Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority was founded by seven African American educators in 1922 at Butler University in Indianapolis, IN. These visionaries were in the minority at their predominantly white institution and felt that there was a strong unfilled need for solidarity among African Americans, especially regarding the area of education, which was the cornerstone for the founders' motivation. The sorority spread and dedicated itself to organizing its growing structure for the first three years. Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority was incorporated in December of 1929. Founding Soror Mary Lou Allison Gardner Little was elected first basileus (presiding officer) of the sorority. Since then, Sigmas have expanded to become an international sorority with exemplary community service agendas and a common goal to uphold sisterhood, scholarship, and service. Our motto is,

"Greater Service, Greater Progress."

The Ladies of Sigma Gamma Rho take great pride in their image as intelligent, sophisticated women who are hard workers for their surrounding communities. The sisterhood is paralleled by no other, and the future looks bright for our beloved sorority.

Prominent Sorors include: Victoria Rowell, actress, Cynthia Horner, magazine editor, Leighann Lord, comedienne, Maysa, jazz artist, Rev. Willie T. Barrow, director of operations for Operation PUSH/ The Rainbow Coalition, Cheryl Broussard, financial advisor/author, Hattie McDaniel, first African American actress to receive an Oscar, April Sinclair, author, Tonya Lee Williams, actress, Brenda Joysmith, artist, Mother Love, actress/radio personality, and many, many more.

The Baltimore metropolitan, or "city-wide" chapter, Gamma Mu, was chartered on May 9, 1964. Chartering sorors were: Alice Sue Cooper Lee, first Gamma Mu Basileus, Dorothy Redd Skinner Ernestine Chance Patricia Stewart Rosa Lee Malone