[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 4]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 4954]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING CLINTON (MS) ALUMNAE CHAPTER OF DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY, 
                              INCORPORATED

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 26, 2014

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an 
incredible group of women, who strive daily to make a difference within 
the communities they serve. Today, I honor the illustrious women of the 
Clinton (MS) Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, 
Incorporated.
  The Clinton (MS) Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, 
Incorporated was charted on March 29, 2004 at Pleasant Green Baptist 
Church in Clinton, Mississippi. Thirty-one visionary women, living 
within the Chapter's public service area, used their collective 
strength to promote academic excellence, provide academic scholarships 
to deserving youth, support to the underserved, educate and stimulate 
participation in the establishment of positive public policy, and to 
highlight issues and provide solutions to problems in the communities 
where they live and work. These charter members were: Tina Austin, 
Perry M. Boler, Angela D. Bridges, Sonya L. Edmond, La'Verne Edney, 
Latricha Ephfrom, Kristie K. Flowers, Limmie M. Flowers, Sherri M. 
Flowers, Teselyn Funches, Lisa Green, Sonya Goins, Paulette Grim, 
Ursula Y. Harris, Tomja W. Jackson, Machelle S. Kyles, Laurie S. 
Lawson, Sophia S. Marshall, Nikita A. Maxwell, Emily A. Miller, Marilyn 
J. Minter, Michelyn Patton, Angela Y. Perry, Alyea M. Pollard, Shelia 
P. Spann, Thresa K. Smith, Faith Strong, Katherine A. Thomas, Kenitra 
Wallace, Elizabeth M. Washington, and Mary M. White. Dr. Limmie M. 
Flowers was elected the Chapter's first president and helped the 
organization set into motion its goals for the community in which they 
would serve. Under the sorority's five programmatic thrusts, the 
Clinton (MS) Alumnae Chapter has become deeply involved within the 
Chapter's service area, which includes the cities of Clinton, Bolton, 
Byram, Edwards, Raymond, Terry, and Utica.
  Economic Development, Educational Development, International 
Awareness and Involvement, Physical and Mental Health, and Political 
Awareness and Involvement are the five main areas of social involvement 
the Chapter focuses on and engages in. Under the Economic Development 
platform, the Chapter members engage in projects that include building 
homes with Habitat for Humanity, hosting CreditPlus seminars sponsored 
by local banks, and educating youth about finances and paying for 
college through ``reality fairs'' held at local schools. Service 
activities involving initiatives under the Educational Development 
platform include donating backpacks and school supplies to the Bolton-
Edwards Elementary/Middle Schools, hosting career exploration 
workshops, college tours and college recruitment fairs, and a teen 
summit developed by area youth. Scholastic achievement and leadership 
development is embedded through various youth programs sponsored by the 
Chapter.
  In addition, the Chapter has nurtured over 300 area middle and high 
school students through the Dr. Betty L. Shabazz Delta Academy, Dr. 
Jeanne L. Noble Delta GEMS Institute, and the EMBODI Program, while 
also providing generous support to the United Negro College Fund. May 
Week Observance is an annual initiative that recognizes the top 10 
African American high school seniors from the high schools within the 
Chapter's service area. To date, the Chapter has distributed nearly 
$50,000 in scholarships to nearly 400 graduating students.
  Establishing cultural awareness is a key component under the 
International Awareness and Involvement platform, through which the 
Chapter implements projects to broaden understanding and appreciation 
for people of different backgrounds and cultures. The Chapter has 
sponsored cultural education programs, including financial support for 
schools and clean water in developing countries. Prevention and 
wellness translate into health education programs, health fairs, and 
provision of health care services for those in need.
  The Chapter participates in the Annual Making Strides Against Breast 
Cancer Walk and Relay for Life, sponsored by the American Cancer 
Society. The Chapter has donated more than $6,000 to the organization, 
including providing very generous funding to the American Heart 
Association for combating cardiovascular disease. Each spring, the 
Chapter hosts a health fair in the community that includes 
comprehensive health screenings.
  In keeping with tradition and the political mission of the Sorority, 
the Chapter is very active in voter awareness initiatives and 
monitoring legislation impacting underserved communities. Under the 
Political Awareness and Involvement platform, the Chapter educates the 
public through workshops, forums, and mass mailing campaigns. Each year 
the Chapter participates in ``Mississippi Delta Day at the State 
Capitol'' to visit with state lawmakers.
  The current Chapter leadership encompasses: President, Dr. Juanyce D. 
Taylor; Vice President, Dr. Laurie Smith Lawson; Treasurer, Joyce 
Kersh; Financial Secretary, Jacqueline Frison-Owens; Journalist, 
Katrina Howard-Reeves; Corresponding Secretary, Barbara Tapps; 
Recording Secretary, Wanda Thomas; Sergeant-At-Arms, Lisa Jackson; 
Chaplain, Erica Towers; Historian, Jessica Lewis; Custodian, April 
Bullock; Parliamentarian, Luxie Frison; and Immediate Past President, 
Dr. Laurie Smith Lawson.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Clinton 
(MS) Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated for 
representing, educating, and informing the underserved communities in 
their service area for 10 years.

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