During the 20th Delta Days at the United Nations, U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield addressed attendees, emphasizing the importance of racial and gender equity. The event coincided with the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) week.
Thomas-Greenfield began her remarks with a light-hearted reference to wearing red, which she described as her "power color." She acknowledged President Cooke-Holmes for an introduction that made her reflect on her career achievements humorously.
The ambassador highlighted significant figures in history who broke barriers, including Dorothy Height, Shirley Chisholm, Aretha Franklin, Marcia Fudge, and Patricia Roberts Harris. Quoting Harris, she said: “If my life has any meaning at all, it is that those who start out as outcasts can wind up being part of the system.” Thomas-Greenfield shared her personal experiences growing up in the segregated South and walking alongside David Duke at LSU.
She praised Delta Sigma Theta for its century-long advocacy for women's suffrage and civil rights. “Delta Sigma Theta is a living testament to that,” she stated. She stressed that much work remains as women’s rights face challenges globally and domestically.
Highlighting global issues faced by women and girls in Afghanistan, Iran, Israel, Sudan, Gaza, Ukraine, Haiti, and the United States, Thomas-Greenfield expressed concern over attacks on fundamental rights. She reaffirmed the Biden-Harris Administration's commitment to addressing these challenges but emphasized the need for grassroots support: “We cannot do it alone.”
The ambassador encouraged Delta Sigma Theta members to continue their efforts year-round through international partnerships and advocacy. With chapters worldwide and Special Consultative Status at the UN, they are making a global impact.
In closing, Thomas-Greenfield thanked attendees for their belief in multilateralism and diplomacy: “You are part of that multilateralism; you are part of that diplomacy.” She concluded by wishing them a successful Delta Days event.