Illinois General Assembly - Full Text of HJR0036

HJ0036 LRB104 13453 LAW 25870 r

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, On November 12, 1922, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. was founded by seven visionary educators at Butler University, united in their mission to enhance the quality of life for women and families through education, community service, and civic engagement; and

WHEREAS, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.'s Central Region, originally established in 1925 and organized by Homer Woods of Chicago in 1940, further advanced the sorority's mission by fostering leadership, service, and sisterhood across the Midwest; and

WHEREAS, Across the State, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. has remained a steadfast advocate for equity in education and health care, leading impactful initiatives that address systemic disparities in mental health, academic achievement, and access to essential resources while uplifting youth, families, and historically underserved communities; and

WHEREAS, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.'s 21 alumnae chapters and 19 undergraduate chapters throughout Illinois reflect the sorority's deep-rooted commitment to leadership, service, and sisterhood across college campuses and local communities alike; and

WHEREAS, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.'s multigenerational impact is evident through its signature programs, which include Project CRADLE Care, Youth Symposium, Swim 1922, and Operation Big Book Bag, as well as its investment in the growth and development of young girls through the Rhosebuds and Rhoers clubs, instilling leadership, confidence, and civic responsibility from an early age; and

WHEREAS, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. draws strength and inspiration from distinguished leaders who have shaped the landscape of public service and community empowerment, including former State Senator Margaret Smith, Rainbow PUSH Coalition cofounder Rev. Willie T. Barrow, 13th International Grand Basileus of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. and pioneering educator Dr. Annie Lawrence Brown, who also served as the first African American president of the Illinois Nurses Association, former State Representative Sharon Markette Malone, current State Representative Debbie Meyers Martin, 21st Central Region Director of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. and Executive Director of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus Foundation Tiffany D. Hightower, former State Representative and current City Treasurer of Chicago Melissa Conyears Ervin, and former State Representative and current U.S. Congresswoman Robin Kelly; and

WHEREAS, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.'s Central Region celebrates 100 years of sisterhood, service, and excellence, of continued leadership, of unwavering advocacy, and of making a transformative impact throughout the State and beyond; and

WHEREAS, On May 7, 2025, members of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. from across Illinois will gather at the Illinois State Capitol to participate in Sigma Gamma Rho, Incorporated Day and to engage directly with lawmakers, lend their voices to the legislative process, and continue their legacy of purposeful advocacy and policy-centered service in alignment with the sorority's national mission and core values; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE SENATE CONCURRING HEREIN, that we declare May 7, 2025 as Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated Day in the State of Illinois.