Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. was founded on November 12, 1922 by seven young brave African American women educators in Indianapolis, Indiana. On December 30, 1929, a charter was granted to the Alpha chapter at Butler University making the organization a national college sorority. It is the only one of the National Pan-Hellenic Conference sororities not founded at Howard University, site of the Alpha chapters of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta, and Zeta Phi Beta.
Sigma Gamma Rho’s founders are Nannie Mae Gahn Foster Johnson, Mary Lou Allison Gardner Little, Vivian Irene White Marbury, Bessie Mae Downey Rhoades Martin, Cubena McClure, Hattie Mae Annette Dulin Redford, and Dorothy N. Hanley Whiteside.
Last week, a package arrived from a friend in Indianapolis. Inside was a signed copy of Walking in the Founders’ Footsteps: Sigma Gamma Rho and a program for the Historical Marker Dedication Program which took place on July 11, 2022. What a wonderful gift. I would loved to have been at the marker dedication and if I get to Indy again I will visit it.
As I am writing this on Friday, November 11, 2022, the Sigma Gamma Rhos are on the Butler campus holding a Where It All Began Centennial Ceremony from 6:30 p.m. through midnight. On the 12th, they will celebrate with a National Centennial Day of Service to honor female veterans.
Among the fun facts I learned from reading the book:
Nannie Mae Gahn designed the Sorority’s official pin.
Vivian Irene White Marbury lived the longest life of any of the Founders. She celebrated her 100th birthday in 2000.
Dorothy N. Hanley Whiteside was the first female “paperboy” for The Indianapolis News. After she retired from teaching she opened Hats by Dorothy, a millinery business.
And I suggest a look at this website dedicated to the Centennial and the Sorority’s history.
What a fabulous century you’ve had, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.! May the next century carry many blessings and continue the legacy set forth by the women who began your sorority.
