The alumnae chapters of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., including Savannah Alumnae, Stone Mountain-Lithonia Alumnae, Rome Alumnae, Marietta-Roswell Alumnae, North Fulton Alumnae, Douglas-Carroll-Paulding Counties Alumnae, Gwinnett County Alumnae, Henry County Alumnae, and East Point College Park Alumnae, have been actively engaged in addressing voter suppression issues through their Social Action committee’s “Right to VOTE Issues” movement for many years. This year, they have organized a tour under the theme “One Delta-One Georgia” to raise awareness about this enduring challenge to our democracy.
In their program reflections, they emphasized the significance of their efforts, stating, “Today, we lay to rest the persistent issues undermining our democracy. These are the barriers hindering our progress and development, the injustices that persist unchecked. We are witnessing a troubling regression in fairness affecting many individuals and families across all aspects of life. It is crucial that we amplify our voices to make these injustices a central concern in electoral processes.”
Dr. Jamal Bryant, the senior pastor of the New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, stressed during his words of voter comfort, “today we stand on the shoulders of our ancestors that fought so hard…”
The organizer Dr. Patricia W. Harris, member of the National Social Action Commission of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., discussed her reasoning for holding the event, stating, “there might come a time where we’re going to be fighting again for our rights so we have to take a stand.”
The event united community members of all ages to foster a deeper understanding of the crucial importance of voting, regardless of political affiliation. President Candace Hull-Simon of the Stone Mountain-Lithonia Alumnae Chapter underscored the significance for youth, stating, “this resonates deeply with our younger generation, and it’s imperative that we amplify this message. Voter suppression is a real threat, subtle yet pervasive, particularly targeting our collegiate campuses.” She emphasized, “We must shed light on this issue… Individuals can check and scan their voting QR codes to verify their status… You can be active one day and inactive the next.”
During the program’s reflections on voting, Kemberlee Pugh, Social Action Chair for the Marietta Roswell Alumnae chapter, issued a call to action, stating, “Let me remind y’all of something. Some of your ancestors wanted to vote, but couldn’t. Some of your founders marched in the streets for the right to vote and here you are not voting in every election… The doors to the polls are open. So won’t you vote.”