When members of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated leave their national conference in Houston, they hope to have left a legacy of service and pumped millions of dollars into the Houston economy.
Thousands of members from across the globe are at the George R. Brown Convention Center to celebrate their international conference.
A lasting impact on Houston
The 60th International Biennial Boule is not just a time for members to come together and celebrate their sisterhood; it’s also an opportunity to make a tangible impact on the Houston community. From a pool renovation in Alief ISD to service projects at the Houston Food Bank, the sorority’s presence will be felt throughout the city. In total, the sorority expects to leave behind $550,000 in philanthropy, a testament to their commitment to giving back to the communities they serve.
“We expect to touch the City of Houston in many ways,” said International President Rasheeda S. Liberty, who anticipates an infusion of $10 million dollars into the Houston economy. “We are here to take care of the business of Sigma Gamma Rho, which has a rich history of over a hundred years of just sisterhood, scholarship, and service. And of course, we are here to have a great time as well.”
Under the theme “Amplify Greater,” the sorority is poised to continue its legacy of service and leadership, both in the United States and around the world.
“The term ‘Greater’ for us is very symbolic because our founders had a model of greater service, greater progress. When we say amplify, we want the world to know who we are, why we exist, and what we do,” said Liberty. “At this particular conference, we are ushering in a new administration that the membership can get behind and be excited about. There will be new thrusts, new tools, and resources that we expect them to take, not only to the U.S. but globally to our other chapters around the world.”
A historic gathering with prominent guests
The conference is a milestone event, not just for the sorority but for the city of Houston as well. The sorority’s members, hailing from various regions of the world, convened to engage in critical organizational business, community service projects, and networking opportunities. The gathering also attracted high-profile speakers, including Vice President Kamala Harris, who addressed the attendees during a public meeting.
Vice President Harris spoke passionately about the importance of civic engagement, the role of Black women in leadership, and the enduring legacy of service that sororities like Sigma Gamma Rho, Inc. continue to uphold. In her remarks, she praised the sorority for its unwavering commitment to uplifting communities and championing causes that impact women and children, particularly in marginalized communities.
During this public meeting, Sigma Gamma Rho also honored several distinguished members of the Houston community, recognizing their contributions to the city and their alignment with the sorority’s values of leadership, scholarship, and service.
Empowering communities through essential programs
A central theme of the conference was the sorority’s dedication to service through its essential programs, which address a wide range of social issues, from health disparities to educational inequities. Among these are the Swim 1922 program, Project Cradle Care, the Women’s Wellness Initiative, the Annual Youth Symposium, and Operation Book Bag.
Swim 1922: Drowning Prevention and Water Safety
One of the signature initiatives, Swim 1922, was established in partnership with USA Swimming to address the alarming rates of drowning among African American and Hispanic children. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 10 people drown every day in the United States, and African American children are three times more likely to drown than their Caucasian peers. Swim 1922 seeks to close this gap by providing swimming lessons, water safety education, and lifeguard training to children and families in underserved communities.
As part of their commitment to this initiative, members of Sigma Gamma Rho undertook a significant community project during the conference, renovating a pool in the Alief Independent School District (ISD). This renovation not only provided a safe space for local children to learn to swim but also symbolized the sorority’s enduring commitment to saving lives and promoting health and wellness in the communities they serve.
“What Swim 1922 seeks to do is eradicate drowning deaths for youth as well as our extended communities. We are proud to make a lasting impact in Houston by ensuring that more children have access to the critical skills they need to stay safe in the water,” said International President Rasheeda S. Liberty.
Project Cradle Care: Supporting Maternal and Infant Health
Another cornerstone of Sigma Gamma Rho’s service efforts is Project Cradle Care, a program focused on reducing infant mortality and improving maternal health outcomes. The initiative provides education, resources, and support to expectant mothers, particularly those in high-risk communities. Through partnerships with healthcare providers, doulas, and other community organizations, the sorority works to ensure that more babies are born healthy and that mothers receive the care they need during pregnancy and beyond.
During the conference, Sigma Gamma Rho hosted doula training sessions and provided continuing education credits to healthcare professionals, further extending the impact of Project Cradle Care. These efforts align with the sorority’s broader mission of advocating for the health and well-being of women and children, particularly in communities of color.
Women’s Wellness Initiative: Promoting health and empowerment
The Women’s Wellness Initiative is another key program that addresses a range of health issues affecting women, including breast cancer, heart disease, and mental health. Through educational workshops, health screenings, and fitness events, Sigma Gamma Rho empowers women to take control of their health and make informed decisions about their well-being.
At the Houston conference, members will participate in various wellness activities, including CPR training, yoga sessions, and seminars on mental health. These events not only provide valuable information and resources to participants but also reinforce the sorority’s commitment to fostering a culture of health and wellness among its members and the broader community.
Annual Youth Symposium: Inspiring the Next Generation
The Annual Youth Symposium is a signature event that engages young people in discussions about education, leadership, and personal development. This year’s symposium in Houston brought together hundreds of youth from across the city to participate in workshops, panel discussions, and mentorship sessions designed to inspire and equip them with the tools they need to succeed in life.
The symposium covered a wide range of topics, including college readiness, career exploration, financial literacy, and social justice. By providing young people with access to mentors and role models who look like them and understand their experiences, Sigma Gamma Rho helps to nurture the next generation of leaders and change-makers.
Operation Book Bag: Supporting Education Through School Supplies
Operation Book Bag is an initiative designed to support students in underserved communities by providing them with the school supplies they need to succeed academically. During the conference, members of Sigma Gamma Rho distributed thousands of backpacks filled with notebooks, pencils, calculators, and other essential supplies to students in the Houston area.
This initiative reflects the sorority’s long-standing commitment to education and its belief that every child deserves the opportunity to learn and thrive, regardless of their socioeconomic background. By addressing the basic needs of students, Sigma Gamma Rho helps to remove barriers to education and ensures that more children have the tools they need to achieve their full potential.
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Spindarella, DJ
Maritza McClendon, Olympic athlete
Nina Turner, Politician
Victoria Rowell, Actress
Beverly Jenkins, Author
Pat Tucker, Author
