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Conversations that Matter – a series of community meetings designed to provide a forum to share concerns and advocate for important issues at the local, state and federal government levels. #DSTConversations
Official Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Statement
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated
A Service Sorority Founded in 1913
1707 New Hampshire Avenue NW Washington, DC 20009 (202) 986-2400 Telefax (202)986-2513
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
AUGUST 15, 2017
CONTACT:
Bernadine W. Stallings,
(202) 986-2400, Ext. 383
bstallings@deltasigmatheta.org
Carolyn McCrea, (202) 986-2400
cmccrea@deltasigmatheta.org
Statement from the National President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Re: Acts of Hatred Occurring in Charlottesville, Virginia
WASHINGTON - Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated has taken a stance against injustice and committed our efforts to confront racial hatred and bigotry since our founding 104 years ago in 1913. Upon returning to my home less than 48 hours after my election as the National President of our beloved sisterhood, I was both saddened and outraged by the images of violence and tyranny in the city of Charlottesville, Virginia. I immediately contacted our South Atlantic Regional Director, Juanita Massenburg, to ensure that our members of Kappa Rho chapter on the campus of the University of Virginia and members residing in the local service area of the Charlottesville Alumnae Chapter were safe. Rest assured that they are fine and supported by both national and regional leadership.
Delta, collectively, wishes to extend our heartfelt prayers and condolences to the family of Heather Heyer, the young woman who lost her life, as well as those who were injured in the wake of an “Alt-Right” movement that is determined to turn back the hands of time. On behalf of the over 250,000 initiated members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated, we share in the call for our country to unite and condemn racial bigotry, hatred, and any form of violence. The loss of life and critical injuries from this demonstration of public hate will have lasting effects on this community and the nation for years to come.
Delta Sigma Theta supports all efforts that stand against hatred, that stand for peace and that will bring change in our society to ensure that the phrase “All Men are Created Equal” applies to all of our citizens rather than a self-selected few. Furthermore, Delta affirms that the Department of Justice and the Commonwealth of Virginia bring appropriate charges against the assailant who used his vehicle as a deadly weapon, taking the life of a 32 year-old woman and injuring other innocent bystanders – turned victims who simply chose to exercise their freedom of expression to counter the rhetoric of the day.
As the largest predominately African-American Greek letter organization, founded on Christian principles, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority stands by the vision of an America that promotes freedom for all. Let us not forget that we live in a unified nation whose promise of “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” for all must not be set aside by those who choose to divide us with bigotry and hate.
– Beverly E. Smith, National President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated.
Beverly E. Smith
National President
Cheryl A. Hickmon
National 1st Vice President
Jaria Martin
National 2nd Vice President
Elsie Cooke-Holmes
National Secretary
Deborah A. Jones-Buggs
National Treasurer
Jeanine H. Arnett
Executive Director
