LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 51st Anniversary of the West-
chester Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

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 organiza-
tions 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 commem-
orate the 51st Anniversary of the Westchester Alumnae Chapter of Delta
Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.; this auspicious occasion will be celebrated
on Sunday, April 18, 2010; and
WHEREAS, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority was founded on January 13, 1913,
by 22 collegiate women at Howard University; these students wanted to
use their collective strength to promote academic excellence and to
provide assistance to persons in need; the first public act performed by
the Delta Founders involved their participation in the Women's Suffrage
March in Washington, D.C., in March 1913; and
WHEREAS, Officially incorporated in 1930, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority,
Inc. is a private, non-profit organization whose purpose is to provide
assistance and support through established programs in local communities
throughout the world; it is a sisterhood of more than 200,000 predomi-
nately Black college educated women and currently has over 900 chapters
located in the United States, England, Japan (Tokyo and Okinawa), Germa-
ny, the Virgin Islands, Bermuda, the Bahamas and the Republic of Korea;
and
WHEREAS, The major programs of Delta Sigma Theta are based upon the
organization's five point programmatic thrust: economic development,
educational development, international awareness and involvement, phys-
ical and mental health, and political awareness and involvement; and
WHEREAS, Serving the community of Westchester County, New York, the
Westchester Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. was
chartered on October 31, 1959, by 16 visionary women; the chapter has
grown considerably, and now boasts 150 members from diverse professional
backgrounds who volunteer their education, skills, and talents to serve
youth, adults and seniors, and those in need around the global communi-
ty; and
WHEREAS, The Westchester Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorori-
ty, Inc. perpetuates the Sorority's tradition of public service by
implementing several programs, which initiate social change, encourage
academic excellence and elevate the cultural awareness of the community;
its service projects include an annual teen conference, annual "A Toast
to Spring" scholarship brunch, back to school clothing drives, voter
registration drives, letter-writing campaigns, toy drives, creating
Thanksgiving baskets for needy families, female mentoring programs, and
community outreach workshops; and
WHEREAS, For its work in the community, Westchester Alumnae Chapter of
Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. received the Eastern Region Chapter of the Year
Award (2007), Sister-to-Sister International Community Service Award
(2006), the National Council of Negro Women Mary McLeod Bethune Award
(2006), and several accolades and proclamations from the American Heart
Association and local elected officials; and
WHEREAS, Under the able leadership of its President, Tanee Johnson-
Bowman, the Westchester Alumnae Chapter is committed to maintaining a
standard of excellence in scholarship, service and sisterhood; its

award-winning chapter remains focused on health and wellness, outreach,
social action and education; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when an organ-
ization of such noble aims and accomplishments is brought to our atten-
tion, 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
commemorate the 51st Anniversary of the Westchester Alumnae Chapter of
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Tanee Johnson-Bowman, President, The Westchester Alumnae
Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.