Incomparable Iota Sigma Alumnae Chapter
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.
.png)
Serving the Metro Richmond area
National Programs
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. is dedicated to supporting those in need and enhancing communities worldwide. The Sorority collaborates with national organizations such as the NAACP National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), National Urban League, and the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), among others.
Since its founding in 1922, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. has made a significant impact both nationally and internationally. With a proud tradition of service through its signature program, Project Reassurance, the Sorority actively engages in various initiatives and collaborates with organizations like the National of Negro Women and Urban League. Sigma Gamma Rho's global outreach includes projects like Project Africa and Project Mwanamgimu, exemplifying its commitment to improving the quality of life for all.
Women’s Wellness Initiatives
The Women’s Wellness Initiative is a coordinated effort at addressing health issues that affect women, particularly women of color. This initiative was established following the Sorority’s involvement in the United Nations/March of Dimes Prematurity Awareness panel in New York. Educational and programmatic activities under this Initiative include, but are not limited to, Breast Cancer Awareness, Intimate and Domestic Violence, Heart Health, Diabetes Health, Mental Health, and other women-focused issues. WWI programs can take place at any point during the sorority year.
Our goals are to:
-
Encourage women to adopt a healthy lifestyle and reduce health risks.
-
Empower women to make informed choices regarding their physical, mental, and well-being.
-
Ensure adequate representation of African American women in health research.
Operation Big Bookbag
Operation Big Book Bag is a program created to meet the needs and challenges of school-aged children who are educationally at-risk and reside in local homeless shelters and extended-care facilities. Through this initiative, chapters and members gather and donate educational resources, tools, and supplies. Our objectives are to:
-
Ensure students have quick access to reference materials and learning aids to support their educational pursuits.
-
Provide students with the resources necessary to complete homework assignments, helping them stay engaged and up to date.
-
​Support shelters, youth centers, schools, and hospitals in fulfilling the educational needs of children and young adults in their care.
​
Founded in 1996 by the late Dr. LaRona J. Morris, the 18th International Grand Basileus, Operation Big Book Bag was established in collaboration with the Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order Nobles Mystic Shrine, Inc. (Shriners). In recent years, the program has broadened its focus to include exposure to STEM curricula and careers, alongside tutoring and mentoring support. Chapters can host programs throughout the year, with a back-to-school supply giveaway taking place every August and January.
.jpg)
Annual Youth Symposium
On the second Saturday of March by Alumnae Chapters across the nation, our Youth Symposium serves as a unifying effort during Sigma Week. The Symposium (supported by undergraduate chapters and affiliates) is designed to highlight some of the prevalent concerns that negatively impact our youth (drugs, teen violence, abuse, low self-esteem, suicide, teen pregnancy, human trafficking, etc.).
.jpg)
Project Cradle Care
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority’s Project CRADLE Care raises awareness of the inequities in maternal and infant health outcomes faced by Black women through community outreach, advocacy, and education. In collaboration with March of Dimes, the program tackles chronic stressors, health conditions, structural racism, and biases in healthcare that contribute to these disparities.
Alarmingly, Black women are twelve times more likely to die from pregnancy complications in certain regions, affecting over 22 million people, including men and children. Despite educational achievements, Black women experience worse health outcomes than their white counterparts, highlighting the urgent need for change.
Swim 1922 was established to confront the alarming reality that, according to the CDC, around 10 people drown every day in the U.S. Even more concerning is that 70% of African American children and 60% of Hispanic children in the country lack swimming skills. Furthermore, African American children are three times likely to drown compared to their Caucasian peers.
In partnership with USA Swimming, Sigma Gamma Rho’s Swim 1922 campaign seeks to address this issue by having Olympians and sorority members educate the community on water safety and swimming. Together with USA Swimming, Sigma Gamma Rho has positively impacted nearly 20,000 lives, aiming to create lasting change for future generations. The Swim 1922 programs run from May to August during the sorority year.
Program Benefits:
-
Offers opportunities for youth and adults in the African-American community to learn about water safety and swimming.
-
Alleviates fears and anxieties associated with learning to swim.
-
Promotes a shift in perceptions regarding Black individuals and swimming.
