[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 46 (Tuesday, April 9, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E393]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


 IN CELEBRATION OF THE ONE-HUNDREDTH ANNIVERSARY OF DELTA SIGMA THETA 
                             SORORITY, INC

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. GARY C. PETERS

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, April 9, 2013

  Mr. PETERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. as they celebrate a century 
of sisterhood and service. Over the past one-hundred years, the members 
of Delta Sigma Theta have guided many young women through the 
transition to adulthood, instilling values that have allowed them to 
reach their potential as publicly active members in their communities.
  This enduring fellowship began on January 13, 1913, when twenty-two 
young women at Howard University in Washington, D.C. founded the 
sorority. Brought together in their shared life experiences, these 
young students envisioned an organization of women brought together in 
pursuit of promoting academic excellence, providing support to the 
underserved, and cultivating an interest and active involvement in 
public policy debates, with the goal of creating solutions to issues 
affecting their communities. As a testament to their dedication and 
leadership, Delta Sigma Theta continues its mission, serving 
communities and individuals all over the world.
  As a central tenant of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, a deep passion 
for fighting for equity and equality is an ideal shared by its members. 
In keeping with this commitment, the sorority's first public act was to 
organize and march in support women's suffrage in Washington, DC. Many 
prominent community leaders have been proud to call themselves Deltas, 
includingCongresswoman Shirley Chisholm, a pioneer for women and 
African Americans in elected office. Following in Chisholm's success, 
Delta Sigma Theta member Congresswoman Barbara Jordan became the first 
women to represent Texas in the U.S. House of Representatives. Both of 
these Deltas, in keeping to their ideals and beliefs, used their public 
office to give a voice to those who were unable to be heard.
  As a Member of Congress from the Greater Detroit region, I have the 
pleasure to represent so many Delta Sigma Theta members in the Detroit 
Alumnae, Southfield Alumnae and Pontiac Alumnae chapters. Each of these 
chapters has a long and distinguished history of members doing their 
part to nurture future generations, shape the leaders of tomorrow and 
engage their communities in renewal and reaffirmation of citizenship.
  Mr. Speaker, I am honored to represent the members of three dedicated 
chapters of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and I wish them 
another hundred years of success in fulfillment of their mission to 
create a more just world that allows our youth to realize their full 
potential.

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