FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

January 13, 2026

MEDIA CONTACT: 

e: jessica.myers@mail.house.gov

c: 202.913.0126

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) issued the following statement commemorating the 113th Anniversary of the founding of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., an international sorority of which she is a proud member:

“As a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., founded on January 13, 1913 by 22 collegiate women at Howard University, I am honored to celebrate this milestone alongside more than 300,000 members and over 1,000 chartered chapters around the world.

“Our 22 visionary founders were committed to building an organization rooted in sisterhood, scholarship, and service. They answered the call to address the pressing social issues of their time, most notably the Women’s Suffrage Movement, marching down Pennsylvania Avenue for women’s rights as Delta’s first social action initiative in 1913.

“Today, Delta Sigma Theta continues this legacy by addressing critical challenges within the African American community through its Five-Point Programmatic Thrust: economic development; educational development; international awareness and involvement; physical and mental health; and political awareness and involvement.

“I am proud to stand alongside eight of my fellow Delta sisters serving in Congress, Representatives Beatty, Foushee, Crockett, McClellan, Lee, Plaskett, McBath, and Senator Alsobrooks, as we work to deliver meaningful legislation and oversight for the American people. I also carry forward the wisdom and fortitude of trailblazing members such as former Congresswomen Shirley Chisholm, Barbara Jordan, Marcia Fudge, Brenda Lawrence, and Val Demings, sharing in their enduring legacy of service to our civil society.

“Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. continues to uplift and support women around the world who seek to develop their leadership and commitment to public service. Happy Founders Day to all the members of Delta Sigma Theta, and best wishes for many more years of impact and success.”

###