House Resolution 83

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE SERVICE AND DEDICATION OF MRS. CYNTHIA M.A. BUTLER-MCINTYRE PROVIDED TO DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY, INC., DURING HER TERM AS THE ORGANIZATION'S 24TH NATIONAL PRESIDENT, IN OBSERVANCE OF WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH.

WHEREAS, during the term 2008-2013, which also included the organization's Centennial Anniversary of its founding in the final year of the term, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., was under the auspicious leadership of Mrs. Cynthia M.A. Butler-McIntyre, who shouldered the banner of advancing the sorority's mission with honor, grace, integrity and deft finesse as the 24th National President; and

WHEREAS, referred to as the "Centennial President," former National President Butler-McIntyre is a 1973 initiate of the Beta Gamma Chapter at Dillard University and present member of the New Orleans Alumnae Chapter whose dedicated service on the local, state, regional and national levels along with her determined spirit has gained the respect and admiration of each of Delta's nearly 300,000 members; and

WHEREAS, esteemed as a "leader with a servant's heart," former National President Butler-McIntyre had completed the necessary academic studies to earn both her bachelor of arts degree from Dillard University and master of education degree from the University of New Orleans, and by the age of 20, she served the children of Jefferson Parish Public School System for more than 30 years as a kindergarten teacher, assistant principal and summer school principal before ultimately retiring as the school system's Director of Human Resources, while also contributing her educational expertise and enhanced acumen to higher education on the campuses of Delgado Community College and the University of New Orleans; and

WHEREAS, an education activist and advocate, who currently serves as an educational consultant to new teachers and administrators seeking certification and licensure, former National President Butler-McIntyre's record of service, achievement and accomplishments have been recognized by numerous professional, religious, civic and educational organizations around the world, which have included: the bestowing of an honorary doctorate degree in divinity from Christian Bible College of Louisiana and an honorary doctorate of Humane Letters from Dillard University; recipient of more than ten other honors from various universities; being named Bests Female Alumnus of an HBCU by HBCU Digest; inclusion in Who's Who in American Education; honored by and featured in Essence magazine; induction in the African-American Hall of Fame by a local school; and the dedication of the Cynthia M.A. Butler-McIntyre Elementary School Campus in her honor in Cherette, Haiti, by her sorors of Delta Sigma Theta in June 2013; and

WHEREAS, selected by former President Barack Obama, in 2011, to serve as his appointee on the Board of Trustees of the Christopher Columbus Fellowship Foundation, former National President Butler-McIntyre is also a member of the National Board of the National Council of Negro Women, NAACP and the National Alliance of Black School Educators, while maintaining her unwavering devotion to local affiliates, including the teachers' union board, the Martin Luther King Task Force, a charter school board for young males, a former NBA player's foundation and the board of a community health care center; and

WHEREAS, inarguably skilled in the art of perfecting the work-life-service balance, former National President Butler-McIntyre, who was recently selected by Louisiana Governor, Jeff Landry, to serve as a Commissioner on the Board of Supervisors of all State Technical and Community Colleges, is a lifelong member of Olive Branch Baptist Church, the National Baptist Convention of America and The Links, Inc., and has enjoyed the unyielding support and admiration of her husband, Mr. Ronney McIntyre, along with their four children and three grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to acknowledge and commend the diligent works of remarkably astounding women of former National President Butler-McIntyre's caliber and refined character:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend the service and dedication of Mrs. Cynthia M.A. Butler-McIntyre provided to Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., during her term as the organization's 24th National President, in observance of Women's History Month, extend our heartfelt appreciation for her impactful contributions to this nation and express our greatest hope for continued success in all her future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Mrs. Cynthia M.A. Butler-McIntyre and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.