SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 34

(By Senators Unger, Prezioso, Plymale, Snyder and Stollings)

Recognizing Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., of West Virginia for its service, dedication and commitment to the State of West Virginia.

            Whereas, The objective of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., of West Virginia is to promote knowledge and awareness of the problems, opportunities and issues facing West Virginia; and

            Whereas, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., was founded on January 13, 1913, by 22 collegiate women at Howard University to promote academic excellence and provide assistance to those in need. In March of 1913, nearly six weeks after its founding, several Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., founders marched in the historic Suffragist March under the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Banner, the Sorority’s first public act; and

            Whereas, Under the auspices of the National Social Action Commission, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., of West Virginia continues to institute activities that foster sponsoring voter registration and voter education programs, combating voter suppression, full restoration of voting rights for individuals who have paid their debt to society (ex-offenders), clean water laws and regulations, affordable health care and access to quality health care, financial literacy and economic empowerment, support for HBCU’s, political awareness and involvement, gender equality and improving community relationships with local law-enforcement agencies; and

            Whereas, The membership of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., of West Virginia includes individuals from nearly every facet of West Virginia’s business, professional, religious, governmental, educational, civic, the arts, organized labor and minority organizations who demonstrate a commitment to the state; and

            Whereas, Members of the West Virginia Chapters of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., consist of Beckley Alumnae Chapter President Paula Mitchell, Bluefield Alumnae Chapter President Carolyn Williams, Charleston-Institute Alumnae Chapter President Eva Jones, Eastern Panhandle Alumnae Chapter President Kimberley D. Crockett, Esq., Greater Morgantown Alumnae Chapter President Cheryl Williams, Huntington Alumnae Chapter President Fran Jackson, Omicron Upsilon Chapter West Virginia University President Chloe Dawson, and Theta Omega Chapter Marshall University President Bria Armstrong who operate under the leadership of West Virginia State Coordinator Marsha Lawson and West Virginia State Social Action Coordinator Michelle Barnes-Russell; therefore, be it

            Resolved by the Senate:

            That the Senate hereby recognizes Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., of West Virginia for its service, dedication and commitment to West Virginia; and, be it

            Further Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to the appropriate officials of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., of West Virginia.