[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 94 (Wednesday, June 3, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E521-E522]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING NATCHEZ, MISSISSIPPI DELTA LAMBDA SIGMA ALUMNAE CHAPTER OF 
                     SIGMA GAMMA RHO SORORITY, INC.

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 3, 2026

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a 
truly exceptional organization, Delta Lambda Sigma Alumnae Chapter of 
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated.
  The Delta Lambda Sigma Alumnae Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, 
Incorporated, was chartered on April 5, 1974. It became the first 
alumnae chapter chartered outside the metropolitan Jackson, 
Mississippi, area and the second alumnae chapter in the State of 
Mississippi to become part of the Sorority's Southeastern Region.
  Five charter members, known as ``The Magnificent Five,'' spearheaded 
the creation of this new chapter and I include in the Record their 
names:

       Vera Davis Ballard;
       Johnie Ruth Johnson Brown;
       Leola Doss Dickey;
       Earlean Marshall Jones; and
       Annette Carter Dean Pierce:

  The Magnificent Five shared two distinct and noteworthy qualities: 
all were graduates of Alcorn State University, and all embraced the 
mission of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority's seven courageous and determined 
founders: ``to enhanced the quality of life for women and their 
families in the United States and globally through community service, 
civil, and social action.'' This mission is reflected in the Sorority's 
motto, ``Greater Service, Greater Progress.''
  Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated, was founded on November 12, 
1922, on the campus of Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana. It 
is the only Divine Nine organization founded at a predominantly white 
public institution of higher learning. For decades, Delta Lambda Sigma 
has served as a beacon of light in the Claiborne, Jefferson, and 
Natchez-Adams communities.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the Delta 
Lambda Sigma Alumnae Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated, 
for its continued dedication, service, and commitment to uplifting 
communities across Mississippi.

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