Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. is a historically African American sorority, international collegiate, and non-profit community service organization founded on November 12, 1922, in Indianapolis, Indiana. The sorority was established by seven African American women: 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].

History

Sigma Gamma Rho was created to support Black women pursuing degrees in education and was initially incorporated in Indiana in 1922 as a sorority for school teachers. It became a national collegiate sorority on December 30, 1929, when the Alpha chapter was chartered at Butler University. By 1930, the sorority expanded its membership criteria to include women of all professions provided they were attending or had attended a recognized college [1][4].

In 2022, Sigma Gamma Rho celebrated its Centennial Anniversary with events at Butler University and dedicated a historical marker in Irvington, Indiana [1][4].

Membership and Structure

Sigma Gamma Rho boasts over 100,000 members worldwide with more than 500 undergraduate and alumnae chapters in the United States, Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada, Germany, South Korea, U.S. Virgin Islands, Tokyo, and the United Arab Emirates [1][3]. The organization has affiliate groups for women at different life stages, including Rhosebuds for elementary school girls, Rhoer Club Affiliates for teenagers, and Philos Affiliates for community supporters [1].

Mission and Activities

The sorority's motto is "Greater Service, Greater Progress," reflecting its commitment to community service and empowerment. Sigma Gamma Rho supports various initiatives, such as Project Cradle Care for prenatal health and the Women’s Wellness initiative, focusing on health issues like breast cancer awareness, heart health, and mental health [3][5].

Impact

Sigma Gamma Rho has a strong reputation for leadership development and community outreach. Members have achieved notable success in various fields, including education, sports, and activism, demonstrating the sorority's impact on personal and professional growth [3].

Kappa Xi Sigma Alumnae Chapter

While the main article focuses on the national organization, local chapters like the Kappa Xi Sigma Alumnae Chapter contribute to the overall mission. Established in 2007, Kappa Xi advises several universities and engages in community service through affiliate groups [2].

References