ATLANTA – State Representatives Viola Davis (D-Stone Mountain), Rhonda Burnough (D-Riverdale), Sheila Jones (D-Atlanta), Edna Jackson (D-Savannah) and Terry Cummings (D-Mableton) will celebrate the upcoming 111th Founders’ Day of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. on Saturday, January 13, 2024. The Founders’ Day commemorates the 22 young women who founded the sisterhood, promoted academic excellence and provided assistance to those in need.
“We applaud the remarkable Delta women dedicated to serving the people and making a positive impact by helping their local communities,” said Rep. Davis. “Deltas embody strength, passion and visionary leadership. It is truly an honor to recognize their unwavering commitment and dedication to serving others.”
“This year, I will celebrate my 50th year as a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.,” said Rep. Burnough. “I love being a member of this sisterhood where we support our community in the areas of education and social action, to name a few.”
“Please join us in celebrating 111 years of sisterhood, scholarship, service and social action,” said Rep. Jones. “I am proud to be a Delta sister and proud of our sorority’s legacy.”
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. was founded on January 13, 1913, on the campus of Howard University in Washington D.C. The students founded the organization with the goal of promoting public service on the university’s campus. One of the newly found sorority’s first public acts was to participate in the 1913 Woman Suffrage Procession. These African American women refused efforts to place them at the end of the processional behind the other suffrage marchers.
Additionally, these legislators plan to host an event to celebrate “Delta Day” on Monday, January 29, 2024 at the Georgia State Capitol. Details regarding this event will be forthcoming.
*Editor’s note: a photo of these legislators is attached. (From left to right: Reps. Edna Jackson, Viola Davis, Rhonda Burnough, Sheila Jones and Terry Cummings.)
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 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 Sheila Jones represents the citizens of District 60, which includes portions of Fulton County. She was elected to the House of Representatives in 2004 and currently serves on the Appropriations Subcommittee on Higher Education and the Health, Juvenile Justice and Transportation committees.
Representative Edna Jackson represents the citizens of District 165, which includes portions of Chatham County. She was elected to the House of Representatives in 2021 and currently serves on the Appropriations Subcommittee on Education and the Economic Development & Tourism, Higher Education, Human Relations & Aging and Urban Affairs committees.
Representative Terry Cummings represents the citizens of District 39, which includes portions of Cobb County. She was elected to the House of Representatives in 2022 and currently serves on the Budget and Fiscal Affairs Oversight, Public Safety and Homeland Security and State Properties committees.
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