Freeport, Grand Bahama – Thirty five years ago, four industrious young women had the vision and desire to form an alumnae chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated on Grand Bahama. Each having graduated from universities in the United States, these women returned home to Grand Bahama eager to enhance the quality of life for women and their families in The Bahamas and globally through community service, civil and social action. On January 22, 1984, the Southeast Regional Syntaktes Helen J. Owens, who would later become the 20th International Grand Basileus of Sigma Gamma Rho, officiated the chartering of the first Greek-letter sorority on Grand Bahama in the Grand Ball Room of the Bahamas Princess Hotel. The charter members of the Zeta Rho Sigma Chapter were: Sorors Cheryl Marshall Campbell, Sandra La Fleur, Judymae Stuart Jones Rodgers and Virginia Jones along with initiates Wilola Beneby Carroll, Eunice Mills, C. Michelle Russell, Mary Archer, Cecelia Lightbourne, Elcina Campbell Duncombe and Yvonne Springer.

“As we celebrate 35 years of legacies left by our chapter’s founders, we are grateful to them for forging the path of service and sisterhood here in Grand Bahama. Had it not been for their vision, sacrifice and passion to serve, the Zeta Rho Sigma Chapter would not be here today. We are delighted to boast that we have walked in the footsteps of their legacies and opened our eyes beyond their vision to attain ‘Greater Service, Greater Progress.” said local president (Basileus) Afrika Karamo-Miller. 

Responsibility, stability, purpose and self-respect set the level of scholastic expectancy for the chapters, members and affiliate members of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. Collective striving for those qualities of character was necessary for consistently good scholarship. A high standard in scholarship was, and is, directly related to Zeta Rho Sigma chapter’s quality of character. Today, we give honor and praise to the Charter Members of local Sigma Gamma Rho chapter for their vision to enhance the quality of life for women and their families in The Bahamas and globally through community service, civil and social action.

“We are hopeful that we will also pay it forward to the next generation and leave legacies worthy of those left behind by our predecessors.” Ms. Karamo-Miller continued.

In recognition of the sorority’s 35th anniversary, the Zeta Rho Sigma chapter has vowed to dedicate 35 collective hours of Golden Service during the month of January to charitable organizations and youth groups on Grand Bahama. Zeta Rho Sigma is fully committed to assisting those in need and for the betterment of communities around the globe through the Sorority’s Essential Programs: Project Reassurance, Hattie McDaniel Cancer Awareness and Health Program, Youth Symposium and Operation Big Bookbag.

Members and Affiliates of Sigma Gamma Rho, joined by friends, family and community partners participated in chapter anniversary activities this past weekend. Sisterly bonding and community interaction included the chapter’s PAINT AND CELEBRATE Paint Party, an event held in partnership with the Painting Bar and the Rand Nature Center’s Art Gallery and worship services at A Call To Holiness Ministries Agape House. On Monday, January 21, on the Martin Luther King, Jr., Day of International Service, the chapter provided free breakfast to the students of Martintown Primary in Eight Mile Rock. Since 2017, Sigma Gamma Rho has supported the school’s Breakfast Program by providing students with a healthy meal at the start of the day so that they can be ready to learn.

About Sigma Gamma Rho

For More Information contact Afrika Karamo-Miller, Basileus (President) sigmagammarhozrschapter@gmail.com