Canada’s first undergraduate chapter of the Sigma Gamma Rho sorority was launched at Carleton in the Unicentre atrium Oct. 24.
Sigma Gamma Rho was founded in 1922 at Butler University in the United States by seven black schoolteachers. It was founded with a heart to combat racism, according to their website.
Membership has historically been black, but is now open to everyone, according to Tracy Ampofoh, a member of the new chapter.
“What makes the sorority so rich is coming from its history,” Ampofoh said.
Ampofoh said the sorority formed when she found out about the organization from a friend, who invited her to an informative conference in Toronto and helped her to start the chapter.
“It spoke to me. Doing community service and public development means a lot to me,” she said, emphasizing goals to promote education, leadership development, and public service.
Ampofoh said the sorority will be holding an information session for potential new members in the near future.
“I have really high hopes,” she said. “I think sometimes we think of the flashy colours and letters, but a lot of sororities are committed to that community service.”
