Our SoRHOrs making prom dreams come true...

"The prom. For many, it is a high school dream come true, but for those who cannot afford a dress, it could be a nightmare. One local group is playing 'the dress fairy' to teenagers just in time for the big night. Sigma Gamma Rho sorority, Incorporated, hosted the Royal Princesses Formal Dress Drive at Dutch Square Mall Wednesday. The event was held in an effort to get gowns to girls who may not otherwise be able to have one. Janet Timmons of Columbia jumped at the chance to help."

To see video footage click here

Letter to WBLS 107.5

DEAR WBLS ,

I was disheartened to hear that Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. was not mentioned in your tribute to the National Pan-Hellenic Council Sororities on March 5th at 7:30am. Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Incorporated is a great part of Women’s history in America.

Born out of a time of great socioeconomic flux (much like today), before the Great Depression and immediately after the women's suffrage movement, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Incorporated was founded by seven educators. Mary Lou Allison Little, Bessie Mae Rhodes Downey Martin, Vivian White Marbury, Cubena McClure, Hattie Mae Annette Dulin Redford, Dorothy Whiteside, and Nannie Mae Gahn Johnson became educators (several with Master's degrees) at a time when education was difficult to attain as an African-American. Armed with degrees from Butler University, Western Reserve University, et.al the seven formed a teacher's union that would provide support for those who wished to educate and foster service to the community. Dedicating the first three years to organizing, the founders of Sigma Gamma Rho expanded the organization to include women who are interested in every phase of education thus setting the standard for inclusion of all women of purpose.

Despite the ever changing social climate in the United States, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Incorporated remained a relevant, reliable, driving force within the community. Rapid expansion of Sigma Gamma Rho has led to several chapters overseas including Korea, Germany and the Bahamas. Pioneering women, the likes of Hattie McDaniel (first African American Woman to win an Oscar), Mary Washington (first woman CPA in Chicago, IL) and L. Marion Poe (first African American woman admitted to the Bar in the Southern U.S.), were attracted to and sought membership to this illustrious organization.

The service initiatives of Sigma have deep and lasting positive influences. Some examples are:

• Project Wee Savers- a program that teaches young adults essential money management skills.

• National Youth Symposium- an interactive town hall meeting for youth focusing on some of the prevalent concerns that negatively impact our youth: drugs, teen violence, abuse, low self-esteem, suicide, teen pregnancy, etc. Held on the second Saturday of March by each Alumnae Chapter, simultaneous Sigma Youth Symposiums address issues that affect teens today.

• Project Reassurance- the signature service initiative that provides health education, support and nurturing for expectant teen mothers and teens who are parents. The project has now evolved to focus more on Healthy Choices, Healthy Living and Healthy Generations (H³) to help reduce teen pregnancy through a comprehensive year round program addressing the factors that lead to teen pregnancy - low self-esteem, diet and economic issues - while also providing support and guidance when it does occur.

As Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. celebrates over 87 years of existence, its purpose, relevance and imminent staying power is further buttressed by the announcement of its partnership with LIONSGATE to address domestic abuse, teenage pregnancy, low self-esteem and a host of other community concerns through the promotion of "PRECIOUS", a film adapted by the novel PUSH written by Sapphire.

Inspiration can be found in the rich history of this international service organization which began with seven women who sought to positively affect their peers and now has grown to 90,000 plus members and 500 chapters worldwide.

PLEASE INCLUDE SIGMA GAMMA RHO SORORITY INCORPORATED in your NPHC tribute. Your dedicated listeners should be educated on ALL of the members of the National Pan-Hellenic Council.

Sincerely,

The NER Sophisticate

Win a Wii at Jacksonville Youth Symposium this Weekend | firstcoastnews.com | Health News

Win a Wii at Jacksonville Youth Symposium this Weekend | firstcoastnews.com | Health News

Legendary member of Sigma Gamma Rho mentioned in Oscar Speech

Tonight, was a spectacular night for the movie "Precious" and all that were involved in bringing it into fruition. At the 82nd annual Oscar ceremony, Monique was awarded Best Supporting Actress for her role as the mother in "Precious". She gracefully made her way to the stage to accept the award and offered a succinct but impactful speech. In that speech she thanked Soror Hattie McDaniel, the first African-American woman to win an Oscar.

"I would like to thank Miss Hattie McDaniel for enduring all that she had to so I would not have to."

In those few words Monique acknowledged the enormous struggle that black actresses and actors were faced with in early Hollywood (and still face today). Soror Hattie McDaniel dealt with a great deal of racism on and off the set. McDaniel had to compete heavily for every role that she landed while only receiving credit for 80 roles out of the 300 she played. She endured a great deal of criticism from the NAACP for playing maids. Soror McDaniel battled (and won) against racist homeowners who wished to keep wealthy African-Americans out of their neighborhood. But, despite all of the adversity, Hattie McDaniel went on to pave the way for Halle Berry, Denzel Washington, and now Monique, as she claimed victory at the Oscars in 1940.

70 years later, the members of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. sign on with Lionsgate to promote a touching film that would illuminate domestic violence, abuse, illiteracy and other social issues within struggling communities in order to bring about awareness and change. That film would feature Monique, Gabourey Sidibe, and a list of other great talents. Monique would move on to win an Oscar and thank the prominent member of that very same philanthropic organization. This is a true and shining example of the motto we hold dear "Greater Service, Greater Progress"

Undergraduate Soror in South Carolina recognized by the American Advertising Federation

Every year, the American Advertising Federation recognizes top minority students across the nation who demonstrate leadership and show promise in the career field. Congratulations Soror Hankins for being recognized by the AAF!

The Daily Gamecock - Gamecocks of the Week: Tekedra Hankins & Owen Black

Coke backtracks, alters step champ status after protest :: CHICAGO SUN-TIMES :: Metro & Tri-State

Coke backtracks, alters step champ status after protest :: CHICAGO SUN-TIMES :: Metro & Tri-State

Need Access to Sigma Download Center?

In order to maintain the integrity of the Sigma Download Center, the password has been changed. The instruction packet, complete with the new password was recently sent to your Area Coordinator for distribution to you. If you have not received it, please be sure to email sakintobi@gmail.com.

Thank you!