 marks the historic 25th anniversary of Delta Days at the Georgia State Capital, celebrating a quarter-century of impactful social action, legislative advocacy, and civic engagement within the State of Georgia; and

WHEREAS, Delta Days at Georgia State Capital has instituted the Georganna Sinkfield Servant Leadership Award in recognition of her service as the longest serving female in the history of the Georgia General Assembly; the Pota E. Coston Trailblazer Award, named for the first African American female commissioner elected in Fayette County, Georgia; and the Social Action Collegiate Change Agent Award, which is awarded to a student actively involved in student government association leadership or partner organizations who demonstrates the ability to create change in either the campus or community environment; and

WHEREAS, members of this illustrious sisterhood serve as elected officials, lend support to various local communities, and lead dialogues on public policy throughout their communities; and

WHEREAS, Delta Sigma Theta members are committed to initiatives in alignment with its theme of "Solid in Our Sisterhood, Secure in Our Fight," making an impact for 113 years through sisterhood, scholarship, service, and social action, allowing the members to continue its legacy of social justice through civic engagement.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body commend the efforts of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. for its 113 years of continued commitment to public service and its work in making the State of Georgia a better place in which to live, celebrate the 25th anniversary of social action in Georgia with Delta Days at the Capital , and recognize February 23, 2026, as Delta Day at the State Capital. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.