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Recognizing and honoring the members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated’s Philadelphia Alumnae, Quaker City Alumnae, and Valley Forge Alumnae Chapters on the occasion of Delta Youth Day at Philadelphia City Council.
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WHEREAS, The Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, founded in 1913 by twenty-two diligent collegiate women on the campus of Howard University, has blossomed into the largest African American women's organization in the United States; and
WHEREAS, The Sorority boasts 20 statewide chapters in Pennsylvania from Philadelphia to York and Alleghany counties comprised of women of diverse educational and professional backgrounds who join together to proudly institute the organization’s Five-Point Programmatic Thrust of: Economic Development, Educational Development, International Awareness and Involvement, Physical and Mental Health, and Political Awareness and Involvement through service to their local and national communities; and
WHEREAS, In 1927, eleven members of the Gamma Chapter, led by Sadie T. M. Alexander, formed the nucleus of Xi Sigma, and together stressed the importance of academic excellence and advocating for progressive and equitable social, political, and educational policies in the 20th Century. The charter members became leaders in the communities in which they lived, and in 1956, the nomenclature of all graduate chapters were changed and Xi Sigma was renamed Philadelphia Alumnae Chapter; and
WHEREAS, The Quaker City Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated was chartered on October 17, 1976 on the campus of LaSalle University with twenty-eight enthusiastic young women who were dedicated to combining their visions, skills, and energies to establish a new alumnae chapter in the Philadelphia metropolitan area. The goal of the chapter was to enhance the Philadelphia community through its public service endeavors, bringing to life the Sorority’s mantra as a Sisterhood called to Serve; and
WHEREAS, On February 10, 1991, the Valley Forge Alumnae Chapter was chartered with an initial membership of twenty-seven committed women. The Chapter has since grown to a 100 plus membership of dynamic, energetic, and hard-working members who continue to live in their mission to provide leadership and scholarships to youth in our community, support projects that transform lives of families, participate in charitable events, and serve as social activists; and
WHEREAS, The women of Delta dynamically continue in their foremothers’ footsteps to promote social and political activism by addressing voting rights, supporting voter education, and hosting numerous voter registration drives and voter phone banks, as well as advocating for adequate education funding, quality after school programs, and access to early childhood education for all children; and
WHEREAS, These didactic women have assumed the charge of ensuring that communities receive well-rounded support through various events and programs including their much-anticipated annual Health Fairs, renowned Delta Academy and Delta Gems programs, annual College Expo, the VFAC Scholarship Program, and the Juanita Kidd Stout Community Expo; and
WHEREAS, The Members of the chapters’ Social Action Committees have furthered their commitment to social and political engagement by empowering and encouraging student activism through the Election Ambassador Corps, the Behind the Ballot Girl Scouts badge, and continued participation in Youth Leadership Day, where students observe Councilmembers in action and are provided a platform to engage with Councilmembers who represent the Districts where the students reside; and
WHEREAS, The women of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated continue to be magnificent examples of servant-leaders with an uncompromising commitment to their community which is exemplified in today’s annual event of Delta Youth Day at Philadelphia City Council; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby proudly recognizes and honors the members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated’s Philadelphia Alumnae, Quaker City Alumnae, and Valley Forge Alumnae Chapters on the occasion of Delta Youth Day at Philadelphia City Council.
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