Sigma Gamma Rho

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. () is a historically African American sorority. The sorority was founded on November 12, 1922. The organization was formed as a sorority in 1922, by seven African American women in Indianapolis, Indiana. At its inception, the sorority was created to support Black women pursuing degrees in education. It was incorporated within Indiana in November 1922 as a sorority for school teachers and held their first national conference in 1925. The sorority became a national collegiate sorority on December 30, 1929, when a charter was granted to the Alpha chapter then established at Butler University that year. The sorority was incorporated as a national collegiate sorority in 1930. Sigma Gamma Rho is the only sorority of the four historically African American National Pan-Hellenic Council sororities founded at a predominantly White institution instead of at Howard University. The sorority's slogan is "Greater Service, Greater Progress". The main archive URL i
The Baird's Manual Online Archive homepage

Sigma Gamma Rho has over 100,000 members with more than 500 undergraduate and alumnae chapters in the United States, Bermuda, The Bahamas, Canada, Germany, South Korea, U.S. Virgin Islands, Tokyo and the United Arab Emirates.

Sigma Gamma Rho has affiliate groups for women at different stages in life: Rhosebuds (elementary-age girls), the Rhoer Club Affiliates (teenage girls), and the Philos Affiliates (friends of the sorority). It has launched programs such as Sigma Teen Towns in the 1940s and formed partnerships with the March of Dimes, USA Swimming and others.

History

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated was founded on November 12, 1922, in Indianapolis, Indiana, by seven young 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 sorority was originally created as a professional organization for schoolteachers. With the legal guidance of Indianapolis attorney Robert Lee Brokenburr, the founders worked toward formalizing the organization. On December 30, 1929, Sigma Gamma Rho became an incorporated national collegiate sorority under Indiana law. A charter was granted to the Alpha Chapter at Butler University, and in 1930, the organization filed new articles of incorporation that opened membership to women of all professions who had completed or were pursuing a college education.

In 1937, Sigma Gamma Rho became a member of the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), the collaborative body of historically Black Greek-letter organizations. This affiliation helped expand the sorority’s presence nationally through partnerships in civic engagement, education, and social action.

The organization’s official slogan, “Greater Service, Greater Progress,” reflects its commitment to leadership development, education, and public service. Sigma Gamma Rho’s national programs address issues such as maternal health, youth development, and swim safety. Its community outreach has included partnerships with USA Swimming, the March of Dimes, and various educational initiatives.

In 1927, the sorority launched its official publication, The AURORA, founded by Blanche Stewart, with Gertrude Murchison serving as its first editor-in-chief. In 1970, a special supplement titled Behind These Doors: A Legacy was published to commemorate 40 years of the magazine and 48 years of the organization’s history.

In 2004, the National Headquarters of Sigma Gamma Rho moved from Chicago, Illinois, to its current location in Cary, North Carolina.

In 2022, the sorority celebrated its Centennial Anniversary at Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana. In partnership with the Indiana Historical Bureau, the organization was honored with a state historical marker placed outside of the Bona Thompson Memorial Center in the Irvington Historic District, near the original founding site.

Membership and structure

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated is a sisterhood of over 100,000 members across more than 500 undergraduate and graduate chapters. The organization is divided into five geographic regions: Central, Northeastern, Southeastern, Southwestern, and Western. The organization has chartered more than 500 chapters across the United States, the Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada, Ghana, Germany, Japan, South Korea, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the United Arab Emirates.

The sorority also includes three national affiliate groups that support its mission across different life stages. The Rhoer Club mentors girls ages 12 to 18, offering guidance in academics, leadership, and community service. The Philo Affiliate includes professional women who are not college-initiated members but who actively support the sorority’s mission and programs. The Rhosebud Club engages young girls ages 8 to 11, introducing them to the values of service, sisterhood, and personal development at an early age.

Member accomplishments are celebrated through various awards, national and regional conferences, and recognition in the organization’s official publication, ''The AURORA''.

International Grand Basileus

Listed below are the International Grand Basilei since the inception of the sorority on the campus of Butler University. An asterisk (*) denotes a deceased person.

* Mary Lou Allison Gardner Little* (1922–1925; acting 1925 to 1926)
* Edith Marlone Ward* (1926–1927)
* Fannie O’Bannon* (1927–1931)
* Edythe Roache Walker* (1931–1934)
* Bertha Black Rhoda* (1934–1944)
* Ethel Ross Smith* (1944–1948)
* Sallie Edwards Johnson* (1948–1954)
* Edna Douglas* (1954–1959)
* Dr. Lorraine A. Williams* (1959–1962)
* Dr. Cleo Surry Higgins* (1962–1963)
* Annie Lee Whitehead Neville* (1963–1967)
* Dr. Lorraine A. Williams* (1967–1971)
* Dr. Annie Lawrence-Brown* (1971–1976)
* Evelyn Hood* (1976–1980)
* Dr. Alice M. Swain* (1980–1984)
* Rejesta V. Perry* (1984–1988)
* Dr. Katie Kinnard White (1988–1992)
* Corine J. Green* (1992–1996)
* Dr. LaRona J. Morris* (1996–2000)
* Helen J. Owens (2000–2004)
* Dr. Mynora J. Bryant (2004–2008)
* Joann Loveless (2008–2012)
* Bonita M. Herring (2012–2016)
* Deborah Catchings-Smith (2016–2020)
* Rasheeda S. Liberty (2020–2024)
* Marica T. Harris (Since 2024)

Affiliates

Philos

Since its inception, Sigma Gamma Rho has promoted unity among women and for years many alumnae chapters worked with individuals who were not members of Greek-lettered organizations. These women were organized into auxiliaries that had various names until 1954 when the sorority officially approved the organized affiliate group and accepted the name of "Philo" (meaning, "friend") as their official name.

In 1980, the Philos were organized on a national level and have grown to represent hundreds of women organized on a regional level as well. The Philos have contributed countless hours of community service and thousands of dollars to aid Sigma Gamma Rho's aim to enhance the quality of life within every community.

Rhoers

The Rhoer Club is a youth affiliate of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated, designed for girls ages 12 to 18 who demonstrate high scholastic achievement and strong moral character. Sponsored and supported by local graduate chapters, Rhoer Clubs operate within each of the sorority’s five geographic regions.

The program provides structured training and mentorship in areas such as education, community service, leadership, cultural enrichment, and social development. Through workshops, service projects, and exposure to the sorority’s values, Rhoers receive the guidance and encouragement of Sigma Gamma Rho members to support their academic, personal, and professional growth.

Rhosebuds

The Rhosebud Club is an affiliate group of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated that engages girls between the ages of 8 and 11. Rhosebuds participate in age-appropriate activities designed to build self-confidence, foster leadership skills, and introduce the principles of sisterhood and service.

Local chapters of the sorority provide nurturing support and mentorship, helping young girls develop into well-rounded individuals prepared to become strong students and responsible citizens. Like the name suggests, Rhosebuds are guided with special care as they blossom into future leaders.

National Programs & Philanthropy

Operation BigBookBag

Operation BigBookBag is a program designed to address the needs, challenges and issues that face school-aged children who are educationally at-risk, in local homeless shelters and extended-care hospitals and facilities. Through this program, chapters and members collect and donate educational materials, equipment and school supplies.

Women’s Wellness Initiative

The Women’s Wellness Initiative is a consolidated effort that allows chapters to focus on health issues that impact women; specifically, women of color. The Women’s Wellness Initiative was developed after the Sorority’s participation in the United Nations/March of Dimes Prematurity Awareness panel in New York. Acceptable educational and programmatic efforts under this Initiative include, but are not limited to Breast Cancer Awareness, Intimate and Domestic Violence, Heart Health, Diabetes Health, Mental Health and other issues that target women. WWI programs can be conducted at any time during the sorority year.

Swim 1922

Swim 1922 was created to address the unfortunate truth that according to the CDC, approximately 10 people drown every day in the U.S.A. An even more startling fact is that 70 percent of African American children and 60 percent of Hispanic children in the U.S. do not know how to swim. Additionally, African American children are three times more likely to drown than Caucasian children. Through the partnership with USA Swimming, Sigma Gamma Rho’s Swim 1922 campaign aims to address this disparity by having. Olympians and members of the sorority teach the community about water safety and how to swim. With USA Swimming, Sigma Gamma Rho has touched close to 20,000 lives, directly, with the projection of changing multiple generations to come. Swim 1922 programs are conducted during May–August of the sorority year.

Project CRADLE Care

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority’s Project CRADLE Care is one of the essential programs designed to raise awareness of disparate and inequitable maternal and infant health outcomes Black women endure through community outreach, advocacy, education, and implicit bias training. In so doing, Sigma aim to mitigate outcome and life-course disparities in our communities.

Through Project CRADLE Care, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. and the March of Dimes collaborate to address the issues that adversely affect Black women and their children ranging from chronic physiological stressors and underlying health conditions to structural racism and implicit biases in our healthcare system.

Annual Youth Symposium

Held simultaneously, on the second Saturday of March by Alumnae Chapters across the nation, our Youth Symposium serves as a unifying effort during Sigma Week. The Symposium (supported by undergraduate chapters and affiliates) is designed to highlight some of the prevalent concerns that negatively impact our youth (drugs, teen violence, abuse, low self-esteem, suicide, teen pregnancy, human trafficking, etc.).

National Education Fund, Inc. (NEF)

The Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority National Education Fund, Inc. (NEF) provides access to scholarships, leadership development, and educational enrichment opportunities for students from all backgrounds. NEF seeks to remove barriers to academic achievement and open doors to future success. Its mission is twofold: to offer financial assistance to students with demonstrated need and to conduct educational programs that enhance quality of life through workshops, symposiums, and public forums.

Sigma Public Education and Research Foundation (SPEAR)

SPEAR is committed to promoting social, civic, cultural, economic, and educational progress for underserved communities. It supports public education and social science research aimed at reducing poverty and improving the lives of minorities, women, and children. SPEAR also provides fiscal sponsorship, enabling local chapters and community-based organizations to secure resources and implement service and advocacy programs effectively.

G.O.L.D.E.N. Charitable Foundation

The G.O.L.D.E.N. Charitable Foundation mobilizes members, affiliates, families, and local communities to engage in public service—the foundation of Sigma Gamma Rho since its establishment in 1922. Initially launched in connection with the Sorority’s Centennial Celebration, G.O.L.D.E.N. continues to expand the organization's legacy by supporting programs that uplift women, children, and families in underserved areas.

Chapters

Over 500 chapters in the United States, Bahamas, Bermuda, the Virgin Islands, Canada, Germany, South Korea and the United Arab Emirates.

Hazing controversies

The ''New York Times'' wrote about two hazing incidents involving the sorority. In 2008, a pledge at San Jose State University filed a civil suit against the sorority after being severely beaten, harassed, and threatened to keep the abuse a secret. Four sorority members were arrested and served 90 days in county jail. In 2010, at Rutgers University, six Sigma Gamma Rho women were arrested and charged with a felony after striking one pledge over 200 times which forced her to seek medical attention.

In March 2022, the sorority was expelled from Bowling Green State University following reports of "severe hazing"; the sorority committed at least six policy violations of the BGSU Code of Student Conduct including aggravated assault and forcing pledges to steal alcohol and marijuana.

Notable members

* Aisha Braveboy - former Maryland state delegate, state's attorney for Prince Georges County
* Gwen Cherry - 1st African American female to serve on the State Legislator in Florida, educator, lawyer, author, Florida House Representative
* Nina Turner - Former Ohio state senator
*Wendy Raquel Robinson - Actress, Producer and co-founder of Amazing Grace Conservatory
*MC Lyte - The first solo rapper to release her own, full-length album. Actress, Entrepreneur and Philanthropist. Co Founder of the Hip Hop Sisters Foundation.
* Fantasia Monique Barrino-Taylor - Known professionally by her mononym Fantasia, is an American R&B singer and actress. She rose to fame as the winner of the third season of the reality television series American Idol in 2004.
* Deshauna Barber-Miss USA 2016
* Nichole "Nicci" Gilbert- R&B Singer, Founding Member of Brownstone
* Arin Jackson- R&B Singer, Member of Brownstone
* Teisha Brown- R&B Singer, Member of Brownstone
* Marsha Ambrosius- English R&B Singer and Songwriter
* Ezinma- Violinist, Model, Music Educator and Film composer
* Kelly Price- 9x Grammy nominated R&B and gospel singer
* Maranda Curtis- Gospel Singer and Praise and Worship Leader
* Alexis Jones- Grammy Nominated Singer and Actress
* Tonya Edwards- Retired Professional Basketball Player and current assistant coach of the Chicago Sky
* Barbara Lee- U.S. representative for California's 13th congressional district, former chair of the Congressional Black Caucus and vice chair and a founding member of the Congressional LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus.
* Rebecca Roberts- Curator of Programming at Planet Word, and was formerly an American journalist.
* Hattie McDaniel- American actress, singer-songwriter, and comedian. The first African American to win an Oscar
* Jekalyn Carr- Gospel Singer, speaker, entrepreneur, actress, and author.
* Robin Kelly- American politician from Illinois who has served as the U.S. representative from Illinois's 2nd congressional district
* Lisa Price- Founder of Carol's Daughter multi-cultural beauty brand.
* Georgia Davis Powers-American politician who served for 21 years as a state senator in the Kentucky Senate
* Carmelita Jeter- retired American sprinter, known as the Fastest Woman Alive, who competed in the 60 metres, 100 m and 200 m. she is also a three-time Olympic medallist.
* Hydeia Broadbent- United-States–based HIV/AIDS activist
* Carolyn Tyler Guidry- bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church was the first woman appointed to be a presiding elder in the Fifth Episcopal District of the AME Church and the second woman to become a bishop in the denomination.
* Marilyn McCoo- Singer, Actress, and Television Presenter
* Maritza Correia- the first African-American woman to make the U.S. Olympic swim team and medal
* Vanessa Bell Armstrong- Four-time Grammy-nominated gospel Singer
* Maysa Leak- Jazz singer. Known for solo work and work with the band Incognito
* Sandra Bland- Activist. Her death following a traffic stop invigorated the Black Lives Matter movement.
* Renee Powell- A PGA Hall of Fame golfer. 2nd black woman to compete on the LPGA Tour. 1st woman of color elected to the membership in the PGA of America in 1996.
* Yolett McPhee-McCuin - Head coach of Ole Miss Rebels women's basketball.
* Alice Allison Dunnigan- 1st African-American female journalist credentialed to cover the White House in 1948. She was honored with a life-sized statue in the Newseum museum in Washington, DC in 2018
* Myeisha Taylor-Her work helping young people enter the field of medicine earned her the namesake of Doc McStuffins' mother on the hit Disney series.
* Lindy Boggs- 1st woman from Louisiana elected to Congress in 1973. 1st woman to chair the Democratic National Convention
* Mary T. Washington- 1st African-American CPA
* Dame Mary Eugenia Charles- 1st woman to hold the position of Prime minister of Dominica (1980-1995)
* Anna Maria Horsford- Actress
* Ellia English- singer, dancer, stage and film actress.
* Ta'Rhonda Jones - actress
* LaTavia Roberson - R&B singer, businesswoman, television personality; founding member of Destiny's Child
* Ruth Whitehead Whaley - attorney, first Black woman admitted to the bar in North Carolina, third to practice law in New York

See also

* Cultual interest fraternities and sororities
* List of social sororities and women's fraternities

* Roman goddess Aurora

References

External links

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National Pan-Hellenic Council
Student societies in the United States
African-American fraternities and sororities
International student societies
Fraternities and sororities in the United States
1922 establishments in Indiana
Student organizations established in 1922

Women's organizations based in the United States
Sororities