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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 Allegheny 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 determined members of the Philadelphia Alumnae Chapter humbly celebrate their 2018-2019 accomplishments which include: serving as the host chapter for the Eastern Regional stop of the Sorority’s PRIDE IN OUR HERITAGE TOUR, which featured an enlightening dialogue between Sorors Dr. Johnnetta B. Cole and Nikki Giovanni; hosting the outstanding Delta GEMS Institute & the Dr. Betty Shabazz Delta Academy programs; leading the Juanita Kidd Stout Economic Empowerment Community Conference; prioritizing mental health awareness for African Americans; and addressing the need for worldwide clean water by making contributions to Water for Children throughout the continent of Africa. The Philadelphia Alumnae Chapter are Deltas leading by example; 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, The diligent women of the Quaker City Alumnae Chapter humbly celebrate their 2018-2019 accomplishments which include: securing a pathway to education by awarding six thousand dollars in scholarships to local students; working with Habitat for Humanity to build quality homes for families in need; lobbying members of the Pennsylvania General Assembly and United States Congress for an equitable investment in education funding, fair housing laws, affordable health care, gun control laws, and sentencing reform; as well as fundraising to support breast cancer research and non-profit organizations working to end Human Trafficking. The Quaker City Alumnae Chapter are Deltas leading through their work; 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 membership of 170 dynamic, energetic, and hard-working women 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 dutiful women of the Valley Forge Alumnae Chapter humbly celebrate their 2018-2019 accomplishments which include: serving as a lead supporter for the Valley Forge National Historical Park initiative to educate visitors on the contributions of African descendants during periods of war; helping to foster a love of reading among elementary students through participation in the Gotwals Elementary School “Read It” program, reaching well over 200 children per month; building classroom libraries through book and financial donations; and supporting the efforts of the American Red Cross via the Sound the Alarm program, the Pillowcase Project, the Hurricane Harvey Disaster relief telethon, blood drives, and volunteer engagement. The Valley Forge Alumnae Chapter are Deltas building a better tomorrow; 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.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated’s Philadelphia Alumnae, Quaker City Alumnae, and Valley Forge Alumnae Chapters as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.
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