Fall/Winter 2022 Edition - The Aurora

SIGMA GAMMA RHO SORORITY, INC.

A community of learning

Together, we’re building a better, stronger community. State Farm® is proud to join our neighbors to support the Centennial Celebration for the women of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. and Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority National Education Fund, Inc.

International Officers

Contributors

Greetings from the International Grand Basileus Rasheeda S. Liberty

From the Editor L. Chanel Dickerson

Greetings from the Executive Director/ICHQ Karen Y. Williams

Beacon Of Light 13

| 38 | Summer 2022 honorary member inductees Arin Jackson, Teisha J. Brown, and Nichole “Nicci” Gilbert also known as R&B Group Brownstone celebrating Centennial in Indianapolis during Founders’ Weekend

| 38 | Official gold blazer wearing Fall 2022 honorary member inductees Fantasia Barrino Taylor and Yvonne McNair welcomed into the fold by Nichole “Nicci” Gilbert, immediate past Honorary Membership Chair Deborah Brown, and Arin Jackson

A Centennial Day Of Service

Let’s Give ‘Em Their Props

Region News

Central Region Leading In A Captivating Way

Northeastern Region Being Notable

Southeastern Region So Sophisticated Southwestern Region Super In Every Way

Western Region Because We’re Mighty

The Medal Of Honor From The Heart Of The Past Grand Basilei

Centennial Class: The Twenty Two Of ‘22

See The Mirror, Be The Mirror

ICHQ: Growing G.R.E.A.T.E.R. In 2022

Sigma Warriors: Breast Cancer Survivors

Alumnae On The Move

SIGMA GAMMA RHO SORORITY, INC.

| 34 | Soror Anne Knight Jordan with fellow women of the 6888th Battalion US Army

American Activist and Fall 2021 honorary member inductee Gwen Carr, mother of Eric Garner

AURORA

Undergraduate Pulse

Affiliate News

Celebrating Our Friends Philo News

Sisters Forever Rhoer News

Sigma Scribes: 7 Inspirational Authors

Sigma Gamma Rho

Certified/Registered Vendors

The Aurora Submission Guidelines

Hazing Is Prohibited

SIGMA GAMMA RHO SORORITY, INC.

73 | Gamma Nu Sorors of Norfolk State University - Donnetta Eaddy- Spring 2022, Jalyn Love- Spring 2022, Joelisha Blue- Spring 2021, Kayonia GarySpring 2022, Namoni Pugh- Spring 2022, Bryonna Turner- Spring 2021, Lunden Gaines- Spring 2021, Kiah McFarlane- Spring 2022

79 | Soror Tiffany A. Flowers - Author, University Professor, and Literacy Advocate

71 | “Blue Dynasty” Beta Delta Sorors of Temple University - Kylah Mitchell, Catherine McKoy, Taniyah Preux, Jasmine Dantzler, Tahjanae Nichols, and Camille Simpson-Pryce

INTERNATIONAL OFFICERS

SIGMA

INC.

2022-2024

INTERNATIONAL

CENTRAL REGION

Syntaktes: Loreal Marshall

Undergraduate Chapter Coordinator: Nai V. Colton

Youth Services Coordinator: Nariah Swails

NORTHEASTERN REGION

Syntaktes: Selicia Sellers

Undergraduate Chapter Coordinator: Demetria Smith

Youth Services Coordinator: Adira Abdulla

SOUTHEASTERN REGION

Syntaktes: Dr. Celestine LaVan

Undergraduate Chapter Coordinator: Tanya Batchelor-Judge

Youth Services Coordinator: Claribel Ross

SOUTHWESTERN REGION

Syntaktes: Miranda Moore

Undergraduate Chapter Coordinator: LaTisha Brandon

Youth Services Coordinator: Kennedy Martin

WESTERN REGION

Syntaktes: Michelle Aldridge

Undergraduate Chapter Coordinator: Syreeta Greene, Ed. D.

Youth Services Coordinator: Kharee Hoggs

APPOINTEES

International Legal Advisor

Debra Y. Hughes, Esq.

International Parliamentarian Monique Howery

International Program Coordinator

Zeretha Brickhouse

National Philo Coordinator

Jakimva Martin

National Rhoer Coordinator

Towanda Maddox

International Sergeant at Arms

Kesha Richardson

Boule Chaplain

Yolanda Davis-Koonce

Deputy Legal Advisor

Joyvan Malbon-Griffin

Global Membership Liaison

Romunda Harris-Fonville

PAST

INTERNATIONAL GRAND BASILEUS RASHEEDA S. LIBERTY

INTERNATIONAL SECOND GRAND ANTI-BASILEUS SAMARIA ROBINSON

INTERNATIONAL GRAND ANTI-GRAMMATEUS DR. KHALILAH SHABAZZ

INTERNATIONAL GRAND EPISTOLEUS TIERRE BUTLER

INTERNATIONAL FIRST GRAND ANTI-BASILEUS MARICA HARRIS

INTERNATIONAL GRAND GRAMMATEUS SHARRON BARNES

INTERNATIONAL GRAND TAMIOCHUS DANETTE A. SAMILTON

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OF THE AURORA L. CHANEL DICKERSON

Annie L. Lawrence-Brown, R.N., Ed.D. | 13th Evelyn H. Hood | 14th Katie Kinnard White, Ph.D. | 17th

Helen J. Owens | 20th Mynora J. Bryant, Ed.D. | 21st Joann Loveless | 22nd

Bonita M. Herring | 23rd Deborah Catchings-Smith | 24th

GRAND BASILEI

GAMMA RHO SORORITY,

AURORA THE

THE AURORA MAGAZINE

The Aurora is the official organ of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc, founded at Butler University, in Indianapolis, Indiana, November 12, 1922.

INTERNATIONAL HEADQUARTERS

1000 Southhill Drive, Suite 200 Cary, North Carolina 27513-8628 www.sgrho1922.org 1.888.SGR.1922

RASHEEDA S. LIBERTY INTERNATIONAL GRAND BASILEUS

L. CHANEL DICKERSON EDITOR-IN-CHIEF ASSOCIATE EDITORS FOR FEATURES

SIGMA GAMMA RHO SORORITY, INC.

ADRIENNE REDD GADLING GLORIA DALTON ANGELA SPEARS TAMELIA SPOONER-JAMES

RICHELLE N. JONES, J.D.

ASSOCIATE EDITOR FOR DESIGN & LAYOUT

DESIGN

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The Aurora is published three times a year. All materials for publication should be addressed to the attention of The Aurora at the International Headquarters or sent electronically to theauroramag@sgrho1922.org

The Editor assumes no responsibility for unsolicited photographs or manuscripts. Such documents, if to be returned, must be accompanied by a self-addressed stamped envelope. All Rights Reserved.

MARY BANKHEAD-SHEETS

LENAH ALLEN

DR. TREYCE LEE CRINERCARTER

GWENDOLYN M. GOINS

ASSOCIATE EDITORS FOR GENERAL CONTENT

TONISHIA HOLLOWAY

DR. KIMBERLY PORTER

TIFFANY JASPER

DR. MORLENA T. ROBINSON TASHELL THOMPSON KRISTEN WOODRUFF

SCHREECE JONES

DR. WANDA LEFLORE

ASSOCIATE EDITOR FOR SPECIAL CONTENT

Rasheeda S. Liberty

s we embrace our Centennial year, I am reflective upon the great works of our seven pearls – Our Founders. Each of them possessed something unique to leave an imprint on the sisterhood. They exuded talents, such as creativity, leadership, forethought, vision, and courage. Today, we are a sisterhood that demonstrates all of these traits. Each member brings something to the table to feed the mantra of “Greater Service, Greater Progress.”

Just as our Centennial year came in quickly, it is fleeting just as fast. The celebrations will subside, the paraphernalia will fade, and the memories will become foggy as we move throughout 2023. However, I am encouraging each of our members and our affiliates who support the mission to remember the gifts that each of you bring. It is not the national office or “the leadership” that creates the momentum. It is how well you are self-motivated to remember the work of our Founders to build this community of sisters known as Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. It is how purpose-driven you are to serve those who need us the most. It is how well you elevate, amplify and live the brand. It is how well you inspire others to be a part of a professional group of women committed to a cause above ourselves.

It is often easy to look to others to excite us, motivate us and inspire us. However, we know that the best way to maintain anything GREAT is to believe and support from within our hearts. We are facing the next 100 years. What does this mean? We will need to turn inward and commit to being the greater women. We will need to rally from within to be the individual soror(s) to impact our communities. We will need to see a need and vow that we will supply it. We will need to stay committed not just in wearing a shirt, strolling or attending an event occasionally to say we supported. It will take our individual conviction to support our sisterhood financially, to show for service boldly and to play the true part of a sister we all pledged to be.

We all play a role in how our organization builds towards the next 100 years. It is clear that we function as a collective of individual talent. With that, we need every single member and affiliate to help us build. Each of us must look in that mirror to ask – what am I doing today to ensure Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. remains greater for the next 100 years?

Rasheeda S. Liberty

Rasheeda S. Liberty 25th International Grand Basileus Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.

L. Chanel Dickerson

he first mile is always the hardest.

I am a runner, averaging about 20-25 miles a week. When I first started, it was quite the feat. I was frightened, fatigued, and frustrated. But with consistency, I built confidence and character. When things went wrong, I didn’t quit. I told myself a story of strength that allowed me to stay the course.

I imagine the Founders felt the same when they endeavored to build an infrastructure the world knows today as Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated. They lived a narrative that sustained their dreams and purpose. One hundred years later, the story of the Founders has become a manifestation of their imagination.

Because Sigma will be one hundred for an entire year, The Aurora will relive the joys of centennial while beginning the journey of creating new stories that will keep us for another century. In this issue, we celebrate the induction of twentytwo influential honorary members that use their platforms to create a greater world. This issue also applauds pioneered military service, warriors of breast cancer, and Sigma authors that stay ready with pen in hand.

This issue is also a reflection of you. Your words, your photos, your feelings, your stories.

I am honored to serve as Editor-in-Chief (EIC) of The Aurora and with gratitude, I thank the membership for their trust. Much love and respect go out to The Aurora Team, affectionately known as “The A-Team” for their commitment and contributions. I personally acknowledge immediate past EIC Richelle Jones, J.D. for passing this baton of a torch. What a mile it has been.

It is my hope that you feel the real of every story in this issue. Our story is where the magic lives. It is the confidence in knowing that Sigma can really be, do, and have whatever we want.

We have the esteemed opportunity to be the first to create and tell stories on the other side of one hundred. These are the stories that will outlive us. Let’s run this race with the vitality of greater.

In the Spirit of Sigma, L. ChanelDickerson

L. Chanel Dickerson Editor-In-Chief, The

Aurora

Greetings From The Executive Director/ ICHQ

Karen Y. Williams

please know that ICHQ is continuing to work to improve the operational excellence you expect and deserve.

Membership is the life blood of this organization, and I must stress how important increasing and maintaining a noteworthy financial membership base is to our organization. Our organization is currently being offered amazing opportunities, along with the other members of the Divine Nine. We will only be able to fully participate in these opportunities and advance our position in the world if we have significant financial strength. A strong active and financial membership base will help us maintain relevance on the global stage.

Our ICHQ staff is preparing now to support the membership goal recently given by First Grand Anti-Basileus Marica Harris. I would like our tribute to the Founders’ Legacy to be the largest financial membership we have ever had for our 101st Anniversary and I know we can do it!

Let this message also serve as a clarion call to sorors to roll up their blue and gold sleeves and get to work! We need members who are willing to LEAD on every level of the organization.

Greetings from the International Corporate Headquarters of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.

I am penning this message as we approach our official 100th Anniversary. Let me begin by wishing every member an incredibly special and memorable Centennial season! Each of us hold a special place in Sigma history as we get to reflect on and celebrate our illustrious past, but fortunate in that we get to be the architects of our next century of service.

At ICHQ, the staff takes pride in providing the operational support that the sorority needs in order to do the meaningful work in our local communities. As you prepare to support educational initiatives, improve voter turnout in elections, or improve health disparities in communities that need it the most,

Let me close this message by saying that I would like to wish every member of the Sigma Family an amazing and safe holiday season. Whether you are practicing self-care, traveling, staying home, or celebrating religious holidays in a church, a mosque, or a synagogue, I am hoping that you have the fall/winter season that makes you feel your absolute best.

It is still hard for me to believe that I am working in this prestigious role, please know that I consider it a privilege to serve this sisterhood daily.

In

G.R.E.A.T.E.R. Service, Karen Y. Williams

Karen Y. Williams, Executive Director

Beacon of

Light

In partnership with their foundation, Lambda Upsilon Sigma Charitable and Educational Foundation (LUSCEF), The Lambda Upsilon Sigma (Plano, TX) Alumnae Chapter participated in North Texas Giving Day during the month of September.

North Texas Giving Day is an 18-hour online giving event designed to empower every person to give back to their community by supporting local nonprofits and causes they care about in one easy-to-use platform. The event helps build awareness and support for nonprofits like nothing else.

Not only did the chapter and its foundation raise $3,100.00 but it was also awarded 1st place of $3,000.00 from Texas Women’s Foundation’s Strong Women, Better World for a nonprofit based in Collin County of any size with the most unique donors. Money raised will go towards the chapter’s scholarships and service programs to benefit Collin County.

A Centennial Day of Service A Centennial Day of Service

by Dr. Treyce Lee Criner-Carter

igma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated has been a trailblazer in community service for a century. This premise rang true at the July 2022 Centennial Celebration in Indianapolis, Indiana where sorority members participated in the successful execution of the organization’s National Day of Service.

This civic effort, led by National Programs Chair, Soror Zeretha Brickhouse and Centennial Day of Service Chair, Soror Angela White-Randolph, featured many partnerships with national and local organizations that were pivotal in orchestrating the occasion.

The event kickoff featured 500 members devoting their time to the Flanner House, which implements programs to assist families’ move toward stability and self-reliance. Swim 1922, a signature program of Sigma Gamma Rho, hosted swim clinics at Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) and over 50 empowerment workshops at the Indiana Convention Center. These workshops included topics that were engaging and designed to inform, entertain, and uplift attendees.

The day continued with the ribbon cutting ceremony to commemorate the partnership between Sigma Gamma Rho and The American Red Cross. Blood drives were at the focal point of the day’s partnership to collect blood to assist those suffering from sickle cell disease. Soror Brickhouse personally reflected with gratitude.

“The ribbon cutting experience was an amazingly impactful event,” said Brickhouse. “We were able to highlight one of our very own sickle cell warriors here in the sorority who shared her story about how vital these blood donations have been to her life.”

Brickhouse continued to say that The Red Cross was also impressed with the story and will be featured in the organization’s upcoming national campaign. In addition, Sigma Gamma Rho exceeded its goal, donating over 100 units of blood for the occasion.

The remainder of the day featured several events and applauded many accomplishments. Sorors and affiliates participated in the 100 Million Step Challenge. The challenge, created by public health practitioner and academician Dr. Faith Foreman-Hays, gathered participants to walk over six billion steps in a five-month period. Finishers were celebrated at the medal giveaway booth as they shared how the challenge helped them to become more aware of their fitness needs and assisting them in setting attainable goals.

Centennial service initiatives will continue as Sigma Gamma Rho embarks 100 years. Simultaneously, civic events will commence throughout the sisterhood in local, regional, and national markets. This day of service will provide progress lasting a lifetime.

L

et’s give ‘em their props

As a high school math educator, Jovita Webb-Monroe has seen many shifts in the way math is taught. During COVID, though, she realized the inequities that students were facing. Before the pandemic, Jovita started MindSynap Learning Lab, a mobile tutoring service aimed at reshaping the perception of math by helping learners increase their math confidence and decrease math anxiety. The program was so successful that she created Shapes of Math Custom Collection and MindSynap Image Design – customized jewelry and personalized gift businesses set up to help fund her vision. During the pandemic, there was a major shift to virtual learning, and she recognized that many of her students struggled to pay their technology fees so that they can participate. Even though it would delay her mobile learning lab, Jovita began using the profits from her jewelry and t-shirt sales to anonymously pay technology fees so her students wouldn’t fall behind. Today, Jovita continues to use the money from her business to support students who are unable to pay their technology fees and has even supported Sorors who needed some help with tuition.

If you would like to learn more about her vision, visit www.mindsynap.yolasite.com

Soror Awnya Creque was selected as a guest speaker at the Women, Influence, & Power in Law Conference in Washington D. C., this past October. Soror Creque, Senior Manager of eDiscovery for CBRE, shared her knowledge of legal expertise and investigation with women from all over the country.

The founding of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. by seven educators makes this read even more special because the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) has a soror at the helm of leadership in Maryland. Soror Marla Posey-Moss was elected President of Free State PTA in August 2021 and she serves in this capacity until mid-July 2023. The mission of PTA is to make every child’s potential a reality by engaging and empowering families and communities to advocate for all children. The PTA nationwide is the largest child advocacy association in the country.

SOROR AWNYA CREQUE SOROR MARLA POSEY-MOSS

During Soror Posey-Moss’ tenure, her vision for Free State PTA is to strengthen advocacy efforts by building capacity in membership, engaging leaders with the mindset of limitless potential and inspiring significant programming. Soror PoseyMoss encourages sorors to join their local unit PTA and serve as advocates at the local, district, regional and state levels before legislative bodies and boards of education. She emphasizes that the collective voice of parents, caregivers, businesses, community leaders and teachers as well as school administrators are essential to making progress in education policy, practices, and performance.

During her term as president, Soror Marla Posey-Moss desires to partner with the sorority in any capacity relating to education advocacy, programming, or financial leadership. And just like Soror and her Spelman Sister Selena Sloan Butler, who founded the National Congress of Colored Parents and Teachers Association at the local and state levels in 1911, Soror PoseyMoss strives to be successful at making progress for childrens’ access to education.

SOROR TIFFANY EKPETE

On July 23, 2022, Soror Tiffany Ekpete was crowned Mrs. Educator of America 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. While she strongly believes in encouraging early literacy skills in children, more than 15 years in education has made her aware of adverse childhood experiences that students must overcome to be ready to learn. With this knowledge and a platform focused on the importance of Social Emotional Learning’s effects on academics and behavior, Soror Ekpete was able to bring home the title. We salute you and your continued efforts to create a greater world!

At the recent 7th Annual Pink and Teal Ovarian and Breast Cancer Awareness Fundraiser, Concert and Award Ceremony, Soror Tamika K. Williams, along with several other phenomenal women, received a Community Service award. Held at J Loft in Brooklyn, NY, proceeds from the event benefited the T.E.A.L. Organization (TEAL = Tell Every Amazing Lady *about ovarian cancer*).

A Ruby and Life Member, Williams became a soror at South Carolina State University’s Zeta Kappa Chapter in Spring 1992. She has been a financially active and contributing member of the Eta Nu Sigma chapter since 1996, serving the chapter in such capacities as Tamiochus, Community Service Chairwoman and has served on various committees over the years. Soror Williams is employed as a Director of Finance and Administration at Columbia University and is the Chairwoman of the Seven Roses Legacy Foundation, Inc., Eta Nu Sigma’s 501(c)(3) philanthropic arm.

SOROR TAMIKA K. WILLIAMS

SOROR SIMONE HARRIS LAWS SOROR MARIELA SALAS

Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality. #Greater leadership fuses passion into that reality to create a #Greater world.

Soror Mariela Salas embodies extraordinary leadership. In September, Soror Salas was introduced as the Executive Director for LatinxVC. LatinxVC is a group of experienced venture investors focused on growing and supporting the Latinx venture capital ecosystem. Soror Salas will lead the organization’s mission to develop and support the Latinx venture capital ecosystem.

Macy’s honored the rich legacy of historically Black-founded sororities and their global impact with the launch of the Macy’s X Kasper Divine Nine Sorority Collection in January 2022. The collection was inspired and developed by WyQuasia King, a Macy’s merchant and proud member of a Divine Nine sorority. Eta Nu Sigma Chapter member Simone Harris Laws serves as Senior Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Marketing and Community Partnerships for Macy’s, Inc., a position which allows her the opportunity to liaison directly with the Divine Nine Sorority Presidents to ensure alignment with the Collection across all aspects, while identifying other internship, career, entrepreneurial opportunities that may be of interest to the membership – both Sorors and Affiliates. In a Fall 2022 photo shoot with models from various regions of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., Soror Laws (center) interfaced with the Sorors who appear on macys.com and store marketing.

SOROR ALTHEMESE PEMBERTON BARNES

Members of the Beta Delta Sigma Chapter (Tallahassee, FL) salute Life Member Althemese Pemberton Barnes, a passionate historian, author, and community leader. On September 20, 2022, the City of Tallahassee dedicated Althemese Pemberton Barnes Park at Smokey Hollow to honor her preservation of African American history.

Soror Barnes is notably the founder of the John Gilmore Riley Center and Museum, Tallahassee’s first community-based African American history museum, established in 1996. For decades, this historian has instilled the value of African Americans in America’s story through the museum showcasing events, books, research, and oral tradition.

In 1997, Soror Barnes envisioned the Florida African Heritage Preservation Network (FAAHPN), a professional organization committed to preserving Florida’s African American culture, the African diaspora, and other ethnically diverse global resources. FAAHPN issued the Florida Black Heritage Trail Guide, highlighting historical African American landmarks and biographies throughout Florida. Soror Barnes was instrumental in preserving Tallahassee’s historical sites, including the Frenchtown Marker Trail; Hickory Hill, Munree and Greenwood Cemeteries; Cascades Heritage Trail and Civil Rights Wall; FAMU Way Historical Trail; and Smokey Hollow Commemoration.

As a community leader, her contributions extend beyond the local area and have gained national recognition. President Barack Obama, in 2012, appointed Soror Barnes to the Board of Directors of the Institute of Museum and Library Services. After retiring in 2020, Soror Barnes currently serves as Executive Director Emeritus of the John Gilmore Riley Center and Museum. She encourages others to explore living history as it illuminates the way forward into the future.

SOROR DR. AUBRIA NANCE

Soror Dr. Aubria Nance came into the Sigma Light on October 5, 2002, from the Accomplished Alpha Eta Sigma Chapter in Philadelphia, PA.

Soror Nance served as an undergraduate advisor to several chapters, which led to her transition to working in Higher Education. In 2010, she became an Associate Professor of Counseling at the Community College of Philadelphia (CCP). During her tenure at CCP, Soror Nance started the “Black Scholar’s Mentorship Program”; and was a driving force in the implementation of the Catto Scholarship as the program’s inaugural Associate Director.

Soror Nance is known in the higher education community for her leadership, collaborative team building, and development of innovative student success initiatives. Soror Nance completed her dissertation research on Guided Pathways (GP) and served on the GP implementation team at CCP. GP is a redesign of community colleges to increase the completion rates of community college students.

In July of 2022, Soror Nance was appointed Dean of Enrollment at Bucks County Community College in Pennsylvania. She is excited to serve in this executive leadership role and eager to foster the development of a higher education system that provides equitable and unobstructed opportunities for all students, especially minoritized populations, acquire a stellar education. Her professional motto is “Be the person you needed as a student.”

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Soror Nance is the mother of two Sigma Rhosebuds, Imani and EvaRose. Her son, Joshua Bowman, is a newly inducted member of Kappa Alpha Psi at Ursinus College, the legacy of his father and her husband, George Bowman, Jr.

Connect with her on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/aubrianance

SOROR JALACHE DAVIS

Soror Jalache Davis is a Fall 2021 Regional Undergraduate inductee of the Kappa Xi Sigma Alumnae Chapter. Soror Davis is a Senior attending Hendrix College in Conway, Arkansas, where she double majors in Studio Art and Sociology. During the Centennial Boule, Soror Jalache Davis was crowned the Centennial Miss Annie Neville Talent Showcase winner.

SOROR SHERIKA KING-LOWE

As a recent recipient of the Lamar University Ben J. Rogers, Future Texas Business Leader award, Soror Sherika King-Lowe has been chosen as an honoree to be inducted into the Texas Business Hall of Fame in November 2022. This award highlights her business skillset, entrepreneurship, and innovation, and will create a network of professionals for Soror King-Lowe as she successfully builds her professional platform. As a former eightyear Lamar University Executive Assistant, Soror King-Lowe now serves the local school district’s Technology team utilizing her innovation alongside the Director ensuring all students have access to the best technology offered.

Soror King-Lowe received her Bachelor of Business Administration in Management and General Studies (2021 along with obtaining her Certificate of Women’s Entrepreneurship from Cornell University (2021) and is scheduled to receive her Master of Business Administration (2022). During her studies, Soror King-Lowe continued to earn accolades as she also earned the Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. 2022 Southwestern 81st Regional Conference Graduate School Academic Scholarship and the 2022 NPHC-GT International Women’s Day Award Honoree Award while serving as the Centennial 1st Anti-Basileus for Alpha Psi Sigma Alumnae Chapter in Beaumont, Texas.

A Louisiana native, Soror King-Lowe has made Southeast Texas her home as she serves the community alongside her Sorors and other organizations that share the same aspirations of stewardship such as NPHC-Golden Triangle and Pioneering Women by creating initiatives of purpose, goodwill, and growth. Her hobbies are reading, cooking, and spending quality time with her parents, siblings, husband, and two sons.

SOROR MARSHAE A. SMITH

Legacy Marshae Smith is the captain and lead choreographer for the Luv-a-Bull Cheer Team at Johnson C. Smith University. Always striving for “greater,” Soror Smith and the Luv-a-Bulls received the Dr. Freddie Vaughs Highest Team Academic Award for The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA). This award is given annually to the CIAA team with the highest cumulative grade point average. Soror Smith, a senior dance major with a minor in political science, aspires to be a civil rights lawyer.

Right: Legacy Marshae Smith, Beta Upsilon Chapter, pictured with her mom, Soror Rita Brown Smith, Anti-Basileus Eta Theta Sigma Alumnae Chapter

In August 2022, Soror Crystal L. Cochren, Esq. (Eta Nu Sigma Alumnae Chapter) was installed as the Central Jersey Member at Large for the Association of Black Women Lawyers of New Jersey. Soror Cochren currently serves as an Assistant Deputy Public Defender with the New Jersey Office of the Public Defender where she provides legal advice and representation to clients who are indigent.

Soror Cochren was born and raised in Newark, New Jersey. After graduating from University High School in Newark, Soror Cochren attended Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Organizational Behavior and Management. In addition to pursuing academic excellence at Brown, she was one of the seven charter members of the Mu Kappa chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated and served as the chapter’s first president.

Soror Cochren received her Juris Doctor degree from Rutgers University School of Law, in Newark, New Jersey. After receiving and answering her call from God to enter ministry, Soror Cochren enrolled in the Master of Divinity degree program at Drew University Theological School in Madison, New Jersey. She received her Master of Divinity degree in May 2010.

SOROR CRYSTAL L. COCHREN, ESQ. SOROR

Dr. Fatima Morrell, Life Member, of the Eta Rho Sigma Chapter in Buffalo, New York, is the Chief of Culturally and Linguistically Responsive Initiatives in the Buffalo Public Schools. Her primary work as an educator is to create and implement systemic diversity, equity, and inclusion models. She has been recognized nationally for her work on leading culturally responsive curriculum and educational equity, particularly for the spearheading of the creation of the district’s Emancipation Curriculum, and her anti-racist pedagogical professional development.

DR. FATIMA MORRELL

This past spring, Soror Morrell was one of ten educators recognized as being one of the most innovative teachers in the nation. TIME searched the country to identify and recognize the achievements of innovative teachers who are improving their field and making a difference for their students in a unique way. They received hundreds of nominations. Soror Morrell was selected as an educator that goes above and beyond to improve learning experiences and solving problems schools face today.

TIME quoted Morrell in its June 2022 news story here, “For all our children, we have to unpack white supremacy, as hard as that is to talk about,” says Morrell, “It is important that every single child receives an anti-racist curriculum, and I’m going to continue to push that.” The NY State Education Department has adopted the Culturally Responsive Education principles created under Soror Morrell’s leadership for implementation in all NY State schools.

THE ‘OUTSTANDING’ OMICRON SIGMA CHAPTER

MEMPHIS, TN

The Sorors of the ‘Outstanding’ Omicron Sigma Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated, answered “the call” and gathered donations for much needed water for the residents of Jackson, Mississippi on September 17, 2022. In late August, the Pearl River flooded in Jackson and surrounding areas due to severe storms in the state. Unfortunately, the flooding caused the Water Treatment Plant (O.B. Curtis) to cease the treatment of the drinking water. This caused 150,000 residents being left without access to safe drinking water. President Joe Biden declared the area a federal disaster to trigger federal aid. Let’s continue to donate water, as we have Sorors in the area and that attend Jackson State University, as well. The human body needs water, it is a vital nutrient to every cell, carbohydrates and proteins needs it to metabolize and then transports them into the blood stream, it flushes waste from the body and acts as a shock absorber for the brain, spinal cord, and fetus. ‘Let’s Give ‘Em Their Props’ to the Ladies of the ‘Outstanding’ Omicron Sigma Chapter for continuing service to their communities.

REGION NEWS

The Central Region started the new sorority year in a “Captivating” way. We began the year celebrating the 2022-2024 “Captivating” Central Region Board of Directors and promoted our “Captivating” facts for the new year:

Central was founded in 1925

Motto: Central Leads the Way

Adjective: Captivating

Administrative theme: Leadership

Through Action

Official hashtags: #CaptivatingCentral

#SGRhoCentral #LeadershipThroughAction

CAPTIVATING CENTENNIAL BOULE PRESENCE

During the Centennial Boule held in Indianapolis, Indiana, the Central Region hosted a tent at the Homecoming and Block parties. We also participated as a vendor within the Indiana Convention Center and had amazing giveaways for the sisterhood. Sorors had the opportunity to take a photo at our step and repeat and get a glimpse of our centennial poodle, ‘CeCe.’ We thank all leaders and sorors for celebrating the Captivating Central Region!

CAPTIVATING SCHOLARSHIP

On July 28, 2022, the region was the official sponsor for the Chicago Defender Charities Bud Billiken 365 Scholarship Gala. It is the Captivating Central Region’s esteemed privilege to have awarded scholarships to Aniyah Eastmond attending Spelman College and India Culpepper attending University of Illinois Chicago.

CAPTIVATING BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING

The Board of Directors Meeting was conducted July 29-30, 2022, in Oak Brook, IL chaired by the Centennial Syntaktes Loreal N. Marshall. The Area Coordinators and Membership Chair

meeting was conducted on July 30. The board collectively engaged in meaningful discussions to strategically impact the mission of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. We were excited to begin planning the upcoming hybrid regional conference and finalize planning for the Area Meetings being held in late September.

CAPTIVATING HONORARY SORORS

August 9, 2022, Syntaktes Loreal N. Marshall, the Regional Board Members and Captivating Central Region Soror’s attended the NPHC night supporting the Chicago Sky. Soror’s came to support our honorary Soror Tonya Edwards, the Assistant Coach of the #1 Ranked Eastern Conference WNBA Chicago Sky. Honorary member Soror Tragil Wade Johnson was also in attendance at the game.

CAPTIVATING CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION WEEKEND

The Captivating Central Region hosted an incredible centennial celebration weekend August 13-14, 2022. Central sponsored and attended the 27th annual Black Women’s Expo (BWe NEXT) and the Bud Billiken Day parade. The region hosted Project Cradle Care and Operation Big Book Bag as community service projects during this weekend and donated 7,000 bookbags. The Captivating Central Region would like to thank our official sponsors, The Beacon of Light of Eta Xi Sigma Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated, Kasper Collections, Macy’s Chicago State Street, and State Farm. They played an instrumental part in ensuring this weekend was #Greater to all attendees during our Captivating Centennial Event!

CAPTIVATING AREA MEETING SEASON 2022

On September 17 and 24 the Captivating Central Region hosted virtual Area Meetings. This year’s theme was “Fierce, Focused and Fired Up.” We focused on recharging and rebranding to sustain our Sisterhood. In honor of the Sorority’s Centennial year, we emphasized bringing Sorors back and challenged each chapter to bring in six members or more. YSC Nariah Swails was the guest speaker and reminded Sorors what’s “Beyond Centennial.” She represented our undergrads well and her chapter Theta Rho at Cleveland State University.

Up next, the Captivating Central Region is preparing to host our Membership Day of Training Mon., October 10, 2022. We look forward to strengthening the membership of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. through this day of training with networking and engaging speakers.

CELEBRATE THE CAPTIVATING CENTRAL REGION

To remain updated with the “Captivating” Central Region please go to SGRhocentral.com or follow us on social media at @SGRhoCentral on FB, Twitter, and Instagram. Let’s have an amazing Centennial year, Sorors!

NEW YORK AREA CHAPTERS MARCH IN THE 53RD AFRICAN AMERICAN DAY PARADE

It’s the “Year of the Poodle”! Downstate New York Area Sorors and Philo Affiliates (Kappa Sigma, Beta Psi Sigma, Delta Nu Sigma, Eta Nu Sigma, Theta Rho Sigma, Nu Beta Sigma, and Theta Sigma Sigma) came together to represent Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. during the 53rd African American Day Parade in Harlem, NY on September 18, 2022. The African American Day Parade, Inc. (AADP) is one of the largest and oldest parades of Black American culture. The mission of the AADP is to highlight African American culture, heritage, and unity; showcase the best and brightest of the African American community and commemorate the legacy of African American ancestry.

students range from Pre-K to 8th grade. Each student not only received a backpack filled with items, including pens, pencils, notebooks, folders, and other educational necessities, but the sorority also provided each family with a brand-new pair of shoes. In total, the local chapter collected over 800 backpacks, providing assistance to nearly 700 families.

Donations to Operation Big Book Bag funneled through several different mediums, including community outreach, as many across social media

HARTFORD ALUMNAE CHAPTER PROVIDES 700 BACKPACKS & SCHOOL SUPPLIES FOR OPERATION BIG BOOK BAG

The Theta Alpha Sigma Alumnae Chapter simultaneously served students at three different campuses of Jumoke Academy (Thelma Ellis Dickerson Elementary, Jumoke Academy Honors SMART, and Jumoke Academy Hartford Conservatory), where the

invested in the event, as well as several local businesses, who contributed to the efforts via monetary donations or an in-kind shipment of supplies. The chapter also secured several corporate sponsors, such as Champion USA, who provided over 600 backpacks and footwear, and the WNBA’s Connecticut Sun, who donated $2,000 towards the project. The chapter was also recognized by NBC Connecticut for their Centennial Impact in the city of Hartford!

CONGRATULATIONS TO PAST SYNTAKTES THOMASINA V. GORE, ESQ.

Congratulations are in order for NER Past Syntaktes (23) Thomasina V. Gore, ESQ., who joined Learning Technologies Group, a global digital learning and talent management corporation, as the newest member of their global legal team! The team consists of attorneys in the U.S. and the U.K. We are proud of Past Syntaktes Gore and wish her continued success in her new endeavors! #Greater

A NOTABLE CENTENNIAL WEEKEND

The Notable Northeastern Region’s Area I Sorors (DMV) are hosting “A Notable Centennial Weekend” to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. November 1113th, the weekend will consist of community service, praise, and worship, and a roaring 20’s centennial gala. For more information on tickets, donations, sponsorships, and events, please visit www. sgrho100DMV.com

IN TRAINING, THERE IS NO WINNING OR LOSING, ONLY LEARNING

The goal of training is to help a learner improve their competence, capacity, and performance. Training helps learners gain new knowledge and skill. Early in the new sorority year, Southeastern Region Syntaktes, Dr. Celestine LaVan tasked each regional officer with the responsibility to train and coach members of the region that hold their respective positions. The Southeastern Region is dedicated to developing our membership and providing the tools to become better leaders in their chapters.

“The Basileus and Parliamentarian Relationship” training, hosted by Southeastern Region Syntaktes LaVan and Southeastern Region Parliamentarian, Iletha Washington. The Southeastern Region is prepared to assist by providing training and systems of support for both officers. Dr. LaVan stated, “Effective chapter operations and efficient meetings are the bedrock of great chapters. At the center of every great chapter, you will find healthy working relationships founded on mutual trust, teamwork, and knowledge-sharing.” The session provided participants with examples of strategies used to ensure that both parties are well informed and understand how the business of the sorority should be conducted in an orderly fashion.

The Sophisticated Southeastern Region developed the Undergraduate Leadership Development Program that subscribes to leadership philosophy by providing training for our best and brightest undergraduates to prepare them for leadership roles in and outside of the sorority. The Undergraduate Leadership Development Program’s 2022-2023 Cohort is off to an amazing start for this sorority year. Undergraduates from around the region joined YSC Claribel Ross and UCC Tanya Batchelor-Judge in sessions to network, socialize and learn various tools and strategies to enhance the Sigma brand on their campus.

The Southeastern Region Public Relations Committee, chaired by Southeastern Region Epistoleus Jimeka Brown, recently hosted the first “Epistoleus

Bootcamp”. The goals of the Bootcamp were to equip chapter Epistolei with an understanding of the role of the Epistoleus, share best practices, provide networking opportunities for chapter Epistolei, discuss branding and marketing techniques, and model historical preservation. The committee provided templates as a tool to ensure that the branding expectations of the region were met. There will be ongoing training on how to best utilize the templates and other tools that will be implemented throughout the year.

Elaine Wilson-Beverly, Southeastern Region Tamiochus, hosted “Let’s Talk Tamiochus Duties”. Soror Beverly has served locally and regionally as a Tamiochus. She has a wealth of knowledge and experience with chapter and regional finances. Soror Wilson’s training was developed to instill leadership and confidence among Sorors interested in serving in the role.

Southeastern Region Anti-Grammateus, Toni Gordon is looking forward to her upcoming training. She will be presenting on the duties of the Anti-Grammateus and will emphasize the importance of the role. Soror Gordon said, “I look forward to providing tips and strategies to be successful. I hope to serve as a mentor and coach to others serving in the role of AntiGrammateus. So, many Sorors have poured into me over the years. I welcome the opportunity to be a resource to others.”

CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION

Congratulations to all the Centennial Scholarship and Award Winners from the Super Southwestern Region!

The Life Member Legacy Scholarship: Whitlee Jackson and Breona Jones

The Undergraduate Advisor of the Year: Shawn Clemons, Advisor to Alpha Lambda Chapter at Texas Southern University, Houston, TX

The Outstanding Rhoer Club of the Year: Alpha Omicron Sigma Rhoer Club, Dallas, TX

The Mary Lou Allison Little Loving Cup (Chapter of the Year): Undergraduate; Beta Alpha Chapter at Southern University and A&M College, Baton Rouge, LA | Alumnae: Zeta Delta Sigma Chapter, Arlington, TX

Dr. Katie Kinnard Youth Leadership Award: Jessica Brooks, Xi Chi Chapter

TORCH Award: Alpha Lambda Chapter

Dr. Rejesta V. Perry Project Reassurance Award: Zeta Delta Sigma Chapter, Arlington, TX

Step Show 1st Place Winner: Beta Alpha Chapter at Southern University and A&M College, Baton Rouge, LA

Annie Neville 1st Place Winner: Jalache Davis, Kappa Xi Sigma Regional Undergraduate, Hendrix College

Don’t miss the culminating regional Centennial Celebration during the Bayou Classic in New Orleans, Louisiana from Friday, November 25 thru Sunday, November 27, 2022. Activities include a Mixer, Fashion Show sponsored by Kasper and Macy’s, Bayou Classic Football game, Sneakers Ball, Brunch Crawl, and more! For information on how you can participate, please check out www.sigmaswregion. com/swrcentennialweekend. We look forward to seeing you in New Orleans!

SWR INAUGURAL LEADERSHIP SUMMIT

The Southwestern Region held its inaugural Leadership Summit on August 27 - 28, 2022 in Lewisville, Texas, opening the sorority year with L.O.V.E. and Excellence! Over the course of two days, Alumnae and Undergraduate chapter leaders received a vast array of leadership and operational training. These sessions included goal setting with Soror Donna Fortenberry, empowerment tools from Executive Director Karen Williams, and many more amazing and informative presenters and sessions. First Grand Anti-Basileus Marica Harris provided a charge and words of encouragement. Southwestern Region leaders also bonded during the first “inperson” meeting held since the onset of COVID.

SISTERS NETWORK WALK

Leading the charge in the community, the Super Southwestern Region joined Sisters Network Dallas

for the 6000 Sisters, 6000 Steps for Hope Breast Cancer Walk & Health Expo on Saturday, September 24, 2022 in Dallas, Texas. Nearly 100 sorority and affiliates participated. Our very own 22nd Regional Syntaktes, Miranda Moore, served as the Honorary Chair! The entire Southwestern Region Sigma Family was invited to attend in honor of our Centennial year. As a collective group, the region raised $12,923 in donations to be used for breast cancer screening and awareness. The Southwestern Region of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. won the team fundraising award and Syntaktes Moore won an award for serving as the Honorary Chair! A special thank you to all Sorors, Philos, Rhoers, and Rhosebuds that participated.

MEMBERSHIP GROWTH

The Super Southwestern Region continues to lead with L.O.V.E. and Excellence as we grow and expand our reach throughout Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, and Oklahoma, as well as internationally. The region welcomes our newest alumnae chapter, Nu Pi Sigma, chartered on Sunday, September 25, 2022. Nu Pi sigma will serve Denton County. The Basileus of the chapter is Soror Nicole Woods. Learn more about the chapter at www.sgrhodenton.org

CONGRESSWOMAN BARBARA LEE MEET & GREET

The Western Region was honored to participate in a virtual Meet & Greet with our newly inducted Soror, Congresswoman Barbara Lee. Recently inducted at the Centennial Boule on the day of her birthday, Soror Lee is making the rounds to connect with Sorors. Sorors enjoyed learning about her journey in politics and what has motivated her to keep going. We were pleased to also have Soror Lee introduced by her goddaughter, Soror Haley Taylor Schlitz, the youngest Black woman to graduate law school.

A LABOR OF LOVE IN OAKLAND

Soror Dee Johnson brought smiles to the faces of Oakland children during her annual backpack giveaway to kick off the 2022-2023 school year. The Lend a Hand Foundation, cofounded by Soror Johnson, gave away backpacks to students at Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School. Lend A Hand grew from distributing 200 free backpacks in 1997 to almost 10,000 last year. In a recent interview with local CBS affiliate KPIX, Soror Johnson explained that she is a lung and breast cancer survivor and that her work is not done.

“There was something else I needed to do,” said Soror Johnson.

This fall, volunteers are helping to pack a whopping 25,000 backpacks in honor of Lend A Hand’s 25th anniversary of equipping underserved kids for learning. With Soror Johnson’s leadership, Lend A Hand has given away more than 133,000 backpacks to low-income public-school children in Oakland and Alameda County over the last quarter century.

For more information on how to donate or volunteer, reach out at www.lendahandfoundation.org.

Soror Johnson is a 2022 inductee of Beta Theta Sigma Alumnae chapter, located in the San Francisco Bay Area.

THE

MEDAL of HONOR

by Gloria Dalton

In the spirit of our Centennial slogan, “Greater Women, Greater World”, we celebrate the bravery within our sisterhood that inspires us to dream, plan, and service with dedication and intention.

On March 14, 2022, President Joseph Biden, signed the Bill S-166 S633 into Law, thereby posthumously awarding Soror Anne Knight Jordan, The Congressional Gold Medal for her pioneering military service and dedication to her country. Private First Class (PFC) Anne B. Knight (Jordan) was a member of the legendary 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, also known as the Six Triple Eight.

The Congressional Gold Medal and The Presidential Medal of Freedom are the highest civilian honors in the United States. There are generally fewer Congressional medals than Presidential medals and Congressional medals require approval of both the House and the Senate. According to Public Law 117-97 ‘The Six Triple Eight’, was the first and only all-female, African American Battalion of the Women’s Army Corps (WAC) to serve in the European Theater of Operation during WWII.

The 6888th Battalion was made up of 855 well-trained and highly skilled female soldiers who had joined the military to serve their country. Despite their extensive military training and preparation, they were not allowed to serve in Europe and remained state-side assigned to menial tasks.

When the military leaders found themself in a crisis regarding the processing of many years of undelivered mail, they were forced to send the women of the 6888th to bail them out. There were seven million people in the Army, Navy, Red Cross, and civilian service awaiting mail for years and something had to be done. The commanding officers of the 6888th were given six months to process 17.5 million letters and parcels.

Correspondence from the States was important to the morale of the military personnel serving in Europe and the women of the 6888th understood this. Their motto was “no mail, low morale”. When they arrived in England, they were faced with warehouses and airplane hangars with packages and letters stacked to the ceiling.

The working conditions were inhumane, and the task was almost insurmountable. They worked in cold, dark,

rodent-infested buildings with broken windows and the constant sound of air raids. They created a mail tracking system, working three shifts a day and seven days a week. Processing the mail was complicated because there were several people with the same name, some items were illegible and had no return addresses, mail had to be redacted so that soldiers did not receive any bad news from home, and they had to find out where the recipients were stationed.

Left: Photo of Soror Anne Knight while enlisted in the 6888th battalion Below: Women of the 6888th Battalion US Army photo

Despite all the obstacles they faced, they got the job done in three months and in record time. Their system was so effective and efficient that they continued to use it when they were assigned to Rouen and Paris. After the women had successfully completed their tasks and had the mail systems working smoothly, they were shipped back to the United States without any recognition for the outstanding job they had performed.

Upon completion of Soror Jordan military service with the 6888th, she attended Howard University under the G.I. Bill. She was proud of her service with the 6888th and never hesitated to share her experience with friends and family.

Soror Jordan was initiated into the Alpha Phi Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho, Sorority, Incorporated in 1947 and was an active member until she completed her undergraduate degree in 1949. That year she married Dr. Carl R. Jordan and they relocated to his hometown of Savannah, Georgia where she lived, worked, and served for 61 years.

After moving to Savannah, Soror Jordan joined the Alpha Iota Sigma Alumnae Chapter in Savannah, Georgia. She was an active and dedicated member of the chapter for many years. Soror Jordan spearheaded numerous projects and programs to further the mission of the sorority and she also served as Basileus. She was recognized as Sigma of the Year in the Southeastern Region.

Top: Soror Anne Knights ribbons, credentials, etc.Middle: Photo of Nancy Pelosi and Patrick Leahy signatures of the bill being signed into law.

Left: Soror Anne Knight Jordan with members of Alpha Iota Sigma Chapter in the 1960’s. The Shield is on the wall in the background

In addition to her extensive work in the sorority, she was active in her church and community. Soror Jordan’s service to her country, state, and community inspired her daughters Sorors Carmen JordanCox, Ph.D. and Karen Jordan, M.D., Ph.D., and both of her granddaughters Sorors Carla Jordan-Detamore, Esq. and Courtnee Jordan-Cox, Ph.D. to become members of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, as well.

On January 13, 2010, Soror Anne Knight Jordan transitioned to her eternal rest. She was interred at the Arlington National Cemetery, in Arlington, Virginia. She is one of only 14 members of the ‘Six Triple-Eight’ to be buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

More information can be found about the extraordinary women of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion the Women’s Auxiliary Army Corps (WAAC), by visiting www.history.army.mil.

Top: Soror Anne Knight Jordan with Past Grand Basileus Dr. Lorraine Williams when she visited Savannah. Georgia in the 1960’s.

Middle: Soror Jordan’s family at the celebration honoring the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion at the Women’s Army Museum in Arlington Cemetery. The soldier in the picture is Soror Jordan’s niece. She is a Full Bird Colonel in the Army.

Bottom: Soror Anne Jordan and her husband Carl Rankin Jordan, M.D. are both buried at Arlington Memorial Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia. There only 15 members of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion buried in Arlington Memorial Cemetery.

17th International Grand Basileus Dr. Katie K. White

By Gloria Dalton

Dr. Katie K. White, International Grand Basileus from 1988 to 1992, used the COVID-19 shutdown as a time to begin authoring her memoir. The project included her family genealogy, an oral history of family life and some of her poems. This compilation is entitled, Bits and Pieces: A Memoir by Dr. Katie K. White: A Family Legacy. Dr. White published her book in February 2021.

During sorority conferences, PIGB Katie K. White was introduced to Southeast Syntaktes Evelyn Hood and later to International Grand Basileus Annie Lawrence Brown. They recognized her talents, prepared her for leadership roles and opened opportunities. PIGB White served twice as Alumnae Chapter Basileus and held every local office except Tamiochus. Also while Alpha Beta Advisor and in one semester, the chapter grew from 2 to twenty-two girls. Dr. White wanted the ladies to know that a chain is as strong as its weakest link, so she wrote the poem, “I Am My Sister’s Keeper”. She is deeply humbled that the poem is a part of the Membership Intake Process.

Working 45 years as an educator and 35 of those as a full-time Tennessee State University professor, Dr. White was privileged to serve as Grand Basileus (1988-1992); First Grand Anti-Basileus (1984-1988); Southeast Syntaktes (1980-1984); 50th Golden Anniversary Co-Chair (1972); and National Education Fund (NEF) Southeast Trustee (1984-1988). PIGB White’s service continues as a NEF Fund Fellow and a mentor to a generation of new leaders.

PIGB White is proud that through her leadership, the sorority was able to raise the much-needed funds to liquidate the 15-year mortgage on the headquarters building in Chicago that was purchased during PIGB Dr. Rejesta Perry’s administration. Dr. White increased undergraduate membership by 162% and was honored with the Blanche Edwards

Award in 1990. This award is the highest recognition that an individual soror can attain for outstanding achievement on the national level. Dr. White established the Mwanamugimu Project. She donated $10,000 to support the Dr. Katie Kinnard White Mwanamugimu Scholarship Award. Also, she donated $10,000 for NEF’s first endowed scholarship, The Drs. Joseph C. and Katie K. White Scholarship.

Through decades of service, PIGB White has been dedicated to youth development. The Dr. Katie K. White Youth Leadership Award is named in her honor, given to an undergraduate soror selected by the Grand Basileus, confirmed by the Board of Directors and presented during the Boule.

PIGB White believes that our founders would be very proud of the sorority today. She said, “Our founders were strong, smart young women that established an organization during the time the Ku Klux Klan was very prominent in Indiana. Our founders were in their early twenties when they developed the idea for Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. while under Klan shadows.”

PIGB White said, “We need to advertise more [about] what we do, give credit to the organization, and publicize more when we do activities.” She would like to see sorors do more local [community service] work especially undergraduates. She wants all sorors to work hard at getting more people registered to vote. Dr. White said, “It starts at the grassroots level, and we need to get involved early [in voter registration].” She would like to see us move our communities forward by working with organizations such as the NAACP, The Urban League, The National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) and the Divine Nine organizations. She believes that when we work with other organizations, we invest in our community and build each other up in the process.

CENTENNIAL Class TWENTY TWO THE

What a kickoff to an amazing Centennial celebration for Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated! Thousands of Sorors, Philos, Rhoers, Rhosebuds, and Sigma Gents turned the city of Indianapolis royal blue and gold. There were so many highlights. So many special memories. Bonds were strengthened as Sigma celebrated 100 years

The sorority grew by leaps and bounds leading up to the Centennial Boule. In fact, the organization had its largest intake classes during the 2021-2022 sorority year. Sigma had another first by inducting its largest number of honorary sorors during the historic boule in July. From the fall of 2021 through the fall of 2022, the membership welcomed a total of 22 new honorary members into the sisterhood. These sorors of centennial class represent various industries - arts and entertainment, government, media, sports, and education.

By Angela Spears

Pictured: Soror Fantasia Barrino Taylor

Honorary Centennial Classes

Fall 2021

Jekayln Carr | Award-Winning Gospel Recording Artist

Gwen Carr | American Activist

Tiana Bartoletta Madison | American Track & Field Olympian

Summer 2022

Marsha Ambrosius | R&B Singer & Songwriter

Teisha J. Brown | R&B Singer (Brownstone), Actress & Director

Frances Wilson Canty | Freedom Rider & Civil Rights Activist

Zan Dubin-Scott | ZDS Communications, President

Tonya Edwards | WNBA Assistant Coach & Retired WNBA Player

Sherryta Freeman | Lafayette College, Director of Athletics & 100 Influential Black Women in Sports

Nichole “Nicci” Gilbert | R&B Singer (Brownstone) & Executive Producer

Arin Jackson | R&B Singer (Brownstone)

Rep. Barbara J. Lee | U.S. House of Representatives (California, 13th Congressional District)

Aminata S. Mbaye | Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., Chief of Staff

Christian F. Nunes | National Organization for Women, President

Meredith “Ezinma” Ramsay | Classical Violinist & Film Composer

Rebecca “Boggs” Roberts | Journalist & Political Consultant

Wendy Raquel Robinson | Actress & Producer

Dr. Tragil Wade-Johnson | Philanthropist, Entrepreneur & Life Coach

MEET SIGMA GAMMA RHO’S

Marsha Ambrosius

Teisha J. Brown

Frances Wilson Canty

Zan Dubin-Scott Sherryta Freeman

Fall 2022

Fantasia Barrino Taylor | Grammy Award Winning R&B Singer, Songwriter & Actor

Alexis Jones | Actress & Grammy Nominated Singer

Yvonne McNair | Entertainment Marketing Professional & Emmy Nominated Event Producer

Shawn Smith | Osho, Global Head of Communications

Nichole “Nicci” Gilbert

Christian F. Nunes

Wendy Raquel Robinson

Rep. Barbara J. Lee

Meredith “Ezinma” Ramsay

Yvonne McNair

Aminata S. Mbaye

Rebecca “Boggs” Roberts

Shawn Smith

The Aurora caught up with a few of the new sorors to get their reaction on becoming members and the impact they plan to make within the Sigma community.

Soror Frances Wilson Canty

The reason that I joined Sigma Gamma Rho was due to an article I read in a booklet about the women who started this sorority. They were very instrumental in the development of better education for Black people which is also a strong belief of mine as well.

Soror Tragil Wade-Johnson

As a 15-year philanthropic leader, I believe we can do great things as an individual but with the sisterhood binding together we can do greater things. I can impact the sorority by bringing my resources, relationships, and experience as a philanthropic leader to further expand the mission of our seven founders to achieve a great world.

Soror Zan Durbin-Scott

I didn’t realize, before I joined, how meaningful and moving the sense of sisterhood, connection and community would be to me. I am so grateful for it. I am also deeply inspired by the powerful, confident, and feminine role models I see all around me. I hope to share my knowledge of electric vehicles, which are critical to tackling climate change, the existential crisis of our time, and are generating new generations of STEM jobs from the factory to the boardroom.

Soror Rebecca “Boggs” Roberts

I’m a legacy! My grandmother, Congresswoman Lindy Boggs, was an honorary member of Sigma Gamma Rho. I have always been blessed with very dear and wonderful women family members and friends. But I have never been part of such a large, energetic, important sisterhood. I am honored and humbled to be a part of it. Through my work and through my family, I have connections to a lot of different worlds: politics, journalism, cultural institutions, and American history. I hope that I can use those connections to bring visibility and support to Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated, and the impressive work of my sorors.

Soror Arin Jackson

I am totally excited to be a soror. I hold this honor of being a member of Sigma Gamma Rho in the highest regard and will always represent the organization.

Soror Nichole “Nicci” Gilbert

I am super excited to join this amazing sisterhood and I am looking forward to celebrating this landmark Centennial year with all the amazing women of SGRho! Brownstone considers it an honor to be a part of such an esteemed organization.

Soror Teisha Brown

What an honor it is to be included in such an amazing sisterhood, alongside my Brownstone sisters. Thank you for considering us and we will definitely represent Sigma Gamma Rho with Divine Pride.

Soror Meredith “Ezinma” Ramsay

I continue to relive the incredible weekend we had in Indianapolis. I’ve been texting with my new sorors and even saw a few recently in Oklahoma. What a sisterhood. I’ll continue to uplift the community through sisterhood, scholarship, and service.

Soror Marsha Ambrosius

It’s the sisterhood for me.

New sorors, new experiences for the Sigma Family!

We look forward to the talent, time and treasures the Sorors of Centennial Class will add to the sorority as all members continue their journey of service, scholarship, and sisterhood.

See the Mirror, Be the Mirror

By Mya Wilford

he belief that she could pay it forward is what inspires Dr. D’Andra Mull (Iota Nu Sigma Chapter - Worthington, OH) to live a life in service to future generations.

Mull holds a BA in political science and criminal justice studies from Kent State University, an MA in higher, adult, and lifelong education from Michigan State University, and a PhD in higher education from Ohio State. She has held student life positions at Kent State, Michigan State, and since 2004, at Ohio State. Mull is currently the vice president for student affairs at the University of Florida, responsible for leading the Student Affairs division in shaping the student experience for the 50,000+ student body.

This fall, Mull reinforced her commitment to student success when she dedicated $50,000 to Kent State to rename the Student Multicultural Center (SMC) the E. Timothy Moore Student Multicultural Center.

Moore, a three-time alumnus and associate dean emeritus in the College of Arts and Sciences, emeritus professor of Pan-African Studies, and a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., passed away unexpectedly in 2021. But his legacy, passion, and commitment to underrepresented students and role modeling of excellence

“If you can’t pay it back, pay it forward.”

Catherine Ryan Hyde

in action lives on. The naming proudly serves to ensure future generations of students have a visible and enduring reflection of how equity, belonging, mentorship and dedicated leadership changes lives.

Through the gift, Mull also endowed a $25,000 scholarship solely for members of the Gamma Epsilon chapter and an additional $25,000 to support students connected to the E. Timothy Moore Multicultural Center.

“I am beyond grateful to Sigma for providing me with leadership opportunities that, since I was an undergraduate member of Gamma Epsilon, have enabled me to bloom as a scholar, leader, and future educator. I am also thankful to have the opportunity to honor Dean Moore,” “When I work with students to this day, I ‘see’ students because of the way Dean Moore saw us. I see their potential to lead and thrive in so many ways and I am grateful that he first served as a mirror through which I could see myself,” said Mull.

ICHQ ICHQ ICHQ

Growing

G.R.E.A.T.E.R. In 2022

by Gwendolyn Goins

ary, North Carolina – The International Corporate Headquarters of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated has evolved into a culture of even “greater service”, providing greater experiences.

February 2022 welcomed the arrival of a new Executive Director, Soror Karen Y. Williams. In June, ICHQ onboarded additional members to the team: an Executive Assistant, a Special Projects Manager, a Human Resources Manager, and an Operations Director, all committed to the national thrust of operational excellence and to making ICHQ a nationally recognized workplace.

The ICHQ staff has adopted the G.R.E.A.T.E.R. Initiative, partnering the team to be Gifted, Responsive, Enthusiastic, Approachable, Talented, Effective, and Respectful, with internal and external customers. Under the leadership of Executive Director

Williams, the management team has been effectively addressing multiple projects aimed at developing a G.R.E.A.T.E.R. culture, improving operations and fully automating our fulfillment services.

“2022 has been an amazing year for Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated,” Executive Director Williams said.

“We have celebrated our Centennial in royal fashion and the ICHQ team is committed to achieving operational excellence to support this organization for the next one-hundred years.”

Each day, the ICHQ team works to answer inquiries and concerns from over 500 chapters worldwide. Initial areas of focus are membership dues payments, member recognitions, and member transfers. Other efforts on the horizon are data clean up, chapter administrator updates and reactivations. While some

volunteer sorors have been busy helping at ICHQ with projects like address clean up, other sorors in elected and appointed officer roles have been busy with a host of responsibilities such as refunds, TORCH, and Omega Rho requests.

Continuing to create a G.R.E.A.T.E.R. workplace, employed staff now have access to the following benefits: medical insurance, supplemental insurance, accrued paid time off, supported training and professional development, and a retirement savings vehicle.

It is the goal of the Executive Director to continue these efforts to increase retention and improve team morale. The ICHQ team is responding well to these enhancements. Retention has increased from a year ago and several team members are reaching anniversary milestones this year.

ICHQ has proven to grow even G.R.E.A.T.E.R. in 2022. With storyboard goals of operational excellence identified and executed, “greater progress” is and will remain inevitable.

Breast Cancer Survivors

by Dr. Morlena T. Robinson and Lenah R. Allen

In the United States, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. According to a January 2022 study by BreastCancer.org, there are more than 3.8 million women with a history of breast cancer. Of these women, many have successfully beaten this challenge, inspiring breast cancer awareness beyond the month of October.

It is the stories of breast cancer survivors that encourage more women to know their status, schedule mammograms, and responsibly take precaution measures. In return, many are called to support breast cancer survivors so they can continue to tell their stories, promoting healthy living.

Here are a few of our brave, Sigma survivors who embody not only the impeccable characteristics of a Sigma woman but also a true warrior.

Soror Yolandra Shipp

Initiation: March 2015

Chapter: Lambda Pi Sigma, Statesboro, GA

Soror Yolandra Shipp has gone through many battles throughout her life but never imagined she’d be able to say she conquered cancer twice. Diagnosed in 1997 for the first time at stage zero, Shipp went through surgery and took medication for six months. She, then, became cancer free and knew from there she had a new purpose in life.

“I was a spokesperson for the Susan G. Komen (for the Cure). So, I was speaking about breast cancer awareness, teaching health awareness about breast cancer,” Shipp said.

While she helped other women in their fight against breast cancer, she would come to realize that her fight was not over yet. In 2019, Shipp was diagnosed with stage one invasive carcinoma breast cancer, following the loss of her mom in June and the loss of her dad in October in the same year.

“My doctor’s number came up on my phone and I just immediately knew something wasn’t right,” said Shipp. “My cancer was back. Every emotion that you could possibly have, I had it all within the span of 24 hours.”

Shipp went through 22 treatments of radiation which also physically impacted her. Both sets of cancer diagnoses appeared on her right breast which led to another change in her life with the addition of a prosthesis. “It’s been an adjustment for me. This second bout mentally almost took me out,” she said. Her journey with breast cancer came to an end after December 2020 when she ultimately won the fight and finished her treatments. “It was a journey. I just believe God that this is the last time,” Shipp said. “Starting this thing over in 2020, it was like I had gotten to 22 years between the episodes and so now I’m two years in and I’m counting.”

Even after her life-changing journey, Shipp continues to speak to women about the importance of their health. “I’m thankful and I realize that everything happens for a reason. I’m still trying to understand what this lesson is. I hope that I have done it with a level of grace and understanding not just for myself but for those who when they realized all I had been going through and I never said a mumbling word that it shows them that you can still survive,” she said. “I hope that people saw a level of strength that as African American women we have to carry.”

Soror Danita Ford-Vaughn

Initiation: October 1995

Chapter: Rho Sigma, Detroit, MI

“I did not know how bad the cancer was. I thought I was going to die,” said Soror Danita Ford-Vaughn, Life and Ruby Member.

Ford-Vaughn experienced pain in her left breast for a year in 2012 and missed her yearly mammogram that same year. In July 2013, an ultrasound and biopsy revealed her diagnosis of breast cancer. The news not only scared her but also brought forth feelings of regret.

“I was mad because I missed my yearly mammogram in 2012 due to my new position at work,” said Ford-Vaughn. “I was advised due to me having masses in both breasts to monitor any changes and symptoms. Due to my mom having breast cancer, I always made sure to get mine (mammogram).”

Within three months after her diagnosis, Ford-Vaughn went through various breast surgeries including breast reconstruction and a double breast mastectomy. She also went through physical therapy for her left arm, all of which took a toll on her physical and mental health. “I took one day at a time. I asked God to walk with me and to help me make the right decisions during my cancer journey. It took time for me to stop being hard on myself for ignoring my symptoms,” she said.

Today, Vaughn-Ford is breast cancer free but doesn’t take her experience for granted. She advises other women to stay up to date on their yearly mammograms. “Yearly mammograms, regular selfexamination (and) report any symptoms to your provider,” Ford-Vaugh advises. “If you are a woman who has a history of masses, please make sure to monitor the changes and any pain. Communicate with your providers to have a successful process.”

Ford-Vaughn said what got her through her battle was her support system. “Do not try to go through the fight by yourself. Lean on your village. Reach out to your mate, best friend, family member you feel comfortable with. Take advantage of Cancer Society services, (like) the American Cancer Society (ACS),” she said.

Soror Patricia Baldwin

Initiation: March 26, 2022

Chapter: Kappa Psi Sigma, Valdosta, GA

“I could have lost my mind, wanted to give up so many times but God was my anchor, a consistent way maker. God covered me,” Soror Patricia Baldwin recited.

Lyrics from ‘God Covered Me’ by Donald Lawrence were the words that carried Baldwin through her breast cancer journey. In September 2019, she found out she had stage three breast cancer at her yearly check-up.

“At first it was kind of difficult (and I had) a little denial. Actually, they wanted to go right ahead and do surgery,” Baldwin said. (I was) scared, anxious, everything that you would experience but I got through it with prayer.”

Consulting with all her physicians, including her cancer physician, Baldwin moved forward with a plan to get a lumpectomy, a procedure that would remove her lump. Once her lump was removed,

she did 12 radiation treatments which left a discoloration on her skin that reminds her to this day of the battle she overcame.

Through it all, Baldwin managed to maintain her work life. “That helped me also keep my mind off of it,” she said. Baldwin described her healing process as an easy one with her getting to ring the bell twice to signify the end of her journey with breast cancer in 2020. “In the end, I was happy,” she said. “I take life as it comes. I live each day as it is. I stay positive. I try to give back to the community.”

Baldwin said the importance of yearly mammograms became clear after her experience, which is why she advises all women to be proactive about getting theirs. “All women, just go ahead and get a mammogram. Don’t wait. Get as much information as you can, even if you don’t have cancer,” she said.

And for warriors still fighting their battle with breast cancer, Baldwin said positivity and a good support system can strengthen that fight. “A lot of people try to back away, but I would say don’t do that. Just try to talk to someone, family members, friends, pastors, someone, even your physicians. You have to talk it through and stay prayerful,” she said.

Soror Freddie Copeland

Initiation: November 1, 2019

Chapter: Kappa Psi Sigma, Valdosta, GA

Soror Freddie Copeland had just gotten her annual mammogram two months prior but found herself at the doctor again after finding a lump while selfexamining herself in the shower in October 2000. A second mammogram didn’t show a lump, but a biopsy did. That’s when she got confirmation that she had stage one breast cancer and her life turned upside down.

“I was devastated because I didn’t want to believe that’s what it was after the mammogram didn’t pick it up,” Copeland said. “I was trying to come to grips with it myself and then how to let my family know. I really didn’t want to let my mother and my grandmother know because I was my mother’s only daughter, and I knew she was going to take it hard.”

For the next few months, the cancer center would become a familiar place to Copeland as she received two options of treatment from her doctor. One treatment would have lasted six months while the other would have lasted three months. Although she decided to pick the three-month treatment, she ended up staying on the treatment longer than expected due to Copeland’s white blood cell count being low.

Starting treatment on her birthday in December wasn’t easy as Copeland experienced effects such as hair loss and nausea. Around the same time, her grandmother passed away. “It was very devastating. My coworkers made it a little bit easier for me. I was able to work during my treatment and a lot of them came over and sat with me while I was receiving my treatment,” she said. “I had a very good support system.”

In 2001, Copeland became breast cancer free. “I would describe myself as a fighter. I am not going to let that get me down. I was determined once I found out what it was and my survival rate,” Copeland said. “I have become appreciative of the smaller things in life. A lot of things we take for granted when we are up and in good health.”

Copeland’s experience inspired her and her daughter to get a genetic test. The test showed that she and her daughter are at high risk of cancer. This discovery prompted Copland and her family to take more precautions going forward. “Cancer was always thought of as a death sentence and now it’s not. We have a lot of women out there that survived and are cancer free for years. It’s not a death sentence,” Copeland affirmed.

ALPHA SIGMA CHAPTER

Indianapolis, IN

The Ladies of Alpha Sigma repRHOsented at this year’s Circle City Classic Parade in Indianapolis, IN. This year’s theme was titled “Rho-Chella”. The entire Sigma Family showed up to represent during their Centennial year! Sorors and Affiliates exemplified #Greater and highlighted some of the sorority’s national projects.

ALPHA ALPHA SIGMA CHAPTER

Baltimore, MD

The Alpha Alpha Sigma Chapter has been on the move. This year, the chapter collected over 1,302 items for Operation BigBookBag and donated the items to Gardenville Elementary School. In addition, several illustrious Sorors had the opportunity to donate their service to the Baltimore City Mayor’s Back-to-School Rally, where school supplies were given away, and food, crafts, and exuberant activities were enjoyed.

Alpha Alpha Sigma Chapter would like to thank its supporters for helping the chapter exceed its St. Jude goal of $2,022. This year, the chapter raised over $2,700 for the kids of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. On the 4th Saturday of September, the Alpha Alpha Sigma Chapter, along with other surrounding chapters, walked 3.57 miles to fight against Childhood Cancer at Druid Hill Park.

ALPHA OMICRON SIGMA CHAPTER

Dallas, TX

The AMAZING Alpha Omicron Sigma Chapter has had a busy start to the year! To start the 2022-2023 sorority year on August 13, 2022, AOS proudly participated in three community service initiatives in one day! Joining efforts with Luster’s Hair Products, Microsoft, and Nike, our Fall 2021 Torch Class, led the way for service. Sorors served families of South Dallas by providing school supplies, free shoes, free haircuts, and so much more! We are thrilled about expanding our outreach in South Dallas. In West Dallas, our Spring 2022 Torch Class took the lead working alongside the YMCA, Southwestern Region Philo Coordinator Tia Finney-Davenport, and other chapter members. Together, we blessed the West Dallas community with backpacks filled with school supplies. On the undergraduate level, we assisted first-year students moving in at Paul Quinn College. Under the leadership of Undergraduate Advisor Awnya Creque, Sorors were able to touch the lives of these young adults by showing them the true meaning of service.

On August 27, AOS partnered with Bessie Coleman Middle School in Cedar Hill, Texas, for Operation Big Book Bag. The chapter gave away over 100 supply-filled backpacks and provided classroom supplies for teachers and other staff members. Not only did AOS show up and show out, but the community also more than matched our energy! Our partners, Murray’s hair products, Academia Tutoring & Children’s Health, also helped create a significant impact.

Look for more #greater impacts to come as we round out this Centennial year. #SimplyAmazing

DELTA SIGMA CHAPTER

Chicago, IL

Delta Sigma Chicago Alumnae Chapter kicked off the Centennial sorority year with Operation BigBookBag. On Saturday, August 6th, for the third straight year, Delta Sigma partnered with Leo High School, for the “Annual Back to School Jam”. Under the leadership of Civic Chair, English Gonzalez, Delta Sigma distributed over 200 book bags at the event. Through a partnership with South Shore Hospital, participants also had the opportunity to receive Covid vaccinations, through Delta Sigma’s “Covid-19 Vax-to-School” event. Soror Audrey Tanksley, MD, chaired the project.

In preparation for the Captivating Centennial Weekend festivities, Delta Sigma’s Centennial Committee, chaired by Past Syntaktes, Michelle Neal, were instrumental in obtaining seven Centennial Street Light Banners. The banners featuring Sigma Gamma Rho’s Centennial Logo, were prominently displayed in the 4700 block of South King Drive, in Chicago’s historic Bronzeville district, along the Bud Billiken parade route.

On Saturday, August 13th, the ‘Captivating’ Central Region participated in the legendary Bud Billiken Parade. Delta Sigma’s very own, Syntaktes Loreal Marshall, spearheaded Central Region’s prominent presence in the parade.

Sigma Gamma Rho’s beautiful float, adorned in royal blue and gold, featured a large number “100” highlighting Sigma Gamma Rho’s Centennial. On top of the float was Delta Sigma’s very own, Syntaktes, Loreal Marshall, along with International Grand Basileus, Rasheeda S. Liberty, Past International Grand Basileus, Deborah Catchings-Smith, International 1st Grand Anti-Basileus, Marica Harris, Executive Director, Karen Williams, and Delta Sigma’s very own, Editor and Chief of the Aurora, L. Chanel Dickerson, International Legal Advisor, Debra Hughes, Esq., National Program Chair, Monique Merriweather, and Illinois Area Coordinator, Erica Ferrell, as well as a host of leadership from other regions.

The Delta Sigma Steppers, consisting of Sorors Erika Davis, Taylor Embry, Morgan Jordan, and Latoya Lyons, accompanied the float, performing precision dance moves, to the delight of the parade goers.

On the evening of Saturday, August 13th, Delta Sigma Chapter hosted “The Rhoyal Standard Centennial All White Party” at the Epiphany Center for the Arts. The elegant venue was filled with Sorors and guests who were dressed to impress in all white attire. Our notable leadership, guests, and attendees were treated to an array of delicious food, drinks, and entertainment. The event, led by Centennial Committee Chair, Past Syntaktes, Michelle Neal, was enjoyed by all.

On Sunday, August 14th, the final day of the Captivating Centennial Weekend, Delta Sigma’s Project Cradle Care Chair, Soror Jacqueline Hoskins-Wroten, presented the “Project Cradle Care –Black Maternal Awareness” workshop, at The Black Women’s Expo.

DELTA MU SIGMA CHAPTER

Orlando, FL

The Dynamic Delta Mu Sigma Chapter kicked off the new Centennial year of DMS G.R.E.A.T.E.R. with service to the Orlando community. On July 30, 2022, in partnership with the Metro-Orlando NPHC, Operation BigBookBag was in full swing at the Annual NPHC Back to School Bash. Held at the Academic Center for Excellence, over 350 backpacks filled with school supplies were given to youth in greater Orlando. On September 24, 2022, Sorors of Delta Mu Sigma and the Orlando area gathered for the St. Jude Walk/Run at Fun Spot America Theme Park in Orlando, Florida. The truly inspiring event allowed sorors and friends to walk alongside other supporters and survivors and support our very own International Liaison and DMS First Anti-Basileus Stephanie J. Brinkley. The Orlando teams collectively have raised over $210,000. To exemplify G.R.E.A.T.E.R., DMS set a personal team goal to raise $2,022 by November. In addition to the event, Delta Mu Sigma used its social media platform to share facts about St. Jude and Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. as a national series sponsor, #DMS7daysofStJude. DMS stands behind the lifesaving mission of St. Jude: Finding cures. Saving lives.

ETA NU SIGMA CHAPTER

Brooklyn, NY

Brooklyn youth of all ages learned the basics of water safety at the Swim 1922 Clinic held at the Bed-Stuy YMCA. This free event presented by a partnership between State Senator Kevin S. Parker and Eta Nu Sigma.

Attendees learned CPR basics from the FDNY and were awestruck by the wealth of knowledge demonstrated by such speakers as Dr. Miriam Lynch, who discussed Diversity in Aquatics; as well as U.S. Navy representatives Tyesha Thompson and Vladimir S. Julien (USN, Retired), Aquatic Voyagers/Black Scuba Divers Judy Berhanan and Gerald Stanley and Harbor School representative Jackye Stephenson.

ETA NU SIGMA CHAPTER (cont’d)

Stanley commented, “I would like to thank Eta Nu Sigma for inviting AVSC (the New York chapter of the National Association of Black Scuba Divers) to Swim 1922. AVSC is always looking for opportunities to share our knowledge of Scuba Diving with the community and we were grateful for that opportunity.”

Chapter members Antonette Jordan and Nicole Robinson-Etienne helped bring the event to life and numerous Sorors contributed time and resources to assist the community. Some attendees were awarded scholarships that will help them continue swimming courses at the Bed-Stuy YMCA thanks to generous contributions from the Eta Nu Sigma Chapter, Senator Parker and the Seven Roses Legacy Foundation, Inc. The event was featured on the cover of Harlem Community News (Brooklyn Edition) and on various media websites.

At a reception honoring Soror Gwen Carr, who was inducted as an Honorary Member in November 2021, Eta Nu Sigma members presented Soror Carr with flowers and gifts and spent time detailing the rich history of the sorority. Soror Carr, in turn, gave sorors a recap about the work that she is doing on behalf of the African American community. An activist, public speaker and author, Gwen Carr rose to the forefront of public attention when her son, Eric Garner, was killed by a New York Police Department officer who used a prohibited chokehold to arrest Garner on July 17, 2014. Since her son died, Carr has been involved in police reform and is a member of the Mothers of the Movement and serves as a voice in the Black Lives Matters movement. Her son’s final words, “I can’t breathe”, have become a prolific statement around the world. Soror Carr intends to continue upholding her son’s legacy and enjoys meeting and working with fellow Sorors.

Eta Nu Sigma Chapter, Brooklyn YWCA, EmblemHealth, Atlantic Terminal, St. Joseph University and Stop and Shop joined forces to host a “Back To School Bash”, which included providing free school supplies, wellness screening and an afternoon of fun for residents of the Brooklyn community. The event took place at the Atlantic Terminal Mall, Brooklyn, NY, on Saturday, August 27, 2022, and received major news coverage on CBS-TV and numerous other media outlets. The sorors of Eta Nu Sigma contributed their time and resources under the auspices of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. Operation BigBookBag (OBBB).

“The Eta Nu Sigma Chapter was proud to co-sponsor our signature Operation Big Bookbag initiative with our partners. Together we had a measurable impact on the community by donating 1,000+ book bags filled with school supplies to ensure that children were ready for the first day of school. We are grateful to have had this opportunity to help children and families continue the march to normalcy as they returned to school,” commented Basileus Camille Joseph-Varlack.

Soror Gwen Carr is pictured with officers and members of the Eta Nu Sigma chapter executive board and leadership team 2021-2022.

THETA ALPHA SIGMA CHAPTER

Hartford, CT

INBC Connecticut recognized the Theta Alpha Sigma Alumnae Chapter’s community impact for supplying over 650 backpacks filled with school supplies to students at Jumoke Academy Charter Schools in Hartford, CT on September 1, 2022. Donations to the Operation BigBookBag initiative were supported through social media investments, local businesses, and in-kind shipment of supplies. Corporate sponsorship included Champion USA who supplied footwear and backpacks. The WNBA’s Connecticut Sun provided a $2000 donation which assisted in the purchase of supplies, sanitizers, and surface wipes for educators who work at each of the three campuses of the citywide charter school.

“The next generation of Champions start in the classroom and we’re proud to help provide necessary resources… that will allow these students to thrive during the school year,” said John Schumate, Vice President of Global Marketing, Champion. Each student received a backpack filled with pens, pencils, notebooks, folders, and other educational necessities. Each family was also provided with a brand-new pair of shoes. “It was important that we honor the legacy of our Founders, who were educators, by ensuring we impact our community in a grand way,” said chapter Centennial Basileus Terrika Foster-Brasby. Nearly 700 Hartford, CT families received assistance through the 2022 TAS Operation Big Book Bag initiative.

Theta Alpha Sigma Serves 700 Families through OBBB

KAPPA SIGMA CHAPTER

New York City, NY

Kappa Sigma chapter opened the Centennial year with a bang! This year, the chapter celebrates 86 years of sisterhood, scholarship, and service in the New York City area. Established on July 28, 1936, the chapter was chartered by nine dedicated women who were interested in promoting change and bringing progress to the city. The chapter continues to be a driving force in the Greater New York area by performing community service projects for local school and churches and partnering with Community Based Organizations (CBOs) to help those in need. The chapter continued this tradition by partnering with W.A.R.M. Domestic Violence Rescue (www.weallreallymatter.org) to donate over 300 backpacks stuffed with school supplies to children in Harlem.

The chapter concluded its Charter Day celebration by communing at the first meeting of the sorority year. Returning and new chapter members came together to learn from its leadership about the plans for the upcoming year and wrapped it up by having their cake and eating it, too! Look out for more exciting stories to come about the chapter’s endeavors.

Top: Executive Board having fun before the meeting.

Bottom Left: Let them eat cake! Bottom Right: Sorors with W.A.R.M. Founder, Stephanie McGraw

MU SIGMA SIGMA CHAPTER

West Memphis, AR

It is indeed a great time to be a member of the Rhoyal Family as we approach 100 years of sisterhood, scholarship, and service. We are anxiously anticipating the celebration of a lifetime. Mu Sigma Sigma is set to host an exciting week of events that will thrill participants and spread cheer across Eastern Arkansas, and the communities that we serve. In our spectacular line-up of week events, we will recognize our five essential programs as well as the illustrious Pearls that paved the way for us. Sigma Gamma Rho will be celebrating Rhovember around the world and ensuring that our communities are aware of the service that we provide and the strides that we have made over the last 100 years. There is still an opportunity to support Mu Sigma Sigma through our Centennial Journal. Options are available by visiting MSSBlueBrunch2.Eventbrite.com. We appreciate your support. Happy Centennial!

Queens, NY

The women of the Nu Beta Sigma Alumnae Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. hosted their annual Operation BigBookBag event. The event took place at SCO Family Services in Jamaica, Queens, New York. This is the 3rd year Nu Beta Sigma has hosted the event since its charter date in 2020. The SCO Family of Services helps and provides family services to vulnerable New Yorkers build a strong foundation for the future.

With over 100 families in attendance to the free event, the guests consisted of alumnae and undergraduate sorority members, children ranging in ages four to seventeen, as well as their parents and guardians. Each student was able to select a book bag filled with supplies for a specific grade level. In addition to the book bag, the chapter used funds from the Good Health Wins grant to provide information on COVID-19 vaccines to each family as well as COVID-19 tests, masks and hand sanitizers donated from the Beta Rho Omega Chapter (Queens/Long Island chapter) of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc.

Community partners: Sisters with a Goal (SWAG), The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), Cops N’ Kids, The Gloria Eve Performing Arts Foundation, Inc., Amazon Black Employee Network (BEN), Allstate, AVRASA and Housing Plus sponsored the local event by donating school supplies and providing information to the families.

NU ETA SIGMA CHAPTER

Schertz, TX

Congrats to the Nu Eta Sigma Chapter Spring 2022 T.O.R.C.H. Class, “Beacons of Light” on accomplishing their community service project. They partnered with 1HOPE for Kids to assist foster children in the Schertz, TX, and surrounding counties by creating hygiene bags worth $600 for boys and girls entering foster care. Their desire as community servants and those who have the desire to foster hope, was to make sure each child had a bag of their own things to make the transition personal. Children are often thrown into a situation where they have no control or understanding of what will happen from one day to the next. The Spring 2022 T.O.R.C.H. Class wanted to ensure that the foster children felt a sense of safety and hope. Job well done, Sorors. Continue to be on fire to serve.

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. The Nu Eta Sigma Chapter joined Sorors across the nation in a St. Jude Walk/Run on Saturday, September 24, 2022. The Team Captains, Soror Angela Cottman and Soror Jamie Poree both shared a passion for St. Jude. Annually, Soror Cottman walks in honor of her cousin, AJ Petersen who was diagnosed with a form of brain cancer called DIPG. Recently, Soror Poree’s son was diagnosed with Hodgins Lymphoma. The Team Captains encouraged the Nu Eta Sigma Chapter to walk with a purpose and bring awareness to childhood cancers. Collectively, they walked/ran 27 miles. There are no known cures. We must fight to end childhood cancer. Join the fight and raise funds for research to cure cancer.

NU PI SIGMA CHAPTER

Denton, TX

The Nu Pi Sigma Chapter was chartered on September 25, 2022 and is the newest alumnae chapter in the SUPER Southwestern Region. Nu Pi Sigma was chartered in Denton, Texas, a suburb in the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area with a vision of serving Denton and surrounding areas through Greater Service, Greater Progress. Nu Pi Sigma strives to uphold the legacy of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. with LOVE and Excellence through service initiatives and partnerships that make an impact in their service area and beyond.

The Charter Members are composed of 12 members from different backgrounds, occupations, and years of Sigma experience. The Charter Members include Nicole Woods (Charter Basileus, Life Member), LaTisha Brandon (SWR UCC, Life Member), La’Shaunte Beathea, Ashley Branch (Life Member), Kenneshea Byers, Jaclyn Carson, Joy Eki-Edo, Shayna Hines, Dorian Jordan, Jalicia Smith, Shaundre Wilson, and Deondriea Way.

Follow the journey of Nu Pi Sigma Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. at www.sgrhodenton.org or @sgrhodenton on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

UPSILON SIGMA CHAPTER

Nashville, TN

Walking And Giving Back To Support St. Jude

On September 24th, 2022, the Undeniable Upsilon Sigma Chapter participated in the St. Jude Walk/Run in Nashville, Tennessee. The chapter has been raising money and making donations to give back to St. Jude. The chapter raised over $1,000 and continues to raise funds and accept donations. The donations raised from the event will be used for treatment, travel, housing, and food for St. Jude families. The Upsilon Sigma team was led by the Programs Chair, Soror Tonisha Cook.

Undeniable Upsilon Sigma Annual Soror Retreat

The Upsilon Sigma Chapter is fired up for the new sorority year. Under the leadership of Basileus, Dr. Danielle Frazier, the chapter held a retreat to plan and celebrate the new sorority year. The retreat was held on August 27th, 2022. During the retreat, sorors were able to see each other after a long two years of virtual meetings. Sorors were able to participate in team building activities, fellowship, and meet new sorors as well. Each chapter officer presented their goals for the new sorority year. The chapter looks forward to serving the Nashville community this sorority year!

ZETA GAMMA SIGMA CHAPTER

East Chicago, IN

IOTA OMICRON SIGMA CHAPTER

West Columbia, SC

Zeta Gamma Sigma Chapter recently celebrated their 40th charter year with a luncheon that both honored the women that chartered the chapter and ushered in their inaugural scholarship program.

Soror Regina Duncan, a life member and cultured pearl currently a member of Alpha Sigma Sigma Chapter in Gary, Indiana. was given her roses as ZGS Sorors celebrated her being the only living charter member. On July 9, 1982, Soror Duncan was joined by Omega Rho Sorors Ellen Dodson, Mussett Elliott, Beatrice Martin, and Eunice Roper Allen to bring service to the East Chicago community. Basileus Quinnesia Bell proudly awarded the first 3 scholarships to a group of deserving high school and college students. The chief scholarship is named in honor of Soror Duncan, and the chapter’s goal is to add seven scholarships total and increase the amount of money awarded to students.

The members of the Iota Omicron Sigma Alumnae Chapter in West Columbia, S.C., supported two local schools during its Operation BigBookBag initiative in August. Chapter members collected school supplies and volunteered at the first in-person Back-to School-Bash since the pandemic began at Forest Height Elementary School. IOS has an ongoing partnership with Forest Heights and this year in addition to handing out 100 bags of school supplies, members were able to assist the staff with giving out other school and clothing supplies and books.

In a letter, Forest Heights Principal Jason Koepke thanked the chapter for their participation.

“Thank you for seeing a need and addressing a need,” Principal Koepke said. “The students greatly benefitted from your time, your smiling faces, and the supplies you provided them with. Every ounce of love, help and effort is deeply appreciated.”

The giving didn’t stop there. Due to the surplus of supplies collected, IOS was also able to donate school supplies to Riverbank Elementary School, forging a new partnership.

“Our partnership with Forest Heights Elementary School has continued to grow and flourish over the years,” said Operation BigBookBag Committee Chair Jasmine Ware. “We were thrilled to not only donate supplies, but to be there to support and assist them at the Back-to-School Bash. Now, we are excited to extend our support to the students at Riverbank Elementary School.”

L-R: Sorors Anyahlyn Dillon, Regina Duncan, Quinnesia Bell

BETA OMICRON SIGMA CHAPTER

Charlotte, NC

The Beta Omicron Sigma Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho, located in Charlotte, NC, was chartered by 15 educators on December 2, 1950. Since then, BOS has chartered four undergraduate chapters, Beta Upsilon (JCSU, 1952), Delta Xi (Barber Scotia College, 1971), Mu Tau (Livingston College) and Nu Rho (UNC -Charlotte, 1992). In recent years, BOS has seen incredible membership growth, including the induction of its largest TORCH class in Spring 2022 - the 33 Evolutions of Rhoyalty. As a Sesquicentennial chapter, the 160+ members of BOS continue to make an impact in the Queen City, most recently donating more than 19,022 school supplies for Operation Big Bookbag and reaching 100,000 service hours as a chapter.

ALPHA ZETA SIGMA CHAPTER

Bessemer, AL

The Astonishing Alpha Zeta Sigma Chapter has been busy being Greater Women engaging with the Greater World. Before the Poodles headed to Indy, they engaged in a community service project with the Christian Service Mission of Greater Birmingham, preparing donations for students readying for their return to school. The chapter kept up their progress by hosting a Sigma Round-Up on August 27, 2002. The event was open to anyone interested in joining Sigma Gamma Rho and affiliated groups. All who attended the event have expressed interest and are pursuing membership within the chapter. On August 30, 2022, the Bessemer Poodles partnered with the Salvation Army of Greater Birmingham to serve “Dinner In The Streets”; it was a fantastic event centered around raising awareness for the Salvation Army Center of Hope. Continuing their busy fall season of community service, the Sisters adopted a teacher, Trimise Jackson’s, classroom at Robinson Primary School in Fairfield, AL, for the Operation Big Book Bag project. The sisters took some time to Relax, Relate and Rejuvenate at their Fall Retreat in early September. The sisters had a weekend of bonding, planning, and building. After a weekend of rest, the Astonishing Alpha Zeta Sigma Chapter took to the streets to participate in the St. Jude Walk/Run. The team showed up and showed out by surpassing their team goal and being one of the top 10 teams for the Birmingham event. Stay tuned for more as the Astonishing Alpha Zeta Sigma Chapter travels the Golden Rhoad to Ruby in 2022!

OMICRON SIGMA CHAPTER

Memphis, TN

Omicron Sigma Chapter participated in the St. Jude Walk/Run in Memphis, TN held on September 24, 2022 at Shelby Farms Park. The Chapter, on the move for St. Jude, raised $1,190 for Sigma Gamma Rho’s top philanthropy. Local rapper, Al Kapone, was ready to take a picture with the gorgeous ladies in gold and blue. The Sorors had to arrive very early in the morning to access GREAT parking, check in and prepare to walk. At the end of the day, the ‘Outstanding’ Omicron Sigma Memphis Alumnae Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated, made the Seven Illustrious Founders smile on a sun shiny day. Please consider donating to St. Jude today.

ALPHA XI SIGMA CHAPTER

Tulsa, OK

On July 30, 2022, the Alpha Xi Sigma Tulsa Alumnae Chapter hosted the RHOyal Bowl at Andy B’s Bowling Alley. The RHOyal Bowl is a fundraising event for the Anita Hairston Scholarship Fund. Anita Hairston, a Soror and the charter member of the Alpha Xi Sigma chapter, was the first African American woman to receive her master’s degree from the University of Tulsa in 1952. To honor her legacy and contribution to education, a yearly scholarship is awarded to two high school seniors attending Tulsa Public Schools. After a threeyear hiatus due to the Pandemic, the RHOyal Bowl event resumed successfully with 20 teams. Participants not only bowled, but some also even danced and strolled. The event yielded over $3,000 in contributions towards the scholarship fund.

Mid-Hudson Valley, NY

The sky is the limit for our Soror Mya Coley as one of few African American pilots in the country. Her pursuit shows the amazing persistence of a young Black woman and a dream.

Soror Coley was born in the South Side of Chicago, where she attended Gwendolyn Brooks High School. During a tabling event, Soror Coley unknowingly met Gigi Coleman, the grandniece of Bessie Coleman. She was offering an after-school program to students interested in aviation and Soror Coley went after it.

She attended the University of Missouri. There, Soror Coley was introduced to Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., and knew this sisterhood aligned with her life. In 2018, Mya Coley became Soror Coley as a part of Alpha Rho chapter.

In 2018, Soror Coley was awarded the Tuskegee Next Scholarship which supported her dream of becoming a pilot. In her junior year, she transferred to Lewis University where she completed her undergraduate degree (2021). The same year, Soror Coley was awarded the Red Tail Flight Academy Scholarship. She graduated May 2022, receiving her Commercial Pilot License & Certified Flight Instructor License.

Soror Coley transferred to Theta Sigma Sigma Mid-Hudson Valley, NY chapter in 2021 and is currently an Executive Board member holding the position of 2nd Anti-Basileus.

Soror Coley’s goal is to open a facility where young minorities, in the inner city of Chicago, can become pilots. There is no doubt that Soror Coley will make this goal and dream come true.

ALPHA ETA SIGMA CHAPTER

Philadelphia, PA

The Accomplished Alpha Eta Sigma Chapter’s Operation Big Book Bag Program has been serving the Philadelphia community since 1996. This Centennial Sorority year, Alpha Eta Sigma kicked off Operation Big Book Bag in August by participating for a 2nd year with the NOMO (New Options More Opportunities) Foundation Back To School Prep Rally. The NOMO Foundation continues to work towards its mission to provide a safe space for Philadelphia youth and young adults, to develop positive life skills and nurture their potential to break the cycle of poverty. Alpha Eta Sigma’s effort in partnership with NOMO continues to make an impact for students by helping to ensure they have the proper book bags and school supplies to jumpstart the school year on a positive note. Soror Nicole Jones, Committee Chair, wanted to make an even greater impact over last year and facilitated the donation of 156 book bags filled with over $2000 worth of school supplies thanks to the efforts of chapter members, Philos and supporters. During this year’s rally, the chapter was able to connect with the community and provide words of encouragement as well as talk about membership and affiliate groups. It is the vision of Soror Jones and the Operations Big Book Bag committee to continue working with NOMO and partner with other select organizations/schools such as Tree House Books throughout the Centennial year to make an even greater impact in the City of Philadelphia.

LAMBDA GAMMA SIGMA CHAPTER

Pomona, CA

In partnership with Arlanza Elementary School, Lambda Gamma Sigma hosted a boosters and backpacks educational resource fair that also included 15 other community-based resource organizations to support students and families as they returned for the 2022-2023 school year.

The Good Health Wins grant of $5,000 allowed the chapter to purchase 200 backpacks filled with supplies as well as provide 200 snack bags for the students. Attached to each backpack was a message about Sigma Gamma Rho and the community service work we do and a message about the mission of Good Health Wins which included a QR code that links families to vital information about vaccinations, immunizations and where in the community to access these resources.

The chapter was excited to present 170 backpacks and snack bags to students the day of the event. The remaining backpacks along with an additional 250 donated by other organizations were distributed to every single student at the school their first week back on campus. This was an amazing experience that was greatly appreciated by students, families, school faculty and the members of the Pomona Alumnae chapter.

Special thank you to Assistant Principal Dr. Cisneros, Assistant Superintendent of Education Services Dr. Resma Byrne, School Board President Julie Moreno, Director of Elementary School Education Michelle Pierce, and Assemblywoman Sabrina Cervantes for supporting this event. “Greater Service, Greater Progress!”

ETA ALPHA SIGMA CHAPTER

Sacramento, CA

Soror Erica Morgera is the newest Basileus for the Eta Alpha Sigma Alumnae Chapter of Sacramento, California, where she was inducted in Fall 2017. Since joining her local chapter, she has served as the community service chair and, most recently, as the epistoleus. When asked what her vision is for the new sorority year, Soror Morgera wants to take the energy from Centennial and build stronger relationships with community partners as we enter the endemic phase of COVID-19.

Soror Morgera has been a public servant for more than seven years, employed by the State of California. Currently, she works for the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) as a Process Improvement Project Manager. There, she manages the most complex and sensitive process improvement projects. Using Lean, Lean Six Sigma, project management, and process improvement methodologies, her unit streamlines CalHR program processes to serve the needs of the public and state agencies.

In her personal life, Soror Morgera is passionate about initiatives related to marginalized communities and social justice and sits on two boards in her community. Currently, she is a doctoral student in the Suzanne DworakPeck School of Social Work program at the University of Southern California. Since Black women have the worst health outcomes compared to all other populations, Soror Morgera is focusing her dissertation and capstone project on self-care and wellness strategies for Black women.

Soror Morgera is the proud mother of three sons and wife to her soulmate of more than twenty-seven years.

LAMBDA UPSILON SIGMA CHAPTER

Plano, TX

The Lambda Upsilon Alumnae Chapter (LUS) kicked off the Centennial sorority year by participating and donating in several Operation Big Book Bag initiatives. LUS partnered with local organizations to make sure students locally and globally had everything they needed to start the school year.

Seven students were sponsored for the Frisco Family Services Back-to-School Drive. Each student was presented with a $50 gift card from JCPenney to assist in the purchasing of school clothes and other items of need. In addition, LUS also participated in One Community Church’s backpack initiative for students in Kenya, Africa, with a donation of 24 backpacks filled with school supplies. School supplies were donated to the Prep Factory and to educators in our chapter to assist the parents of their students needing help in purchasing supplies for the school year.

LUS ended the Operation Big Book Bag back to school season with two major events. Sorors volunteered in the Back-to-School Bash and 5-on-5 Basketball Tournament in Carrollton, Texas, sponsored by Inspiring Lives. They also supported North Dallas Suburbia NPHC and their president, LUS Anti-Basileus Soror Bainisha Brown, in their back-to-school drive by providing school supplies to be distributed to schools in the local area.

Frisco Family Center donation featuring Chapter Basileus Sharlandria Shaw and Community Service Chair Carla Moore

NPHC President/ Anti-Basileus Bainisha Brown and Community Service Chair Carla Moore

MU RHO SIGMA CHAPTER

Henderson, NV

Mu Rho Sigma Alumnae Chapter - Henderson, NV of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. has exemplified sisterhood, scholarship and service through countless community endeavors and partnerships. At the national and local level, the Sorority embraces the vision of “Greater Service, Greater Progress” which provides guidance and direction to create a stronger and more positive community particularly with youth. In acknowledgement of National Library Week in March, Mu Rho Sigma partnered with Henderson Library providing suggested daily reading activities and games during library week. A list of over 100 recommended books for children to read and books that have been read by members and their children were compiled. Parents and siblings were invited to read as a family over the 2022 Spring and Summer breaks celebrating 100 years of literacy.

Operation Big book Bag Centennial Celebration culminated with Mu Rho Sigma distributing 350 backpacks to ten elementary schools in Henderson and one in North Las Vegas. The chapter was very excited “Traveling the Rhoad” to visit schools and drop off backpacks to the students and visit with the administrative teams for the Annual Operation Big Book Bag Program. “Greater Women, Greater World”.

MEMBER-AT-LARGE, NORTHEASTERN REGION

Washington, DC

Becoming a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.’s Alpha Chapter in 1959 was the beginning of Soror Theresa B. (Gartin) Leeke’s lifetime commitment to sisterhood, service, and leadership. As a life member and Cultured Pearl, Soror Leeke is committed to helping younger sorors develop as leaders and sharing her lessons learned. That’s why she teamed up with her daughter, Soror Madelyn C. (Ananda) Leeke to launch “A Cultured Pearl’s Legacy” podcast. Since its launch in April 2022, A Cultured Pearl’s Legacy Podcast has featured conversations about the meaning of sisterhood, the leadership lessons Soror Theresa Leeke learned from founders, Soror Hattie Mae Dulin Redford, and Soror Dorothy Hanley Whiteside; insights about being a mother and a Sigma woman; inspiration and wisdom for new members; historical reflections on the 50th and 75th anniversary boules; highlights from the 100th anniversary boule; and self-care awareness for sorors. The mother-daughter podcast team will release several more episodes before the end of the year, including a special episode devoted to Soror Theresa Leeke’s experiences during the Centennial Founders’ Day Celebration in Indianapolis. Listen to “A Cultured Pearl’s Legacy” podcast at www.anchor.fm/ananda-leeke

ZETA DELTA SIGMA CHAPTER

Arlington, TX

Zeta Delta Sigma proudly celebrates 40 years of continuous service, scholarship, and sisterhood in the Arlington, TX and surrounding areas. Chartered on June 26, 1982, ZDS is blessed and honored to have one of its original charter members, Soror Shirley Roland continuously leading and serving in the chapter. At the Centennial Boule, Zeta Delta Sigma culminated the 2021-2022 Sorority year with the distinct honor of being selected as the Centennial Mary Lou Allison Little Loving Cup Award Recipient and the Centennial Dr. Rejesta V. Perry Project Reassurance Award winner. Please join us in celebrating these milestone achievements. #ZDStheBest is poised and positioned to continue to soar to greater heights now and into the future.

DELTA ETA SIGMA CHAPTER

Kansas City, KS

Delta Eta Sigma has had a busy summer including participating in the chapter’s first Juneteenth parade which was also the first parade of its kind in Overland Park, Kansas. Delta Eta Sigma not only had the biggest float but educated the community on the legacy of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. The chapter continues the momentum by gearing up to host its first Founders’ Day masquerade gala titled “Rubies & Pearls” and plans to have the biggest centennial celebration the area has ever encountered. These events may be the first, but they surely aren’t the last.

MU GAMMA SIGMA CHAPTER

Hartfort County, MD

In the words of Earth Wind and Fire, “Do You Remember...”? The Ladies of the Mu Gamma Sigma Alumnae Chapter (Harford County, MD) sure do remember not only the 21st Day, but every day, as they celebrated and served hard in the month of September 2022.

The month began with a socially distanced day of service with the Harford County Alumni Council of the NPHC, an evening of Karaoke to celebrate their 8th Charter Anniversary, a night of great fellowship with the Ladies of the Alpha Alpha Sigma Alumnae Chapter (Baltimore City, MD), and ended with a Back-To-School Night supporting the students, staff and administrators of their partner school, Hall’s Cross Roads Elementary School (Aberdeen, MD).

In conjunction with their internal National Programs/Operation BigBookbag Committee, the chapter was able to donate 200 ponchos for the entire student body that walk to and from the school every day.

ZETA BETA SIGMA CHAPTER

D’Iberville, MS

The Zeta Beta Sigma Alumnae Chapter is indeed on the move! We have grown tremendously in the past two years. We went from having just 5 members to 28 members with more to come! Not only are we committed to growth, but the chapter is also committed to service. Zeta Beta Sigma has committed to projects that bring awareness to things like breast cancer, Alzheimer’s, mental health, impoverished or disadvantaged families and much more. We are proud of the progress we’ve made and will continue to make. Zeta Beta Sigma was chartered on April 3, 1985 and currently led by Basileus Latonia Deen.

BETA DELTA TEMPLE UNIVERSITY

Last year on November 12, 2021, in celebration of Founder’s Day, members of the “Blue Dynasty” Beta Delta Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. hosted the “A Rhoyal Night” gala. The evening was an ode to the past, present, and future of Sigma, including a celebration and overview of significant work done by the chapter, along with accomplishments of current and alumni Sorors of the Beta Delta Chapter. The event featured performances by the Temple University Gospel Choir, along with other Temple vocalists and violinists. Sorors from the Alpha Eta Sigma and Mu Delta chapters were also in attendance to support, dressed in formal royal blue and gold gowns. “A Rhoyal Night” was a love letter to Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc as well as to the chapter. Moving forward into Centennial Year, members of the Beta Delta Chapter have kept up the momentum by volunteering, fundraising, and continuing to nurture the Temple University and Greater Philadelphia communities.

ALPHA BETA TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY

The Illustrious Alpha Beta Chapter located at Tennessee State University in Nashville, TN hosted an event called “DiΣh it Out - Breaking Chains and Trauma”. This event was the first of the semester where they helped release burdens, traumas, and stressors many students had gained and held onto that were holding them back. The purpose of the event was so that they can start the new school year off fresh by writing any problems and or issues they have that could not let them be their greater selves on a plate, and after writing on the plates they are broken. Breaking the plates is a symbolization of release by the person of what was holding them back. The event had an amazing turn out and truly helped the students on campus and members of the chapter to blossom into a better version of themselves.

BETA UPSILON JOHNSON C. SMITH UNIVERSITY

On September 15, Beta Upsilon Chapter held its first Operation BigBookBag school supply drive. Legacy Marshae A. Smith, chapter Chaplain and Sergeant-at-Arms, served as chair. Four large bins of school supplies were collected and donated to the third-grade classes at University Park Creative Arts Elementary School in Charlotte, North Carolina.

GAMMA NU NORFOLK STATE UNIVERSITY

The Gamma Nu Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. is proud to have served their community and the campus of Norfolk State University since February 7, 1964. They have continued the traditions of their chapter by implementing monumental change through impactful campus events and fulfilling call to action community service. “I am truly proud of how far we have come”, said Chapter Epistoleus Namoni Pugh. “It is amazing to see our efforts and ideas come to life and how much they influence the people who need them. There’s just something about being able to see and feel the difference you’re making”. Current members dedicate long hours within planning and local engagement to reestablish the sole purpose of their union within the means of Sigma womanhood and collegiate success. Chapter Basileus Aiyanna Bailey states, “My experience in the chapter has shown me what greater means. We have been successfully striving to bring this chapter back after a long hiatus. Through our constant collaboration with other Divine 9 organizations, community involvement, and campus engagement we are viewed as the chapter who gets it done!” It is no secret that the Gamma Nu Chapter is always prepared to utilize all resources to reach excellence.

MU ZETA TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY - COMMERCE

On September 17, 2022, the Mu Zeta Chapter Of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. hosted an event called RHOund up Picnic. This exciting social and service event was opened to the Alumni of the Mu Zeta chapter; and those who attended the college to be on campus together for a day of games and music. During this event, the current members of the chapter hosted games such as the skittles relay race, the oreo cookie face-off game, and a water balloon toss, which turned into a water balloon fight. It also included a game with a ball of questions, which helped break the ice between who attended and who were a part of the history of Mu Zeta and A&M Commerce. The most fantastic part about one of the most well-attended and tweeted events was that while having fun, the attendees got to learn more about the Mu Zeta chapter’s history and about the Sorors who attended who are a part of that. Overall, this was an outstanding event that brought the Alums, Mu Zeta Chapter, and young women together for a fun and entertaining afternoon.

AFFILIATE NEWS

Beta Omicron Sigma Philo Affiliate Charlotte, NC

The Beta Omicron Sigma Philos are an award-winning group. Over the last 18 years, they have won 65 awards, including Outstanding Philo Group, Philo of the Year, Presidential Award, Community Service and more. Although they have won numerous awards, they are passionate about what they do and participate to provide great service. Whether it’s volunteering in the community donating school supplies, mentoring, and offering scholarships to Mecklenburg County youth or playing Bingo with the elderly, their goal is to stay connected and provide services that matter. “The rewards are internal, and we will continue to offer assistance and support where we can. The benefits of giving back significantly outweigh the accolades.”

Lambda Upsilon Sigma Philo Affiliate Plano, TX

The Lambda Upsilon Sigma Philo Affiliate kicked off the 2022-2023 sorority year with community service, by serving as registrars at the 6th Annual African American Leadership Institute Summit held Saturday, September 10, at Paul Quinn College in Dallas, Texas. LUS Philos processed over 250 attendees quickly and efficiently, providing name tags, handouts and providing directions to the events. The African American Leadership Institute Summit was an outstanding event and included segments on The Changing Face of Education, Mental Health Matters, Economic Development, and the University of North Texas at Dallas Corridor and Police Policy Across Cities. Lambda Upsilon Sigma Philo Affiliate President Catrina Johnson serves on both Economic Development and Criminal Justice committees of the African American Leadership Institute. Philo Johnson, Philo Melonie Henderson, Philo Cordelia Levi and Philo Silk Bouldin are pictured with Texas State Senator Royce West.

Mu Gamma Sigma Philo Affiliate Aberdeen, MD

The Mu Gamma Sigma Alumnae Chapter Philos (Aberdeen, MD) are on “Phire to Serve! They began with a mission to collect 500 pairs of socks for the Mary Randall Center in Elkton, MD. The Mary Randall Center is a day program for homeless and transient individuals to have a safe space to receive referrals to community resources, a shower, hot meals, receive mail, and tend to their hygiene and laundry needs.

With the help of the MGS Philo Affiliates, Mary Honeyghan and Audrey Matthews, the original goal of 500 pairs of socks was exceeded. Philo Matthews and Philo Honeyghan were able to garner enough support to collectively donate 1,122 pairs of socks. The staff and program participants were overjoyed by the abundance of care and generosity shown by way of this amazing donation.

The Alpha Alpha Sigma Rhoer Club has joined in the fight to raise funds for the kids of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. This year, the Rhoer Club has surpassed its goal of $1,939 and raised $2,026. Six Rhoers had the opportunity to attend the walk and walked 3.57 miles at Druid Hill Park.

Lambda Gamma Sigma Rhoers are paving the way in serving the community. In April, they volunteered at a COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic sponsored by Congregations Organized for Prophetic Engagement (C.O.P.E.) and Loma Linda University Health. Rhoers provided support in handing out face masks, distributing COVID-19 test kits, and sharing COVID-19 comics and materials to youth in attendance. They also helped with registration and assisted with health surveys.

Rhoer Mia Gamble served as Rhoer Ambassador of the National Rhoer Club’s St. Jude Leadership Society. Rhoer Mia and Advisor Soror Shelly Williams attended and participated in monthly meetings with St. Jude representatives and guest speakers in March, April, and May. Rhoer Mia raised over $3,200.00 for St. Jude, making her the top Rhoer Ambassador fundraiser nationwide! Rhoer Mia earned a free trip to the St. Jude Memphis Experience, where she and her mom (Soror Michara Gamble) visited the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Campus in Memphis, Tennessee in late July. Congratulations, Rhoer Mia! LGS Rhoers were top winners for 2022 regional and international awards. For the Western Region, Rhoer Kianna King was the recipient of two awards - Rhoer of the Year and Rhoer Individual Award of Achievement! LGS Rhoer Club won Rhoer Affiliate of the Year! Soror Williams won Rhoer Advisor of the Year.

At the Centennial Boule Celebration in Indianapolis, Rhoer Kianna won Individual Award of Achievement and Soror Williams won Centennial Outstanding Rhoer Advisor of the Year! Congratulations Rhoer Kianna and Soror Williams on achieving these amazing awards!

Alpha Alpha Sigma Rhoer Club Baltimore, MD

Lambda Gamma Sigma Rhoer Club Pomona, CA

Mu Gamma Sigma Rhoer Club Aberdeen, MD

What better way to RHOll into the new sorority year, than with a focus on community service, recruitment, and fundraising? The Mu Gamma Sigma Alumnae Chapter Rhoers (Aberdeen, MD) were pounding the pavement to immediately get to business, with plans to make a powerful impact in the Harford County community.

They executed a Costume Drive for the children of Harford Family House in Aberdeen, which is a transitional shelter for families, hosted their first virtual Rhoer Rhound-Up of the year, and secured an opportunity for the membership and community-atlarge to enjoy a private screening of “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever”. Kudos to the MGS Rhoers for paving the way to a successful year of service and community engagement. #SistersForever

During the Summer Centennial Celebration July 12 – 17 2022, the Rhoer Debutante Showcase was held on July 16 at 2:00 pm at the Westin - Grand Ballroom. The gorgeous Butterflies spread their wings during the showcase. Rhoer Zaria N. Crawford represented the Sophisticated Southeastern Region and the Outstanding Omicron Sigma Chapter. Rhoer Zaria wore a traditional princess gown with Cinderella type shoes. Rhoer Zaria was inducted into the Rhoer Club on February 18, 2017. This butterfly has served on the SER’s Rhoer Advisory Counsel, was President of the Omicron Sigma Chapter Rhoer Club and has been the Rhoer of the Year. Before becoming a Rhoer, Zaria was a first-place winner locally for the Mwanamugimu Essay Contest. Then, in 2015 – 2016 she went on to become the First-place winner for the SER. Rhoer Zaria is a Senior at Bartlett High School. She stated that she enjoyed herself during the Centennial Celebration.

Omicron Sigma Rhoer Club Memphis, TN

SIGMA SCRIBES:

Authors 7 INSPIRATIONAL

by Mary Bankhead-Sheets and Dr. Wanda LeFlore

In 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) officially declared a global pandemic, resulting in a stillness that literally changed how we move. Despite this unexpected pause, a rhythmic cadence emerged from computer keyboards near and far. It was the sound of sorors answering the call to write.

Today, these sorors continue to energize, embolden, and encourage through their inspirational writings. Their ability to influence during dim times is a testimony of their light, giving glimpses of their story.

Amanda Chambers

oror Amanda Chambers is an Amazon bestselling author dedicated to helping Black authors share their voices with the world through self-publishing. She works to ensure the authors she sponsors maintain creative control of their work, brands, and earnings through her publishing company, Divine Legacy Publishing. A graduate of both East Carolina University and North Carolina Central University with three degrees in English, Soror Chambers is formally trained in writing and guides aspiring authors to the successful creation and completion of their books. She is dedicated to empowering Black women through affirmations, support, and community building. Soror Chambers is the proud mom of Rhosebud Brooke, an author.

Tiffany A. Flowers

n addition to being an author, Soror Tiffany A. Flowers is a university professor and literacy advocate. She recently published her 100th children’s book review with the American Library Association. A native Chicagoan, Soror Flowers earned a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology and Master of Arts in Teaching in early childhood education from Virginia Commonwealth University. She also has a Master of Arts in social and philosophical foundations of education, and a Doctor of Philosophy in language, literacy, and culture from the University of Iowa. Her publishing company is Golden Butterfly Publishing. Soror Flowers’ research areas include African American literacy development, children’s and young adult literature, urban education, family literacy, and the scholarship of teaching and learning.

Beverly Jenkins

oror Beverly Jenkins is the recipient of the 2017 Romance Writers of America Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award and the 2016 Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award for historical romance. Soror Jenkins, nominated for the NAACP Image Award in Literature, was featured in the documentary “Love Between the Covers” and a guest on CBS’ Sunday Morning. Since the publication of ‘Night Song’ in 1994, Soror Jenkins has been leading the charge for multicultural romance and has been a constant darling of reviewers, fans, and her peers alike, garnering accolades for her work from the likes of The Wall Street Journal, People Magazine, and NPR

Daphine

Glenn Robinson

oror Daphine Glenn Robinson is a graduate of Winthrop University and Charleston Southern University and a native of Spartanburg, South Carolina. As a child, Soror Robinson engaged in writing, journaling, and storytelling to escape boredom. After a teacher read and complimented her written works, Soror Robinson said she decided to make writing a career.

Elements of her childhood stories evolved into novels as Soror Robinson recently stated, “I’m inspired to write by things around me, things that have happened in my life, and a need to tell a story.”

Her encouragement centers around the phrase, “Do not let your dreams die.” An avid blogger who engages in various social media platforms, more information about her writings is located on her website, Books, Writing, & Life. Soror Robinson’s latest publication is, Too Many Lies

April Sinclair

oror April Sinclair, who wrote about life during the Black Power Movement, was voted the #43 favorite author of the 20th Century. A Chicago South Side native, she received her degree from Western Illinois University and then relocated to California. Before her first novel was published, Soror Sinclair volunteered as a public reader. The turnout was so successful agents contacted her, and she was able to secure a contract to finish her first novel, Coffee Will Make You Black. Soror Sinclair says her success hinges on writing about relatable real-life experiences. She stated that personal works make you vulnerable and create intimacy between the writer and reader. During one of Soror Sinclair’s interviews, she advised new writers not to give up, take risks, and add balance to their life since writing is a lonely profession. Soror Sinclair also noted that book signings and public readings help writers see, feel, and hear the audience’s reactions.

Denise Turney

oror Denise Turney, a native of Dayton, Ohio, attended the University of Tennessee and served active duty in the United States Navy from 19841988. She writes African American fiction, literary, romance, mystery, and suspense novels. She has over forty years of writing experience and has just released new books this year. Soror Turney, who also appears on radio stations, hosts an international radio program and is a newspaper and magazine columnist. She encourages all to get the success wanted via research, marketing, promoting social media, and self-transformation. Soror Turney also believes that one must set clear goals followed by specific action steps to be successful. She inspires others to treat one another with respect, love, and tenderness. The author of Portia, Love Has Many Faces, Spiral, Long Walk Up, Rosetta’s Great Hope, and Love Pour Over Me, Soror Turney, travels the country connecting with readers.

Pat Tucker Wilson

oror Pat Tucker Wilson is an active member of the Glamorous Gamma Phi Sigma chapter in Houston, Texas, and a former editor of The Aurora magazine. A first-generation Belizean American born and raised in South Central Los Angeles, Soror Wilson spent time as a general assignment reporter. The author of more than twenty novels, Soror Wilson is also an award-winning broadcast journalist and highly sought-after ghostwriter. She states that her goal is to write with an underlying message, and her passion for writing resonates as she works hard to ensure readers want to turn every page. Her novel Football Widows was optioned as a full-length feature film.

Aa a self-described “social butterfly”, you’ll learn more about Soror Wilson on social media as well as updates on her next exciting project.

A B C

SIGMA GAMMA RHO

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Fresh Prints, LLC www.freshprints.com

GameTime Sidekicks, LLC www.gametimesidekicks.com

J I G

GFSI, LLC www.gearforsports.com

Gratia International, LLC www.gratiapearl.com

JEF Enterprises, LLC www.itsawrapclothing.com Joneswear, Inc. www.joneswearinc.square.site

K & M (Nordic Co.)

Kanework LLC (Greek Kustoms) www. kanework.com

Kaptivating Kreations By Krisha www.facebook.com/Kaptivating-Kreations-by-Kirsha Kelechi African Authentics, LLC www.keleafrica.com

Kelly Grace Accessories www.kellygraceaccessories.com

Kendalls Greek www.kendallsgreek.com

KH Sports Fan Ki Custom House, LLC www.kicustomh.com

Kiffany’s Kreations www.kiffanycreations.com

Kizzy’s Kreations www.kreationsbykizzy.com

KO’s Blue Store, LLC www.etsy.com/shop/kosbluestorellc

Kozy Cushions www,Kozycushions.com

Krafty Space Boutique www.kraftyspaceboutique.com

Lasa and Associates, Inc. www.greekdivineandmore.com

LaVerne’s Fashion & Gifts www.lavernefashionandgifts.net

LLE & D LLC (House of A) www.HouseOfA.net

Lusain Holding, LLC www.4klub.com

M. Wayne Designs www.mwaynedesigns.com

M.L.S.M. Custom Designs, LLC www.mlsmcustomdesigns.com

M3 Embroidery & Apparel, LLC (M3Greek) www.m3greek.com

Madam37 www.Madam37.com

Madi’s Kloset, LLC (My Greek Boutique) www.mygreekboutique.co

MardiGlam www.mardiglam.com

McCluskey and Associates www.ilovegreekstuff.com

Morgan & Morgan Marketing www.djmorgansgear.com

Ms. Capri’s Unique Apparel & Gifts, LLC www.mscapriuniqueapparel.com

My Favorite Vendor www.shopmyfavoritevendor.com

My Greek Letters www.mygreekletters.store

Nana Hook www.nanahook.com

Need Nalia? www.neednalia.com

Obsidian Kulture Co. www.facebook.com/Obsidian-Kulture-Co-10400

Ocean Apparel, LLC www.greekattire.com

Official Para Connect www.officialparaconnect.com

On the Front Rho www.onthefrontrho.com

Ooh Soo Crafty www.oohsoocrafty.com

Our Amendments, Inc. (Sorority Shop) www.sororityshop.com

Pari Envy www.parienvy.com

Pataskity Publishing, LLC www.pataskitygreekstore.com

Pearl Konnections Corporation www.pearlkonnections.com

Perfect Apparel, LLC www.perfectapparel.com

Poodles in Pearls Creatives www.poodlesinpearls.com

Premier Design Studios www.thepremierdesignstudios.com

Pressed to Impress, LLC www.pressedtoimpresscustomdesigns.com

Pretty As Pearlz www.prettyaspearlz.com

Pretty Poodie Swag www.aknume4you.com

Prime Heritage www.primeheritagegifts.com

Principal Crafter Designs pcrafterdesigns@myshopify.com

Professional Sorors www.facebook.com/ProSo-315147195251905

Quality Laser Designs www.qualitylaserdesign.com

R.I.O.T. www.etsy.com/shop/celestecapricecandle

Rare Case, LLC (Distinctive Specialties) www.distinctivespecialties.com

Recycle Me Mom, LLC www.recyclememom.com

Reflections By Zana www.rbzexpressions.com

Reignmakers Apparel www.reignmakersapparel.com

RENEE MARIE www.reneemarie.com

Rhoyal Distinction, LLC www.rhoyaldistinction.com

Rosas’s Greek Boutique www.rosasgreekboutique.com

Royal Work (Divine Gift Accessories) www.divinegiftaccessoories.com

Royalty and Beads (Forever S Royalty)

Ruiz Custom Wears www.ruizcustomwears.com

S & J Specialty Store Sacred Heart Collections www.sacredheartcollections.com

Sankofa’s Gift www.sankofasgift.com

Sapphire’s Jewlz www.sapphiresjewlz.com

Sassy Frizzle Designs & Gifts www.sassyfrizzle.com

Sassy’s Gifts www.sassysgifts.com

Savage Promotions, Inc. www.savage-promotions.com

SBR Enterprises www.etsy.com/shop/EuniquethaGreek Sew4Me www.sew4me2.com

Silver Spoon Accessories & More, LLC www.silverspoonaccessories.com

Simply Unapologetik, LLC (Simply Charmed Greek) www.simplycharmedgreek.com

Sisterblu www.sisterblu.com

Skoozzz, LLC www.skoozzz.com

Sorority Intimates & Clothing Company, LLC www.sororityintimates.com

Sorority Sistas, LLC www.sorority-sistas.com

Sorority Sisters Paper Studio www.sorority-sisters-paper-studio.myshopify.co

South Side Greeks www.southsidegirlapparel.com

Stillwater Visuals, LLC www.stillwatervisualsllc.com

Stuart Consulting Group, Inc. www.nsemblem.com

Studio Divine www.etsy.com/your/shops/D9Fanaticz/onboard

Styled by Jean Marie www.styledbyjeanmarie.blogspot.com

TTandra’s Touch www.tandrastouch.com

Tashmir Touch Creations www.tashmirtouch.com

Terra’s Boutique www.terrasboutiquestore.com

That’s My Soror www.thatsmysoror.com

The Couture Soror www.thecouturesoror.com

The Craft Bro www.thecraftbro.com

The Crossing Box, LLC www.the-crossing-box.myshopify.com

The Exclusive Touch, LLC www.extouch.com

The Gifted Poodle www.thegiftedpoodle.com

The Greek Café, LLC www.thegreekcafeapparel.com

The King McNeal Collection www.kingmcneal.com

The Ruby Room www.rubyroomboutique.com

Tones of Melanin www.bbubgreekgifts.com

Trevco www.trevcoinc.com

Trinity Designs, Inc. www.trinitydesignsinc.com

TrueBlue’s Rhoyalties www.joyoforiginality.com

Turn 2 Wood, LLC www.turn2wood.com

Two Black Tees www.etsy.com/shop/TwoBlackTees

UnderNeathItAll www.underneathitalll.com

UniverSoul Enterprise, Inc. www.blackartdepot.com

Utopia Creations (Simply Greek) www.shopsimplygreek.com

V

SIGMA GAMMA RHO

CERTIFIED/REGISTERED

Vantine Imaging, LLC www.vantineimaging.com

Varsity Apparel www.varsityapparelstl.com

Vera Bradley, Inc.

Vizorre Fashions and Designs, LLC www.vizorre.com

W X Y Z

#

West Coast Design Solutions

Winters Industries, LLC www.wintersindustries.com

Wood Works! By Eric Black, LLC www.etsy.com/shop/woodworksbyeblack

Woodzupstudio www.woodzupstudio.com

Xpressyourself Sportswear www.xpressyourselfgear.com

Yes We Are Here rfrazier423@gmail.com

ZAS boutique www.zetaalphasigma.org

Zoetic Couture www.zoeticcouture.com

2 Hype Kreations, LLC www.2hypekreations.com

3 Sisters Embroidery, LLC www.monstergreek.com

4imprint

550 Strong LLC www.550strong.com

LICENSED CENTENNIAL

VENDORS VENDORS

A Queen Among KingZ

Ace to Tail Apparel

Believe Accessories, Inc

Diva Starr Four Twigs, LLC

Harrison’s Paraphernalia

Hopeless RHOmantic Joneswear, Inc.

KO’s Blue Store, LLC

M. Wayne Designs

McCluskey & Associates Morgan & Morgan Marketing

Nana Hook

Ruiz Custom Wears

Sacred Heart Collection The Exclusive Touch, LLC

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES AURORA

The Aurora is published three times a year. Submission guidelines are as follows:

Submission Deadlines: Fall/Winter - September 30 | Spring - February 28 | Summer - May 31

Submissions for Alumnae on the Move, Let’s Give ‘Em Their Props, Undergraduate Pulse, Affiliates, Omega Rho, and Beacon of Light must be 250 words or less. End-of-the year reports and newsletters are not acceptable.

Before submitting an article, please check for spelling errors, repetitions in the text, look for inconsistencies, and ensure that all information is factual and references the names of persons when giving direct or indirect quotes.

Include contact name, chapter name, location, school, city, state, and suggested headline

All submissions are subject to editing and potential exclusion based on timeliness of content.

Submissions should be written in reporter format, excluding words such as “we,” “our,” and “us.”

Please send high resolution photos that are at least 300 DPI in JPEG format (photos and images should ideally be 1MB in size or higher). Please ensure that the photos are labeled and identification of the people in the photo(s) is provided.

Please avoid sending photos from social media as they are usually compressed to web resolution. Please send original photos whenever possible. All digital photos should be taken with a camera that is at least 3 megapixels or higher, and set on the highest quality/resolution setting

Please do not crop or otherwise modify photos. The original version has the highest quality.

Using a smartphone? Please turn it sideways for group shots. Get as close as possible to the subject, and avoid using your phone’s zoom function. When emailing photos from a smartphone, please be sure to send the original size or the largest available size.

Photos should include captions or identifying information of the featured people in the photo(s).

Photo pricing is as follows:

Submission of one color/black & white photo: $10

Submission of two or more color/black & white photos (up to five): $7/photo

Content can be submitted to The Aurora Submission Portal (QR code on this page). Electronic photos may be submitted to theauroramag@sgrho1922.org.

Once submissions are confirmed, electronic payment information will be provided.

AURORA

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.