WHO WE ARE
History was made on December 12, 2021, in the golden heart of Ghana. Nu Lambda Sigma, the first Alumnae Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. on the continent of Africa, was charted by ten visionary women. This historic event, which coincided with the organization's 99th anniversary, established Sigma Gamma Rho as one of four Historically Black Greek-lettered Sororities expanding into the continent.
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Even before the charter, the sorority welcomed four (4) new members in a historic initiation ceremony. This was the first on the continent since the late 1960s when Gamma Alpha was charted on the campus of Monrovia University in Monrovia, Liberia. Our charter emphasizes the African-American community's long-standing historical and cultural ties to the continent, notably as a global movement aimed at encouraging and strengthening relationships of solidarity among all indigenous and diasporas of African descent. The charter extends beyond continental Africans, with a strong support base among the African diaspora in the Americas and Europe, and is based on a common purpose dating back to the Atlantic slave trade.
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Since November 12, 1922, Sigma Gamma Rho has been a beacon of light for collegiate and professional women, cultivating a culture of sisterhood, scholarship, and service. As Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. celebrates 101 years of existence, the Nu Lambda Sigma Alumnae Chapter looks forward to carrying on the founders' legacy. Nu Lambda Sigma strives to increase girls' education in Africa, with a particular emphasis on menstruation health, economic empowerment, and free access to safe drinking water.
Through scholarship, sisterhood, and service, Sigma Gamma Rho has served as a home for thousands of college and professional women looking for a place to share amazing life experiences, learn new things, conquer life problems, succeed in society, and enhance the community. The women in this chapter are diverse and proud to represent Mother Africa. There are currently over 500 chapters in the Bahamas, Belize, Canada, Ghana, Germany, Japan, South Korea, United States of America, United States Virgin Islands, and the United Arab Emirates. The vivacious women of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. have built and maintained a well-known and highly valued reputation for encouraging constructive change.
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Join us on this thrilling adventure, where the legacy of Africa continues to evolve. We are committed to serving humanity, strengthening our presence, and changing lives in Africa.
SEVEN PEARLS
A legacy of scholarship, sisterhood, and service
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. was organized on November 12, 1922, in Indianapolis, Indiana, by seven young educators. The group became an incorporated national collegiate sorority on December 30, 1929, when a charter was granted to the Alpha chapter at Butler University. Since its inception, the dynamic women of Sigma Gamma Rho have built and sustained a well-known and well-respected reputation for leading positive change to help uplift the community through sisterhood, leadership, and service. Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. takes immense pride in its illustrious history, deeply rooted in the visionary endeavors of seven remarkable women, affectionately known as the "Seven Pearls." These pioneering founders embarked on a remarkable journey to establish a sorority that would epitomize unwavering dedication to scholarship, sisterhood, and service.
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On May 7, 2022, a momentous event in the annals of Sigma Gamma Rho history unfolded. During the Butler University degree conferral ceremony, President James Danko conferred posthumous Honorary Doctorates of Humane Letters upon each of our seven beloved founders. President Danko, paid homage to the founders, recognizing their courage in overcoming the barriers of racial segregation to establish an enduring organization that has not only survived but thrived for a century.
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The 25th International Grand Basileus of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., Madame Rasheeda S. Liberty, had the distinct privilege of accepting this prestigious honor on behalf of our founders. She was gracefully hooded in their stead, symbolizing the indomitable spirit and vision of our Seven Pearls. The event also saw the presence of Soror Madame Grand Anti-Grammateus Dr. Khalilah A Shabazz, the great-granddaughter of Founder Dr. Vivian Irene White Marbury, who shared her profound insights with the assembly. This historic recognition by Butler University reaffirms the enduring commitment of Sigma Gamma Rho to the values and vision set forth by our founders. It serves as a testament to our dedication to scholarship, sisterhood, and service both then and now.
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Discover the extraordinary women who laid the foundation for Sigma Gamma Rho:
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Dr. Mary Lou Allison Gardner Little (Minnie) - A dedicated teacher with a profound belief in the power of education, Minnie tirelessly worked to enhance the lives of her students.
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Dr. Dorothy Hanley Whiteside (Duchess) - Known for her compassionate and caring nature, Duchess, a social worker, channeled her empathy to assist those in need.
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Dr. Vivian White Marbury (Diva) - A passionate teacher and educator, Diva dedicated herself to imparting knowledge to the youth and uplifting her community.
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Dr. Nannie Mae Gahn Johnson (Nan) - A trailblazer and one of the first African-American female pharmacists in the United States, Nan left an indelible mark in the field.
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Dr. Hattie Mae Dulin Redford (Hattie) - A school principal, she wrote her thesis about student government in the elementary schools of Indianapolis.
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Dr. Bessie Mae Downey Rhoades Martin (Bessie) - An advocate for education, Bessie's life was dedicated to promoting literacy and learning.
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Dr. Cubena McClure - A visionary woman with dreams of creating a sorority that would empower women and serve the community.
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These exceptional women established a legacy of scholarship, sisterhood, and service, that continues to thrive within Sigma Gamma Rho today. Their unwavering commitment to making a difference in the world stands as an enduring inspiration for our chapter and the entire Sigma community.
SIGMA SMARTS: KEY FACTS
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Sigma Gamma Rho is the only member of the NPHC that started as a professional organization.
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It's the only NPHC sorority founded at a predominately white institution.
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Sigma Gamma Rho is the only NPHC sorority not founded at Howard University.
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It's the only Greek-letter organization founded by university graduates rather than undergraduates.
UNIQUE BEGINNINGS
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Sigma Gamma Rho has a broad service network, with over 500 chapters in Bahamas, Belize, Canada, Ghana, Germany, Japan, South Korea, United States of America, United States Virgin Islands, and the United Arab Emirates.
GLOBAL PRESENCE
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Sigma Gamma Rho was established on November 12, 1922, at Butler University, Indianapolis, Indiana.
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The sorority has a membership of over 100,000+ members.
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Sigma Gamma Rho is part of the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC - Divine 9).
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The organization operates across five regions: Central, Northeastern, Southeastern, Southwestern, and Western.
HISTORICAL FACTS
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The sorority's slogan is "Greater Service, Greater Progress".
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The abbreviated title for Sigma Gamma Rho is "SGRho" or Sigma.
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The sorority call is "EE-YIP!".
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The sorority's flower is the yellow tea rose.
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The mascot is the French Poodle.
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Sigma Gamma Rho's colors are royal blue and gold.
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The official magazine of the sorority is "The AURORA".
OUR IDENTITY
INTERNATIONAL GRAND BASILEUS
Rasheeda S. Liberty
2020 - Present
PAST INTERNATIONAL GRAND BASILEI
OUR AUXILLIARIES
EXPLORE SIGMA
Experience the distinguished legacy of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated. Connect with the depth of our organization by exploring our regional chapter at www.sgrhoneregion.org and gaining insights into our global presence at the official Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. website: www.sgrho1922.org. Delve into the rich history and accomplishments that define us as a Sorority committed to excellence in sisterhood, scholarship, and service.
THE DIVINE 9
Members of the nine Black Greek-letter organizations are collectively known as the Divine Nine (D9). The Divine Nine history of African-American sororities and fraternities dates back to the early 20th century, a time when racism and discrimination against Black Americans were prevalent. During the early 1900s, as Black Americans sought better education and economic opportunities by enrolling in colleges after graduating from Freedmen's Schools and religious educational institutions, they encountered restrictive racial clauses in White fraternities and sororities' constitutions. This led to the founding of our own fraternal organizations, reflecting our culture and experiences.
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The organizations that make up the Divine Nine are:
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Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., founded in 1906
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Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., founded in 1908
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Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., founded in 1911
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Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., founded in 1911
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Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., founded in 1913
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Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., founded in 1914
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Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., founded in 1920
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Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., founded in 1922
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Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc., founded in 1963
Throughout our history, D9 organizations have played a central role in uplifting the Black community and have produced prominent civil rights leaders, such as Kwame Nkrumah, (Ghanaian Pan-Africanist and the first Prime Minister and President of Ghana) was a member of Phi Beta Sigma; Martin Luther King, Jr. (Civil Rights Leader); W.E.B. Du Bois (Sociologist and Activist); Thurgood Marshall (US Supreme Court Justice) were members of Alpha Phi Alpha; Kamala Harris, (Vice President of the United States) a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Ketanji Brown Jackson, (US Supreme Court Justice), a member of Delta Sigma Theta, Lana Michele Moorer (MC Lyte-Rapper, DJ, Actress) and Fantasia Barrino (Singer, Actress) are members of Sigma Gamma Rho, Steve Harvey, (Television Presenter, Comedian, Actor, and Author) a member of Omega Psi Phi.
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The founders and earlier members placed themselves at the forefront of critical issues in America, such as voting rights, racial justice, and equal education. Throughout history, membership in the D9 organizations enhanced the collegiate experience and uplifted the Black community. D9 organizations have chapters across the US and around the world. Collectively, we provide mentorship, guidance, and philanthropic service and programs to develop members and support the community. Membership in these organizations requires meeting academic and community service requirements and upholding moral character. There is a level of dedication that goes with becoming a member. You commit to work on behalf of your community with those representing something larger than yourself.
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Our Greek symbols and paraphernalia are reserved for duly initiated members. We distinguish our organizations with colors, calls, and letters. We wear clothing that bears our Greek letter with pride. Understanding and respecting the culture and traditions of our beloved organizations is essential, as we remain a vital part of the Black community's history and future. We encourage you to research and learn about the D9 culture and traditions. Our commitment extends beyond college into graduate school and throughout one's lifetime.​
Photo: AI generated image representing the four sororities by Shauna Jones.