Senate Resolution No. 2082

BY: Senator WEBB

COMMENDING Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., upon
the occasion of its Annual Delta Day at the State
Capitol in Albany, New York, on May 19, 2026

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
individuals and organizations which 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 State Capitol in Albany, New York, on Tuesday,
May 19, 2026; and

WHEREAS, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., was founded on November 17,
1911, on the campus of Howard University in Washington, D.C., by three
undergraduate students, Edgar Amos Love, Oscar James Cooper, and Frank
Coleman, with faculty adviser Dr. Ernest Everett Just, to promote
scholarship, perseverance, uplift, and manhood; and

WHEREAS, Since its founding, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., has
grown into an international organization with numerous chapters
worldwide and a distinguished membership that includes notable figures,
including Langston Hughes, Jesse Jackson, Michael Jordan, and numerous
leaders in public service, education, and civic engagement, all
committed to community service and social progress; and

WHEREAS, In 1919, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., was founded on
the Howard University campus by 22 women who wished to promote academic
excellence, provide scholarships and support to the underserved, educate
and stimulate participation in the establishment of positive public
policy, and 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, At the State Capitol, this auspicious occasion will gather
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Sisters from across New York State to address
concerns, suggest new ideas, and discuss courses of action to better
their home communities with the assistance of numerous state
legislators; and

WHEREAS, Today, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., has more than
350,000 members and approximately 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, she 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, Dorothy 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 United States Congresswoman Marcia L. Fudge; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Hazel N. Dukes, an early and unwavering crusader for
civil rights, who died on 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 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, she was 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 voice to advocate on behalf
of their communities; since 1989, Deltas have gathered 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 State Capitol in Albany, New York, on May 19,
2026; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.