[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 21 (Wednesday, February 2, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Page S494]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                     REMEMBERING CHERYL A. HICKMON

 Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. President, I rise today to honor the life 
and legacy of Cheryl A. Hickmon, national president of Delta Sigma 
Theta Sorority, Incorporated and chair of the national board of 
directors. A native of Hartford, CT, Cheryl, the youngest of three 
children, was born in 1962 to the late Dr. Ned Hickmon and Consuella 
Anderson Hickmon. Cheryl passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 
20, 2022, at the age of 60, following a battle with a recent illness. 
She leaves to cherish her memory two brothers, Ned N. Hickmon and David 
W. Hickmon of Hartford, CT, many cousins throughout the United States, 
coworkers, many friends, and sorority sisters internationally, 
including members of the Hartford Alumnae Chapter.
  Cheryl was deeply devoted to Delta Sigma Theta, and her loss will be 
felt by many. An active member for 39 years, Cheryl's devotion to Delta 
Sigma Theta began in 1982 with her initiation into the Alpha Xi Chapter 
at South Carolina State University. She served in multiple leadership 
positions at the local, regional, and national levels, including as 
Alpha Xi chapter president in 1983, South Atlantic regional 
representative in 1984, Hartford Alumnae chapter president in 2009, and 
was ultimately elected the 27th national president and chair of the 
national board of directors in November 2021. Her leadership has shaped 
generations of women across this country and was inspired by a deep 
belief in Delta's core values of sisterhood, scholarship, service, and 
social action.
  Cheryl shared her wisdom, care, and compassion with all who crossed 
her path. Her unwavering commitment to making the world a better place 
meant Cheryl always sought new opportunities to uplift Americans, 
especially Black women. Her passion enabled her to have a profound 
impact on many through Delta Sigma Theta and her service with the 
National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, the 
Children's Defense Fund, and the National Council of Negro Women. 
Cheryl will be remembered as a true champion for civil rights and 
social justice.
  Cheryl's motivation to lend a helping hand to others in need also 
shaped her career of more than 30 years as a licensed clinical 
laboratory technologist. She supervised the In Vitro Fertilization 
Laboratories for andrology and endocrinology at Montefiore's Institute 
for Reproductive Medicine and Health. One of her greatest joys was 
supporting couples in their journey to become parents.
  Cheryl was guided by the motto, ``Don't measure life by the number of 
breaths you take but by the number of moments that take your breath 
away.'' Her servant leadership in every endeavor she pursued will leave 
a lasting and meaningful legacy across this country. I extend my 
deepest condolences to her family, friends, and the entire sisterhood 
of Delta Sigma Theta. I join each of them in honoring Cheryl's life by 
holding up her work as an example, one rooted in mentorship, 
enthusiasm, and service to our community.
  Rest in peace, Cheryl.

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