HONORING NATCHEZ, MISSISSIPPI DELTA LAMBDA SIGMA ALUMNAE CHAPTER OF SIGMA GAMMA RHO SORORITY, INC.

On 2026-06-03, Representative Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS-2) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING NATCHEZ, MISSISSIPPI DELTA LAMBDA SIGMA ALUMNAE CHAPTER OF SIGMA GAMMA RHO SORORITY, INC." in the House.

HONORING NATCHEZ, MISSISSIPPI DELTA LAMBDA SIGMA ALUMNAE CHAPTER OF SIGMA GAMMA RHO SORORITY, INC.

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 94 (Wednesday, June 3, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 94 (Wednesday, June 3, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E521-E522] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING NATCHEZ, MISSISSIPPI DELTA LAMBDA SIGMA ALUMNAE CHAPTER OF SIGMA GAMMA RHO SORORITY, INC. ______ HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON of mississippi in the house of representatives Wednesday, June 3, 2026 Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a truly exceptional organization, Delta Lambda Sigma Alumnae Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated. The Delta Lambda Sigma Alumnae Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated, was chartered on April 5, 1974. It became the first alumnae chapter chartered outside the metropolitan Jackson, Mississippi, area and the second alumnae chapter in the State of Mississippi to become part of the Sorority's Southeastern Region. Five charter members, known as ``The Magnificent Five,'' spearheaded the creation of this new chapter and I include in the Record their names: Vera Davis Ballard; Johnie Ruth Johnson Brown; Leola Doss Dickey; Earlean Marshall Jones; and Annette Carter Dean Pierce: The Magnificent Five shared two distinct and noteworthy qualities: all were graduates of Alcorn State University, and all embraced the mission of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority's seven courageous and determined founders: ``to enhanced the quality of life for women and their families in the United States and globally through community service, civil, and social action.'' This mission is reflected in the Sorority's motto, ``Greater Service, Greater Progress.'' Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated, was founded on November 12, 1922, on the campus of Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana. It is the only Divine Nine organization founded at a predominantly white public institution of higher learning. For decades, Delta Lambda Sigma has served as a beacon of light in the Claiborne, Jefferson, and Natchez-Adams communities. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the Delta Lambda Sigma Alumnae Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated, for its continued dedication, service, and commitment to uplifting communities across Mississippi. [[Page E522]] ____________________