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2013 SPECIAL SESSION I

13200046D
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 5008
Offered April 3, 2013
Prefiled March 26, 2013
Commending the Portsmouth Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
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Patron-- Lucas
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WHEREAS, the Portsmouth Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., will proudly celebrate its 70th anniversary on December 21, 2013; and

WHEREAS, founded as the Beta Pi Sigma Chapter in 1943, it became the Portsmouth Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., in 1957 with 17 charter members: Sultana D. Andrews, Edna R. Bland, Margaret J. Bond, Thelma Dunston Chappelle, C. Florentine Davis, Hattie Durant, Treva Goins, Louise Elliott Hill, Gentelia Johnson, Muriel Johnson, M. Eloise Norcom, Dorothy M. Parker Richardson, Geneva Quick, Ethelyn R. Strong, Bessie Watkins, Dulcie Watts, and Virginia D. Wood; and

WHEREAS, the Portsmouth Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., held its first meeting and banquet at the Omicron Club on January 13, 1944, the 31st anniversary of the organization of the sorority; and

WHEREAS, in April 1944, the Portsmouth Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., produced its first “Jabberwock,” an evening of entertainment that showcased the talents of its members; and

WHEREAS, the Portsmouth Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., made public service a priority for the chapter, sponsoring community fund drives, holding book teas at the USO, conducting the annual WTAR radio quiz contest, participating in the Job Analysis and Opportunity Project, and becoming a member of the newly established South Atlantic Region in 1960; and

WHEREAS, the Portsmouth Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., continued to expand its influence in the community in ensuing years, awarding scholarships, responding to the needs of senior citizens, and initiating clothes drives; and

WHEREAS, in 1973, the Portsmouth Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., used a federal grant to open a multi-ethnic library in the Mount Hermon community; and

WHEREAS, during the 1980s and 1990s, the Portsmouth Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., provided support to Habitat for Humanity, School America, a local and Jamaican Adopt-A-School program, Delta Academy, and other community programs; awarded multiple scholarships to students; and helped raise awareness of sickle cell disease; and

WHEREAS, the Portsmouth Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., has remained committed to the sorority’s Five-Point Program; received recognition and awards for programs in voter education and registration, health awareness, and political involvement; and worked to increase minority memberships on local boards and commissions; and

WHEREAS, today, the Portsmouth Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., has several signature programs, including Delta Academy/Delta GEMS, EMBODI, Relay for Life, Pecan Project, Scholarship Dinner Dance, Sisterhood Luncheon, and Scholarship Presentations; and

WHEREAS, throughout its long and proud history, members of the Portsmouth Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., have made many contributions to the community, sorority, and Commonwealth; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend the Portsmouth Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., on the occasion of its 70th anniversary; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare copies of this resolution for presentation to Lisa Lucas-Burke and Vernell Patillo, 70th anniversary cochairs, and to Cynthia Lewis, the president of the Portsmouth Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., as an expression of the General Assembly’s congratulations and admiration for the chapter’s commitment to serving the community.