Philo History

Since its inception, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. has promoted unity among women and for years many alumnae chapters worked with individuals who were not members of Greek-lettered organizations. These women were organized into auxiliaries that had various names until 1954 when the sorority officially approved the organized affiliate group and accepted the name of "Philo"(meaning Friend) as their official name.

In 1980 the Philos were organized on a national level and have grown to represent hundreds of women organized on a regional and local level as well. The Philos have contributed countless hours of community service and thousands of dollars to aid Sigma Gamma Rho's aim to enhance the quality of life within every community.

The Eta Delta Sigma Philo Affiliate was chartered in 1990 by the following women: Mrs. Velma Smoot, Ms. Marie Thomas, Ms. Terry Enlow

On October 29, 2011, the Eta Delta Sigma Philo Affiliate was chartered in Akron, Ohio with the induction of Mrs. Patricia Grant, Mrs. Connie Mathews, Mrs. Beatrice Marchmon (mother of Sigma Nikki Marchmon-Boykin), and Mrs. Janice Minter (mother of Sigma Janell Brown) at the home of Sigma Gloria Rookard. Sigma Linda Lanier was the Advisor and Mrs. Jacqueline Davidson-Tufts (mother of Sigma Kelly Davidson) was inducted posthumously with special permission from Syntaktes Pamela Kadirifu.