Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.

Overview

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. is a historically African American sorority that was founded on November 12, 1922, in Indianapolis, Indiana, by seven young educators: Mary Lou Allison Gardner Little, Dorothy Hanley Whiteside, Vivian Irene White Marbury, Nannie Mae Gahn Johnson, Hattie Mae Annette Dulin Redford, Bessie Mae Downey Rhoades Martin, and Cubena McClure[1][2][3]. These founders are often referred to as the "Seven Pearls" of Sigma Gamma Rho[4]. Initially, the organization focused on supporting African American women in education, particularly those pursuing careers as teachers[1][4].

Mission and Activities

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. is guided by the principles of scholarship, service, and sisterhood. The organization is dedicated to providing community service and leadership development opportunities to its members. The sorority’s motto, "Greater Service, Greater Progress," reflects its commitment to empowering communities and fostering personal growth among its members[1][2][3].

Over time, Sigma Gamma Rho has expanded its mission beyond education to include broader community service initiatives. The organization has established affiliate groups for women at different stages of life, including Rhosebuds for elementary-age girls, Rhoer Club Affiliates for teenage girls, and Philos Affiliates for friends of the sorority[1][2].

Milestones and Impact

Sigma Gamma Rho became an incorporated national collegiate sorority on December 30, 1929, when a charter was granted to the Alpha chapter at Butler University[1][2][3]. The organization joined the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) in 1937, becoming part of the group known as "The Divine Nine"[5].

Throughout its history, Sigma Gamma Rho has launched several notable programs, including Sigma Teen Towns in the 1940s and partnerships with organizations like the March of Dimes and USA Swimming[1][5]. The sorority has also established international programs, such as Project Africa, to support communities abroad[4].

Notable Members

Sigma Gamma Rho boasts a diverse membership of over 100,000 women worldwide, including several notable figures. Members such as Robin Kelly, a U.S. Congresswoman; Deshauna Barber, a U.S. Army Reserve Captain and former Miss USA; and Maritza Correia, the first African American female to win Olympic medals in swimming, reflect the organization’s commitment to leadership and achievement[3].

Global Presence and Chapters

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. has more than 500 chapters in the United States, as well as international chapters in countries such as Bermuda, Canada, Germany, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates[1][2][3]. In 2019, it established its first chapter in the Middle East, expanding its global reach[5].

In 2022, Sigma Gamma Rho celebrated its centennial anniversary, marking a century of service and sisterhood. As part of this celebration, Butler University conferred honorary degrees on the sorority's founders[5].