This past week, I had the privilege to celebrate the 89th Founder’s week celebration for my sorority Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. We took the week to celebrate sisterhood, scholarship, and service, and truly desire to continue the legacy of our 7 founders. We had so many events throughout the week, from Sex Masquerades to a Talent Show.
One program that I want to focus on is Sex Masquerades, which is our Sexual health initiative. Dr. Melissa Aleman was our speaker for the event and she talked about the impact of the media on sexual activity as well as perceptions about sex. She showed us Sut Jhally’s Dreamworld3 video that showed the power of sexual images in the media. In her discussion we talked about how our culture is in a lot of ways desensitized to sex because it is so commonly seen in the media. I really felt that I learned so much from this program. It is always good to be reminded of these innuendos in the media; especially their impact on women in college. In the discussion we looked at how women are often seen as highly aggressive when it comes to wanting to have sex, as well as being easy. In reality, however, most cases are not like that. If you would like to see the Dreamworlds video, the link is below. I would like to thank Dr. Aleman for her willingness to participate in Sex Masquerades.
http://www.mediaed.org/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?preadd=action&key=223
(Click on the video at the top of the page)
For the rest of today’s post I would like to just give some history about my sorority. Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Incorporated was founded on November 12, 1922 At Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana by 7 educators. The founding of my sorority was huge because in 1922, there was a lot of racism and discrimination at the time and the Ku Klux Klan movement was ever growing in Indiana. For these 7 brave black women, Mary Lou Allison Gardner Little, Vivian Irene White Marbury, Dorothy Hanley Whiteside, Bessie M. Downey Rhodes Martin, Hattie Mae Annette Dulin Redford, Nannie Mae Gahn Johnson, and Cubena McClure, were determined to make a change and to create a sisterhood that would transcend their time. Our mission is to enhance the quality of life within the community. Public Service, Leadership development and education of youth are the hallmark of the organization’s programs and activities. Sigma Gamma Rho addresses concerns that impact society, educationally civically and economically. I feel proud to be a member of this illustrious sisterhood, and am determined to spread the light of Sigma to all womankind. Happy Founder’s Day to all Sorors around the world. Lets continue to lead the way in every endeavor!!
ShoutOut! James Madison University 