Reps. Summer Lee, Joyce Beatty Honor 113th Delta Sigma Theta Founders Day

WASHINGTON, D.C.- JANUARY 13, 2026 - Today, Congresswoman Summer L. Lee (PA-12) and Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03) introduced a resolution honoring the 113^th Founders Day of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. The Sorority was founded on January 13, 1913 at Howard University by 22 visionary college women and has grown to over 1,050 chapters and 350,000 members worldwide.

"On Founders Day, we celebrate a legacy built by courageous women and carried forward by generations of dedicated sisters. As a Delta, I am proud of the Sorority's unwavering commitment to justice and community empowerment. As we mark 113 years, I'm honored to introduce this resolution with Rep. Joyce Beatty recognizing the decades of sisterhood, excellence, and service," said Congresswoman Lee.

"For 113 years, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated has never waited for permission to lead or for justice to come slowly. From marching up Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, D.C., demanding the right to vote, to leading the global fight for equitable education, health, economic opportunity, and political power for Black women, Delta women have always met the moment with purpose and courage. As a proud Delta, I carry that legacy with me every day in Congress. This resolution honors not only our Founders, but the generations of women who turned sisterhood into service, and service into lasting change. Delta's history is not just something we celebrate; it is something we continue to live," said Congresswoman Beatty.

"Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated was founded 113 years ago by 22 visionary collegiate women at Howard University," said International President Cheryl W. Turner. "Their courage, conviction, and commitment to the tenets of sisterhood, scholarship, service, and social action have grounded our organization for more than a century and continue to inspire generations of women to lead with purpose and impact. Today, with more than 350,000 initiated members and over 1,050 chapters worldwide, we proudly advance our Founders' vision as One Delta, One Mission: Anchored in Legacy, Evolving with Intention. We thank our members, Congresswoman Summer Lee and Congresswoman Joyce Beatty, for honoring this legacy and for their leadership in recognizing the transformative work of our Sorority."

The resolution celebrates Delta Sigma Theta's dedication to addressing critical issues through its Five-Point Programmatic Thrust, which focuses on economic development, educational development, international awareness and involvement, physical and mental health, and political awareness and involvement. The organization has spearheaded groundbreaking initiatives, including the establishment of the Mary Help of the Sick Mission Hospital in Kenya and its designation as a special consultative non-governmental organization to the United Nations.

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated was founded in 1913 by 22 trailblazing women committed to promoting academic excellence and advocating for marginalized communities. Over the past 113 years, Delta Sigma Theta has led transformative initiatives such as the Dr. Betty Shabazz Delta Academy, which prepares young women for leadership roles, and Financial Fortitude programs that address wealth inequities.

The sorority's members have included trailblazers such as Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm, Secretary Marcia Fudge, and Dr. Dorothy I. Height. Its global footprint spans across the United States, Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Caribbean, embodying the Founders' vision of impactful sisterhood.

A copy of the resolution text can be found hereand photos can be found here.

Congresswoman Summer Lee serves on the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform and the Committee on Education and Workforce. Since taking office in January 2023, shehas delivered historic levels of federal investment totaling over $2.4 Billionbrought back to Western PA, including over $580 million for infrastructure, over $110 million for affordable transit, over $500 million to keep clean energy manufacturing at home in Pennsylvania, and over $55 million on clean energy efforts in and around schools to help keep our kids and communities safe. These investments will help improve Western Pennsylvania's infrastructure and transit, ensure cleaner air and drinking water, lower housing costs, fund research institutions, fuel clean manufacturing, fund STEM innovation and entrepreneurship, boost workforce development, and create thousands of good paying union jobs. Lee and her team have also delivered casework and constituent services to over 3,000 constituents with issues ranging from helping our seniors and disabled community access Medicare and social security to helping folks secure housing and helping families with immigration support and passports.