ATLANTA – Several House legislators will celebrate State Representative Rhonda Burnough (D-Riverdale) for her 50-year membership in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority with House Resolution, LC 112 2651, on Monday, January 13, 2025. This resolution seeks to celebrate Soror Burnough’s lifetime of dedication to sisterhood, scholarship and service, as well as her commitment to the people of Georgia.
“It is a privilege and an honor to celebrate my soror and sister legislator, Rep. Rhonda Burnough, on her extraordinary accomplishments and unwavering dedication to serving the people of Georgia,” said Rep. Viola Davis. “For 50 years, Soror Burnough has exemplified the very best of our sisterhood – advocating for education, community empowerment and justice with grace and steadfast commitment. Her leadership has inspired countless individuals, and I am deeply proud to celebrate her legacy of service and her invaluable contributions to our state and sorority. Congratulations, Soror Burnough, on this well-deserved honor!”
“It is my honor to congratulate Representative Rhonda Burnough on reaching the remarkable milestone of 50 years of dedicated service to her beloved Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.,” said Minority Leader Carolyn Hugley, who is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. “This golden anniversary is a testament to your unwavering commitment to serving others with excellence! Your incredible legacy and renewed commitment to the impactful work that lies ahead inspire us all! Congratulations!”
“Rep. Rhonda Burnough is deeply committed to the sisterhood of Delta Sigma Theta, Inc.,” said Rep. Sheila Jones. “Her dedication to community service and exemplary leadership truly reflects the values and mission of our sorority. It is an honor to serve alongside her and to celebrate this remarkable achievement. Congratulations, Soror Burnough, on an incredible journey of service and leadership!”
Rep. Burnough has worked as an educator and founder of community initiatives such as “DAY ONE” and “Celebrity Reader” programs, and she has worked on a campaign to establish Purple Heart Cities in Clayton County. Through this resolution, these representatives wish to honor her commitment to the sorority and recognize her work for Georgians. They further seek to recognize her commitment to military veterans who have been wounded or killed in combat.
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., founded on January 13, 1913, by 22 collegiate women at Howard University, has grown into an organization of more than 300,000 members worldwide. The sorority has a Five-Point Programmatic Thrust, which focuses on Economic Development, Educational Development, International Awareness and Involvement, Physical and Mental Health and Political Awareness and Involvement.
This recognition is one of two Delta Sigma Theta-related resolutions to be introduced on the first day of the 2025-2026 Legislative Session in the Georgia House, which is also the sorority’s Founders Day. These legislators will also introduce LC 112 2652, which celebrates 112 years of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.
*Editor’s note: pictures of Rep. Burnough are attached.
Representative Rhonda Burnough represents the citizens of District 77, which includes portions of Clayton County. She was elected to the House of Representatives in 2016 and currently serves on the Economic Development & Tourism, Governmental Affairs, Higher Education and Small Business Development committees.
Representative Carolyn Hugley represents the citizens of District 141, which includes portions of Muscogee County. She was elected to the House of Representatives in 1993 and currently serves as the House Minority Leader. She also serves as Secretary of the Insurance Committee, as well as on the Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and the Banks & Banking, Rules and Urban Affairs committees.
Representative Viola Davis represents the citizens of District 87, which includes portions of DeKalb County. She was elected to the House of Representatives in 2018 and currently serves on the Defense & Veterans Affairs, Insurance, Interstate Cooperation, Natural Resources & Environment and Urban Affairs committees.
Representative Sheila Jones represents the citizens of District 60, which includes portions of Fulton County (the City of Atlanta and the City of South Fulton). She was elected to the House of Representatives in 2004 and currently serves on the Appropriations Subcommittee on Higher Education. She also serves on the Health, Juvenile Justice and Transportation committees.
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