Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. (ΣΓΡ) is a historically African American sorority, international collegiate, and non-profit community service organization. It was founded on November 12, 1922, in Indianapolis, Indiana, by seven African American 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. The organization is often referred to as one of the "Seven Pearls" of Sigma Gamma Rho[1][2].

Founding and Incorporation

Initially, the sorority aimed to support Black women pursuing careers in education, particularly teaching. It became incorporated in Indiana in 1922 as a sorority for school teachers and held its first national conference in 1925. Sigma Gamma Rho transitioned into a national collegiate sorority on December 30, 1929, when it received a charter for the Alpha chapter at Butler University. The organization was formally incorporated as a national collegiate sorority in 1930[1][2].

Principles and Mission

Sigma Gamma Rho is guided by the principles of scholarship, service, and sisterhood. Its motto, "Greater Service, Greater Progress," underscores its commitment to community service and leadership development. The organization focuses on providing positive and proactive community outreach programs, both nationally and internationally[1][2].

Membership and Chapters

The sorority has over 100,000 members and more than 500 undergraduate and alumnae chapters across the United States, Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada, Germany, South Korea, U.S. Virgin Islands, and the United Arab Emirates[1][3]. Sigma Gamma Rho also includes affiliate groups: Rhosebuds for elementary-age girls, Rhoer Club Affiliates for teenage girls, and Philos Affiliates for friends of the sorority[1].

Notable Milestones

• Sigma Gamma Rho became part of the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) in 1937[5].
• The organization celebrated its 50th anniversary in 1972[5].
• The SPEAR (Sigma Public Education and Research) Foundation was established in 1993 to enhance community service efforts[5].
• In 2016, Soror DeShauna Barber became the first soldier to win Miss USA[5].
• In 2019, Sigma Gamma Rho established its first chapter in the Middle East, the Mu Phi Sigma Alumnae Chapter in the United Arab Emirates[5].

Programs and Partnerships

Sigma Gamma Rho has launched several programs and formed partnerships to promote education, health, and leadership. These include Sigma Teen Towns, partnerships with the March of Dimes, and a collaboration with USA Swimming to promote water safety[1][5]. The sorority also supports initiatives like the African Book Shower Project and Linens for Africa Drive, highlighting its international reach and commitment to service[4].

Awards and Recognition

Sigma Gamma Rho's achievements are highlighted in its publication, The Aurora, and through various awards recognizing the personal and professional success of its members[1][2].