At Butler University, a predominantly white institution, our seven founders and charter members faced significant challenges in establishing Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. These founders and charter members were Dr. Mary Lou Allison Gardner Little, Dr. Dorothy Hanley Whiteside, Dr. Vivian Irene White Marbury, Dr. Nannie Mae Gahn Johnson, Dr. Bessie Mae Downey Rhoades Martin, Dr. Hattie Mae Annette Dulin Redford, and Dr. Cubena McClure.This chapter marks the beginning of Sigma Gamma Rho's journey, with the seven illustrious founders laying a foundation that has had a lasting impact on education, leadership, and community service.

 At the time our seven founders faced significant barriers, and their experiences at a predominantly white institution were shaped by the intersection of race, class, and gender discrimination. At Butler University the founders faced segregation in academic and social settings, had limited access to resources and support systems, and had a curriculum that was not designed to reflect their experiences as.

The Klu Klux Klan’s influence was at its peak in Indianapolis. Indiana became known for its high number of Klan members, Indianapolis was a center for the majority of the Klan’s operation. Stephenson, the grand dragon of the Ku Klux Klan, liked to say, "I am the law in Indiana." It wasn't entirely an empty boast, since he had played a key role in electing Ed Jackson governor in 1924, and the Klan's reign of terror was at its peak. The Klan created an atmosphere of fear and oppression for African Americans in Indianapolis during this time due to their explicit commitment to preserving white supremacy. Our founders and other African-American students at Butler had to navigate a campus and city where the KKK had significant influence. But after Stephenson's conviction for the 1925 rape and murder of a neighbor, the back of the state KKK was broken.

Despite these racial obstacles, the ALMIGHTY Alpha Chapter—the first and oldest chapter in the sorority's history—was founded. Their vision was driven by the need for an organization that would support the aspirations of African American women during a time of widespread racial and gender discrimination. Today, the ALMIGHTY Alpha Chapter continues to honor the legacy of our founders through a commitment to academic excellence, leadership development, and public service.