[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 86 (Thursday, June 19, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1262]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              TRIBUTE TO DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY, INC.

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BILL PASCRELL, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 19, 1997

  Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I would like to call to your attention 
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Paterson Alumnae Chapter. Delta Sigma 
Theta Sorority, Inc. is a sisterhood of college educated women of color 
committed to public service. The sorority was founded at Howard 
University in Washington, D.C. on January 13, 1913 by 22 women. 
Chapters of the sorority reach throughout the United States, Germany, 
Korea, Haiti, and Liberia. Approximately 180,000 women have been 
initiated into Delta Sigma Theta and are sustained by the bond of 
sisterhood. The challenges and successes of more than 80 years have 
assured its members of the organization's endurance.
  The Paterson Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. was chartered 
on November 12, 1978. It was the 13th chapter chartered in the State of 
New Jersey. The founders saw a need for a public service organization 
in the city of Paterson. The chartering ceremony held at the Paterson 
Boys Club was conducted by past regional director, Chappelle Armstead.
  The Paterson Alumnae Chapter has maintained a consistent presence in 
the city of Paterson since its inception. Through its many projects and 
service activities, the chapter continually keeps an active interest in 
the welfare of the lives of Paterson citizens.
  The Paterson Alumnae Chapter was a key in the organization of the 
local chapter of the Northern New Jersey Tri-County Chapter of the 
National Pan-Hellenic Council whose primary purpose is to coordinate 
the activities of the eight historically black Greek-lettered 
sororities and fraternities.
  The Paterson Alumnae Chapter believes in coalition building and to 
that end, has worked with various community organizations on several 
service projects. A few of the projects and activities the Paterson 
Alumnae Chapter is involved with include a candidate's forum for local 
and State political candidates, an annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 
Youth Celebration, a Kwanzaa workshop, Adopt-A-Black Business, a School 
America Literacy Project, and the 1997 Teen Summit.
  The current officers of the Paterson Alumnae Chapter are Linda G. 
Smith, president; Ada Downing, vice president; Sharon Briggs, 
secretary; E. Florine White, treasurer; and Pamela Davis, financial 
secretary.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me, our colleagues, the members of 
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., their family and friends, and city of 
Paterson in recognizing the Paterson Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma 
Sorority, Inc.'s outstanding and invaluable service to the community.

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