Mission Statement
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority's aim is to enhance the quality of life within
the community. Public service, leadership development and education of
youth are the hallmark of the organization's programs and activities.
Sigma Gamma Rho addresses concerns that impact society educationally,
civically, and economically.
Foundations
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. was organized on November 12, 1922 in Indianapolis,
Indiana by seven school teachers: Mary Lou Allison Little, Dorothy Hanley
Whiteside, Vivian White Marbury, Nannie Mae Gahn Johnson, Hattie Mae Dulin
Redford, Bessie M. Downey Martin and Cubena McClure. The group became
an incorporated national collegiate sorority on December 30, 1929, when
a charter was granted to Alpha chapter at Butler University.
Soaring To Greater Heights Of Attainment Around The World, Sigma Gamma
Rho Sorority, Inc., as a leading national service organization, has met
the challenges of the day and continues to grow through Sisterhood,
Scholarship and Service.
Please view our Sigma Gamma Rho Quick Facts for General
Information on the organization.
Growth
The first three years were devoted to organizing. The first call for a
national boule (convention) was held in Indianapolis, December 27-29,
1925. The second was held in Louisville, Kentucky at which time Fannie
O'Bannon became the grand basileus.
In keeping with the ideals of Sigma Gamma Rho, the sorority has supported
the following organizations: National Association for the Advancement
of Colored People, National Council of Negro Women, National Pan Hellenic
Council, Leadership Conference on Civil Rights, National Urban League,
March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation, National Mental Health Association,
United Negro College Fund, Martin Luther King Center for Non-Violent Social
Change, Black Women's Agenda and American Association of University Women.
With over 400 chapters in the United States, Bermuda, the Virgin Islands,
Bahamas and Germany, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. is committed to improve
the quality of life for its members and the society it serves.
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Sisterhood,
Scholarship & Service
Sisterhood
From seven young teachers, Sigma Gamma Rho has become an international
service organization comprised of women from every profession. Sigma Gamma
Rho offers its members opportunities to develop their unique talents through
leadership training and involvement in sorority activities. Sorority activities
provide an atmosphere where friendships and professional contacts are
developed which often lead to bonds that last a lifetime.
Sigma women are dedicated to helping each other and their personal success
is recognized in The Aurora (the official publication
of the sorority) and through various awards.
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Scholarship
In a time when education for African Americans was difficult to attain,
the founders of Sigma Gamma Rho became educators. They believed that the
self-respect, knowledge and discipline gained through study would help
individuals to recognize their duty and responsibility for their society.
Thus, Sigma Gamma Rho was founded on the precept of education and continues
to promote and encourage high scholastic attainment.
In addition to annual scholarships awarded by local alumnae chapters,
in 1984 the National Education Fund was created. The Fund was designed
to insure perpetual support for its commitment to education and for research
in education, health and related fields.
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Service
Sigma Gamma Rho's commitment to service is expressed in its slogan, "Greater
Service, Greater Progress." The sorority has a proud history of offering
service wherever chapters exist, including OPERATION BigBookBag, 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. The objective is for chapters to provide their
local homeless shelters and children hospitals with educational materials,
equipment and supplies. Other national projects include Wee Savers, Project
Reassurance and Habitat for Humanity, Sigma Gamma Rho built seven homes
across the United States in Florida, District of Columbia, Wisconsin,
California, and Texas.
The service of Sigma Gamma Rho from a global perspective includes Project
Africa and Project Mwanamugimu. Through active participation in programs
and through networking with other organizations such as the National Council
of Negro Women, Urban League and the NAACP, Sigma's legacy of service
to improve the quality of life for all mankind continues.
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Sigma Gamma Rho
Quick Facts:
Sigma Flower- The sorority flower is the yellow tea rose.
Sigma Mascot - The sorority mascot is the Poodle.
Sorority Colors- The sorority colors are royal blue and gold.
Affiliates
• Philos- Affiliate group of non-alumnae adult women
• Rhoers- Affiliate group of young teenage women
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