How It All Began.....
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. was organized on Sunday, November 12, 1922 on the campus of Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana by Mary Lou Allison Gardner Little and six school teachers: Dororthy Hanley Whiteside, Vivian Irene White Marbury, Hattie Mae Annette Dulin Redford, Bessie Mae Downey Rhoades Martin, Nannie Mae Gahn Johnson and Cubena McClure. These seven highly educated women became the charter members of the organization. The group became an incorporated national collegiate sorority on December 30, 1929, when a charter was granted to the Alpha chapter at Butler University. The sorority later joined the NPHC (National Pan-Hellenic Council) in 1937.
During the time of slavery, KKK, and the Jim Crow Laws the campus of Butler University founded in 1855 was in the midst of every form of racism. Despite this time in history, these seven ladies made an amazing change by creating the only African American sorority on the campus of a predominantly Caucasian university. Since the founding date, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. has soared and obtain various goals set by the organization's illustrious founders. With national programs such as Operation Big Bookbag, Project Reassurance, Project Wee Savers, Program for Africa, Mwanamugimu Essay Contest, Sigma Youth Symposium, National Marrow Donor Program, and the Hattie McDaniel Cancer Awareness, there's no question why the motto of this great organization is "Greater Service, Greater Progress".
Rho Chapter:
The RHOyal Rho Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. was charted on the campus of Winston-Salem State University on March 31, 1951 by three RHOmarkbale ladies: Bessie Bright, Melvernia Martin, and Ruth Johnson. As current members of this great organization, it is our hopes that we will continue to lead our chapter in RHOmarkbale ways to live up to the sorority's aim in enhancing the quality of live within our local community.
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 hallmarks of the organization's programs and activities. Sigma Gamma Rho addresses concerns that impact society educationally, civically, and economically.
Sorority's Quick Facts:
Established: Sunday, November 12, 1922 on the campus of Bulter Unversity in Indianapolis, Indiana
Sorority Colors: Royal Blue and Antique Gold
Sorority Flower: The Yellow Tea Rose
Sorority Mascot: The French Toy Poodle
Sorority Motto: "Greater Service, Greater Progress"
Sorority Handsign: Represents the number "7" in sign language to reflect the seven founders
Sorority Publication: The Aurora
Membership: 85,000+