Capitol Hill saw a sea of red on Tuesday as members of the Delta Sigma Theta sorority promoted legislation they believe is critical for the Black community.
Over 1,000 members of the historically Black sorority walked around to numerous lawmakers’ offices, determined to speak to as many as possible in order to discuss several topics of legislation they want to see pushed through, reports CNN.
Focusing on voting rights, gun background checks, colleges reporting hazing incidents, decriminalization of marijuana, criminal justice system reform, banning hair discrimination and more, the women were adorned in their signature red from head to toe.
Sarahjini Nunn Spencer, the Midwest regional director of the Deltas, stood outside Senator Mitch McConnell’s office with a number of her sorority sisters.
"Senator McConnell plays a vital role in getting issues passed within the Senate, and his effect is far-reaching, so we thought that it was important to come collectively, representing various states to let them know that we are here," Nunn Spencer said. "We are watching. And we need him to represent us as well."
Women from many states across the country traveled to D.C. in order to express the severity of the passage of these pieces of legislation.
Day 4 of #DDNC2020 – the visits to our representatives on the Hill. PHOTO CREDIT: @nhacdst
・・・
Members of @dstinc1913 are lined up to tell Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to end the gridlock and call the votes! #PowerinOurVoice
pic.twitter.com/aX3W7ZZqnP— EasternRegionDST (@easternregdst) February 25, 2020
"A lot of these issues affect our community, and they are currently sitting still on McConnell's desk," said Ashley Stepps of Little Rock, Arkansas.
Stepps also called on her senator, Republican Tom Cotton, to take action. Cotton’s staff later confirmed to CNN that his staff did meet with representatives of the sorority.
In between speaking with lawmakers, the women flashed the Greek symbol for change, putting their thumbs and index fingers together, forming a triangle.
Blessed to be around amazing women that are passionate about social action! #DDNC2020
@C3regionDST
@dstinc1913
pic.twitter.com/CQ7JKMRDKC— laina (@lainamalaina) February 23, 2020
Kyesha Williams, a 22-year-old University of Arkansas student, expressed the importance of addressing the student loan crisis.
"A lot of students come to school but they don't have the funds. I know a lot of those leave in debt,” Williams said. “So we're kind of trying to make sure that we aren't stuck, so far in debt after graduation.”
Nunn Spencer communicated the hesitation she has regarding the upcoming presidential election and the important role Black women will play.
"We worry about Russia, playing a part in these elections. We're also interested in voters' rights issues which we know is a state issue, but we also need them to recognize that he's very powerful on the state level, too, and can lead that charge as well," Nunn Spencer said.
National Executve Board is poised to kickoff the 31st Annual Delta Days in the Nation’s Capital. PHOTO CREDIT: Chanta Jackson, Eastern Region Journalist #DDNC2020
pic.twitter.com/fFLTI3EnfS— EasternRegionDST (@easternregdst) February 22, 2020
Over the weekend, the organization held their 31st annual Delta Days in the Nation’s Capital. The conference is aimed to increase members' involvement in public policy, according to their website. The weekend included briefings on legislative issues that affect the Black community, skill development sessions, senate press tours and more.
Today, well over 1,300 members of Delta Sigma Theta will take on Washington, DC for the 31st Annual Delta Days in the Nation’s Capital. This annual legislative conference brings the Sorority together to amplify our social action agenda. #DDNC2020
#PowerInOurVoice
#DST1913
pic.twitter.com/bUBHp8jQX6— Delta Sigma Theta (@dstinc1913) February 22, 2020
According to their Twitter, over 1,300 members attended the social action conference.