Recognizing the 113th anniversary of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 990
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Education
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-01-13: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
- Last Updated
- 2026-04-06T18:43:32Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This House Resolution (H. Res. 990) aims to formally recognize the 113th anniversary of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, a prominent African-American women's organization. It honors the sorority's long history of service, scholarship, and community support both in the United States and globally.
Key Provisions
- Historical Background: The resolution details the sorority's founding on January 13, 1913, by 22 women at Howard University, listing the founders by name. It describes the organization as a private, non-profit entity focused on community assistance worldwide.
- Organizational Scope: It highlights the sorority as the largest African-American Greek-letter organization, with over 350,000 members across more than 1,050 chapters in the U.S. and 13 other countries or territories, including Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Caribbean.
- Programs and Commitments: The resolution outlines the sorority's Five-Point Program Thrust, covering economic development, educational development, international awareness, physical and mental health, and political involvement. It notes specific initiatives like the Financial Fortitude program for financial planning, the Dr. Betty Shabazz Delta Academy for youth education, the Mary Help of the Sick Mission Hospital in Kenya, and annual events such as Delta Days at the United Nations and in Washington, D.C.
- Legacy and Influence: It acknowledges the sorority's role in promoting academic excellence, humanitarian efforts (including UN consultative status), and democratic participation. It also pays tribute to notable members like Congresswomen Shirley Chisholm and Barbara Jordan, and leaders such as Dr. Dorothy I. Height.
- Resolution Actions: The House of Representatives (1) recognizes the 113th anniversary and (2) applauds the sorority and its members for over a century of service to the U.S. and global communities.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution, not a law or bill that amends statutes. It introduces no changes to existing legal frameworks.
Potential Impacts
- On Citizens and Communities: The recognition may increase public awareness of the sorority's contributions to education, health, economic empowerment, and civic engagement, potentially inspiring greater participation in similar community programs, especially among African-American women and youth.
- On Government Agencies: Minimal direct impact, though it underscores the value of partnerships between Congress and non-profits, possibly encouraging future collaborations on social initiatives.
- On International Relations: It highlights the sorority's global outreach (e.g., UN involvement and overseas chapters), which could subtly promote U.S. soft power through recognition of humanitarian efforts abroad, but without enforceable effects.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Members: Over 350,000 women who benefit from the formal congressional honor, enhancing the organization's prestige and morale.
- African-American and Women's Communities: Groups that the sorority serves through its programs, gaining visibility for issues like education, health, and economic development.
- Educational and Non-Profit Organizations: Similar groups focused on scholarship and service, as the resolution celebrates civil society contributions.
- Members of Congress: The resolution's sponsors (e.g., Representatives Lee, Beatty, and others) represent districts with strong ties to the sorority, using it to affirm support for diverse leadership.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal/Constitutional: As a simple resolution, it requires only a House majority and has no legal force, aligning with Congress's constitutional power to express opinions on non-legislative matters (Article I). It poses no constitutional challenges.
- Political: The resolution promotes diversity and inclusion by honoring an organization rooted in civil rights and women's empowerment, potentially strengthening bipartisan support for community service initiatives. It reflects political recognition of African-American contributions to U.S. history, without partisan controversy, and was referred to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce for review.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (14)
Rep. Beatty, Joyce [D-OH-3], Rep. Brown, Shontel M. [D-OH-11], Rep. Clarke, Yvette D. [D-NY-9], Rep. Crockett, Jasmine [D-TX-30], Rep. Davis, Danny K. [D-IL-7], Rep. Figures, Shomari [D-AL-2], Rep. Foushee, Valerie P. [D-NC-4], Rep. Jackson, Jonathan L. [D-IL-1], Rep. Kennedy, Timothy M. [D-NY-26], Rep. McBath, Lucy [D-GA-6], Rep. McClellan, Jennifer L. [D-VA-4], Rep. Mfume, Kweisi [D-MD-7], Del. Plaskett, Stacey E. [D-VI-At Large], Rep. Carson, André [D-IN-7]
Recent Actions
- 2026-01-13: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
- 2026-01-13: Submitted in House
- 2026-01-13: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Recognizing the 113th anniversary of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. — issued 2026-01-13 — PDF (4 pages)