SIGMA GAMMA RHO SORORITY DEMANDS JUSTICE FOR AHMAUD ARBERY
 
May 8, 2020
For Immediate Release
 
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority is outraged by the unlawful killing of Ahmaud Arbery and is demanding justice. Arbery was killed while jogging in a neighborhood in Georgia in February. These types of instances have taken the lives of countless African Americans far too often. Although two suspects have been arrested and charged with his murder, the sorority announced today it will continue to work with community partners to keep the issue of the senseless killings of African Americans at the forefront. The sorority is calling for a full and transparent investigation by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation in the Arbery case.  A Golden Alert, a call to action for its members and affiliates, was issued today by the sorority, asking members to follow the case, demand justice, and commit to taking impactful actions.
 
"Our continual thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Ahmaud Arbery's family and friends as they mourn his untimely death," said Deborah Catchings-Smith, international president and board chairman, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority. "We recognize that social action and protest occurs in many forms that can result in impactful and meaningful outcomes," said Catchings-Smith.

Sigma Gamma Rho is calling for our members and affiliates to take the following actions to effect change:
  1. Complete the 2020 US Census to ensure we are counted. This action provides funding to support our communities and ensures we are represented during the electoral redistricting that will occur after the census period ends. We want representation that serves our best interest.
  2. Work to ensure everyone you know is registered to vote. Research and review candidate credentials, service records, and platforms. Be informed voters on the local, regional, and national levels.
  3. Utilize economic boycotts of entities, businesses, and corporations that engage in proven, rampant, discriminatory practices.
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About Sigma Gamma Rho  
 
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. is a leading international, non-profit community service organization that continues to grow through sisterhood, scholarship, and service. The sorority has more than 500 chapters in the United States, Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada, Dubai, Germany, Korea, and the Virgin Islands. Founded by seven educators on November 12, 1922, at Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana, the sorority has been dedicated to service for more than 97 years. Members work to enhance the quality of life for their families, friends, and neighbors, and are committed to "Greater Service, Greater Progress."
 
A Golden Alert™ refers to the sorority' s social and legislative action activities, initiatives, and programming designed to empower and engage communities by providing meaningful resources, action plans, and solutions for the communities it serves. Golden Alert calls are issued for immediate action to address the various injustices and conditions plaguing our communities. Sigma Gamma Rho is equipped to make an impact and take a proactive approach to be catalysts for change through education and community empowerment.
 
Golden Alert programming includes a variety of social action and legislative action initiatives designed to engage and support the communities we serve. This includes town hall meetings and forums, issue and social media awareness campaigns, community and sorority mobilization initiatives, and other "Calls to Action" supported by sorority leadership.

In Sigma Service, 

Deborah Catchings-Smith, Board Chairman
24th International Grand Basileus 
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. 
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