Chapter History
The Lambda Delta Sigma Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated was chartered by 11 dynamic leaders with a "technology centric" approach in Annapolis, Maryland on May 16, 2010. Public service, leadership development and education of youth are the heartbeat of this chapter’s programs, activities and services provided to the Anne Arundel County community. With sisterhood and service at its core, the Lambda Delta Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. continues to become a leading service organization within Anne Arundel County. With over 100 members from varied professions, Lambda Delta Sigma is adequately prepared and is steadfast in its passion for meaningful community service that helps individuals and families thrive in the Anne Arundel County community.
Charter Members: Life Member Debra Y. Hughes, Life Member Kimberly Ellison-Taylor, Life Member Jean Malone, Life Member Alisande Brooks, Life Member Shenell Bolden, Katrina Gray, Life Member Nakia Singleton, Life Member Delores Routh, Temica Ferrigon, April Lewis and Life Member Adrienne Waite
Sorority History
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. was organized on November 12, 1922, in Indianapolis, Indiana, by seven young educators: Mary Lou Allison Gardner Little, Dorothy Hanley Whiteside, Vivian Irene White Marbury, Nannie Mae Gahn Johnson, Hattie Mae Annette Dulin Redford, Bessie Mae Downey Rhoades Martin, and Cubena McClure. The group became an incorporated national collegiate sorority on December 30, 1929, when a charter was granted to the Alpha chapter at Butler University. Since its inception, the dynamic women of Sigma Gamma Rho have built and sustained a well-known and well-respected reputation for leading positive change to help uplift the community through sisterhood, leadership, and service.
Our Programs
Annual Youth Symposium
Held on the second Saturday of March by each Alumnae Chapter, simultaneous Sigma Youth Symposiums focuses on prevalent concerns that negatively impact our youth: drugs, teen violence, abuse, low self-esteem, suicide, teen pregnancy, etc. Nationwide, simultaneous Sigma Youth Symposiums promote dialogue and assist youth in making positive life choices.
Swim 1922
The partnership with USA Swimming is a groundbreaking initiative that seeks to strengthen USA Swimming’s commitment to Diversity and Inclusion by partnering to increase swim participation and decrease drowning rates in the community. In keeping with Sigma Gamma Rho’s motto of Greater Service, Greater Progress, and USA Swimming’s core objectives: Build the Base – Promote the Sport – Achieve Competitive Success, these organizations come together to affect change and influence the community of black women and girls. This is a year round activity depending on location and is highlighted at our regional and national conferences by actual participation of sorority members and affiliates, usually with in the water activities.
Holiday Toy Drive (more information to follow)
Women’s Wellness Program
Cognizant that African Americans bear a disproportionate burden of cancer — the highest mortality rate of any ethnic group — Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority is committed to providing education on and active support of early detection as well as research for the prevention and cure of breast, prostate, ovarian, colon and other types of cancers.
March of Dimes
Sigma Gamma Rho is a national March for Babies team, in support of our partner, the March of Dimes. We help babies by raising funds which can be used to sponsor research, medical services and support to families with premature births. Through this partnership, the sorority focuses on our H3- Healthy Generations. March for Babies was started as a part of the sorority signature project, Project Reassurance. Sigmas and affiliates across the country March For Babies in walk-a-thons which are scheduled in the spring of the year.
Project Giveback (more information to follow)
Project GiveBack provides a vehicle for corporate firms and professionals to give back to the communities where they work and live in by coordinating programs that benefit less fortunate individuals and families, with a focus on children. It is the intent of the organization to uplift communities around the United States mentally, spiritually, and economically.
Since 2014, Lambda Delta Sigma Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. has supported this program with chapter Sorors, Philos, and Rhoers volunteering to package and deliver groceries to underprivileged families during the holiday season. In 2019, we spearheaded a local food distribution to underprivileged families with Northern Virginia Project GiveBack in Anne Arundel County.
Our Lambda Delta Sigma Chapter will be a bronze level sponsor in 2024 and has been a gold and/or bronze level sponsor of this event since 2020. The Alexandria-Fairfax chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Inc., who leads this event in partnership with Project Giveback continues to be strategic partner of Lambda Delta Sigma Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Inc. and we are honored to support them in helping to serve communities in need.
Operation BigBookBag
This project consists of the collection and donation of bookbags filled with educational materials, equipment and school supplies for at- risk youth. The program has expanded to include mentoring and tutoring which has given rise to the sorority’s annual Youth Symposiums.
Project Cradle Care
“Project CRADLE Care” is a prenatal education and resource program that seeks to improve pregnancy outcomes in high-risk communities by increasing the number of women of childbearing age who receive adequate prenatal education and prenatal care and who better understand proper infant care and child development. The goal of the project is to provide a wealth of information, resources, and tools for women of childbearing age to help ensure a healthy baby. This community based collaboration includes hospitals, managed care organizations, community-based prenatal care providers, and special guest speakers. This program is done in conjunction with our national partner, the March of Dimes.
St. Jude Research Hospital Campaign
Through the collaborative efforts of undergraduates and alumnae chapters of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, we have committed to raising $2,000,000 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.