National Herstory

---

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. was founded on November 12, 1922 in Indianapolis, Indiana on the campus of Butler University. It was during this time that the KKK in Indianapolis boasted the largest membership outside of the American south. It was because of this difficult and oppressive environment that seven school teachers set out to organize the Black Greek Letter organization of Sigma Gamma Rho to support and uplift the surrounding community. These brave young educators, our seven founders, were: 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.

Sigma Gamma Rho became an incorporated national collegiate sorority on December 30, 1929, when a charter was granted to Alpha chapter at Butler University, becoming the first and only historically black sorority founded on a predominately white college campus. The first three years of Sigma Gamma Rho were devoted to organizing. This made way for the first national Boule, now a biennial conference,  which convened in Indianapolis, Indiana on December 27-29, 1925. The second was held in Indianapolis as well at which time Edythe Malone Ward became the second Grand Basileus and successor to founder Mary Lou Allison Little.

Mission

It is the mission of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. to enhance the quality of life for women and their families in the U.S. and globally through community service, civil, and social action. Our goal is to achieve greater progress in the areas of education, health awareness, and leadership development. Our members, affiliates, staff, and community partners work to create and support initiatives that align with our vision.

Vision

We visualize a world in which all women and their families reach their full potential in all aspects of life and are able to create unlimited opportunities for future generations.