In this edition of The Divine Nine News, we recognize the enduring legacy of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., which was founded by seven visionary women at Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana, on Nov. 12, 1922.
The founders united to form the sorority and now, more than a century later, their vision continues to flourish through sisterhood, scholarship, and service locally, nationally, and internationally. With more than 100,000 members, the sorority has 500 chapters in the United States, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada, Germany, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates.
The organization is currently led by Marica T. Harris, the 26th international grand basileus of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. As the International President, Harris leads more than 100,000 members within 500 chapters worldwide and serves as the Chair of the sorority’s Board of Directors. According to her sorority’s website, Harris was instrumental in expanding their global footprint in Ghana, Belize, and Tokyo.
Their slogan, “Greater Service, Greater Progress!” exemplifies their collective focus on making a difference in the lives of members as well as individuals and families in the communities they serve.
Of the four sororities in the Divine Nine, Sigma Gamma Rho is the only one that was established on a predominantly white institution. Well respected as change agents, their community outreach includes a range of programmes, including the Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority National Education Fund, Inc. (NEF), Operation BigBookBag (yes, that’s all one word), Women’s Wellness Initiative, Project Cradle Care, Annual Youth Symposium, and Swim 1922.
For more information about Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. and their noteworthy membership, visit: sgrho1922.org.