From the DST IHQ:
http://www.deltasigmatheta.org/docs/...0Statement.pdf
DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY, INCORPORATED
A Service Sorority Founded in 1913
1707 New Hampshire Avenue N.W., Washington, DC 20009 | (202) 986-2400 | Telefax (202) 986-2513
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Releases Statement Re: Tennessee Shootings,
Senseless Loss of Life and Continued Calls for Gun Reform Policies
The National President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Beverly E. Smith, released a statement today on behalf of the
service organization as members express their heartfelt sympathies to the victims and their families of Sundays shooting
in Antioch outside of Nashville, Tennessee. The members also mourn the loss of one of its members who was also fatally
shot in the incident and demand gun reform policies that protect innocent children from violence:
“Our heartfelt prayers and condolences go out to the victims and their families killed or injured during the mass shooting
at the Waffle House outside of Nashville, Tennessee early Sunday morning. It is with sadness that we have confirmed
two of the victims of this senseless act of violence were members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.
Soror De'Ebony Groves, initiated into Sorority through the Tau Nu Chapter at Belmont University in Spring of 2016, lost
her life this morning from gunshot wounds. Soror Groves, age 21, was set to graduate this year. Soror Sharita
Henderson, a member of Nashville Alumnae Chapter initiated through the Iota Tau Chapter at Middle Tennessee State
University, is currently in critical condition at a local area hospital. We find ourselves here again in the midst of another
tragedy that has taken innocent lives. This incident is even more painful for Delta as we must now prepare to lay to rest
one of our most precious gifts - a collegiate member, who represents the future of our Sorority and the future of a
generation of leaders of our country.
Gun violence and the availability of automatic assault weapons continue to plague American society. Delta Sigma Theta
has long held the position that we can save thousands of lives with common sense measures such as universal
background checks, waiting periods for gun purchase and raising the gun purchase age to 21 years old. The dialogue of
the gun control debate must shift from the refusal to challenge the 2nd Amendment right to bear arms, to action by
placing conditions such as a ban on civilian ownership of assault/military type weapons. There are conditions placed on
the 1st Amendment right to freedom of speech; and Delta believes this is no different.
It is time to demand action on gun control and we call on Congress and organizations like the National Rifle Association
to consider their role in supporting common sense gun policies that will protect the lives of our citizens. We have the
power to make a difference to yield the results we are seeking in this country to put an end to mass shootings. Delta
vows to hold elected officials accountable and will stand on our principles for common sense gun control.
Sorors, we will honor those who have lost their lives or who have been affected by gun violence by raising our voices,
casting our votes and standing on the side of justice in our communities. We mourn this loss today, but we will not let
this act of violence silence our will to do what is right.”
In Service and In Love,
Beverly E. Smith
National President & CEO
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