Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.
Eta Zeta Sigma Chapter-Howard County Alumnae
Where Sisterhood is Standard
Notable Magazine Article
In honor of Sickle Cell Awareness, Eta Zeta Sigma Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated (Howard County) was published in the Notable Magazine in Fall 2024. Eta Zeta Sigma Chapter hosted its 3rd Annual Skate for Sickle Fundraiser June 9, 2024. In collaboration with Alpha Phi Alpha, Kappa Phi Lambda Chapter, we raised over $1K. The proceeds was donated to the Sickle Cell Association in Howard County, Md.
Skate for Sickle
Skate for Sickle is Eta Zeta Sigma Chapter’s annual fundraiser for Sickle Cell Awareness. Skate for Sickle is an adult roller skating event in Howard County, Maryland, originated by the Education & Health Committee of Eta Zeta Sigma. The purpose of this event is to raise money for Sickle Cell Disease. Sickle cell disease affects nearly 100,000 people in the U.S. Most people affected by sickle cell disease are African Americans or of African Descent. Unfortunately, 1 out of every 365 African American babies born in this country is affected by this disease. This painful disease causes red blood cells to become stiff and hard, instead of soft and round. As a result, it is difficult for blood to flow smoothly and carry the needed amount of oxygen. Sickle cells clump together, depriving organs of oxygen, leading to complications such as acute pain crisis, stroke, avascular necrosis and organ damage.
Eta Zeta Sigma Chapter saw a need to raise money for African Americans suffering from sickle cell disease to help spread awareness and increase research funding. Sickle Cell Awareness Month is September, but Sickle Cell Day is in June. Our 3rd Annual Skate for Sickle was held on June 9, 2024 at the Laurel Roller Skating Center. We collaborated this year with Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Kappa Phi Lambda Chapter and sold 107 tickets. The event was attended by friends, family, community members, and many of our Divine 9 organizations. Of the Divine 9, the following organizations were present: Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. We raised $1071 and donated it to the Maryland Sickle Cell Association of Howard County.
The impact of this sizable donation will aide in more sickle cell research. The Divine 9 organizations may have different colors, but the mission is very similar.
By Yvette Brooks, Epistoleus
