Gamma Gamma Chi
Gamma Gamma Chi (ΓΓΧ) is an American community-based service sorority that is Islamic based. It was founded in Greensboro, North Carolina in 2005. It was the first Islamic sorority to be established in the United States.
| Gamma Gamma Chi | |
|---|---|
| ΓΓΧ | |
 | |
| Founded | April 3, 2005 Greensboro, North Carolina |
| Type | Social |
| Affiliation | Independent |
| Status | Active |
| Emphasis | Cultural interest - Islam |
| Scope | National |
| Motto | "Striving for the Pleasure of Allah through Sisterhood, Scholarship, Leadership, and Community Service" |
| Colors | Lavender and Emerald Green |
| Flower | Water lily |
| Jewel | Amethyst |
| Mascot | Bee |
| Chapters | 1 active, 7 chartered |
| Members | 61+ lifetime |
| Headquarters | Greensboro, North Carolina United States |
Gamma Gamma Chi (ΓΓΧ) is an American community-based service sorority that is Islamic based. It was founded in Greensboro, North Carolina in 2005. It was the first Islamic sorority to be established in the United States.
History
[edit]Gamma Gamma Chi was founded in Greensboro, North Carolina, on April 3, 2005, by Guilford College student Imani Canty and her mother Althia Ali, former president of Bennett College.[1][2][3][4] The sorority's purpose is to promote a positive image of Muslim women and Islam in general.[4] It was the first Islamic sorority to be established in the United States.[3][5][6]
The sorority's National Grand chapter was established on November 13, 2005, in Alexandria, Virginia.[4][3][6] Gamma Gamma Chi was incorporated in the Commonwealth of Virginia on July 21, 2005.[7] Initially, the sorority investigated forming chapters at universities.[8][5][2][9] However, it instead formed community-based chapters that invited prospective members from multiple universities and the broader community.[6] By 2010, Gamma Gamma Chi had chartered five chapters.[6]
In July 2012, Gamma Gamma Chi had chartered six chapters and inducted 61 members.[7] The sorority held its first national gathering, GammaFest, in Ellicott City, Maryland, from April 6 to 8, 2007.[10] However, the sorority's membership declined, and Gamma Gamma Chi became defunct in 2015.[7]
A group of members started meeting in November 2023 to reform the sorority.[7] Gamma Gamma Chi was reincorporated in the State of North Carolina in 2025.[7] On February 2, 2025, Chi chapter was established as a national and governing chapter of Gamma Gamma Chi.[7] In April 2025, members met in Charlotte, North Carolina, to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the sorority.[7]
Symbols
[edit]The Greek letters Gamma Gamma Chi were selected to represent the Greek words gynaikes (woman), ge (death), and chronon (years or time), from the phrase "Women on earth for a period of time”, which fits with Islamic teachings.[5][11] Gamma Gamma Chi's motto is "Striving for the Pleasure of Allah through Sisterhood, Scholarship, Leadership, and Community Service".[4][7] Based on Islam's Five Pillars, the sorority's six gold pillars are Islamic awareness and involvement, educational development, economic development and indigent support, environmental awareness and involvement, physical and mental health, and social awareness and involvement.[2][12]
The sorority's colors are lavender and emerald green.[6][7] These were chosen because Lavender symbolizes peace and green was Muhammad's favorite color.[6][13] Its flower is the water lily, selected because it flourishes in difficult, uninhabitable surroundings.[1][6] Its jewel is the amethyst.[7][14] Its mascot is the bee.[7][14]
The sorority has a special handshake.[3]
Activities
[edit]Chapters volunteer and help with fundraising activities for charitable organizations.[6] Members also come together to observe holy days.[6] Because of its members' commitment to Islam, sorority events do not include alcohol or casual socializing with men.[1][6]
Membership
[edit]Membership in Gamma Gamma Chi is open to Muslim women and non-Muslim women who support the sorority's purpose.[1][2][5]
Chapters
[edit]Following are the chapters of Gamma Gamma Chi, with active chapters indicated in bold and inactive chapters in italics.[7][15][16][17]
| Chapter | Charter date and range | Area served | Location | Status | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alpha | April 23, 2006 – c. 2015 | Metro Atlanta | Atlanta, Georgia | Inactive | [4][18][a] |
| Beta | July 22, 2006 – c. 2015 | Washington metropolitan area | Silver Spring, Maryland | Inactive | [6][19][20][21] |
| Gamma | April 8, 2007 – c. 2010 | Piedmont Triad | Greensboro, North Carolina | Inactive | [22][23] |
| Delta | May 26, 2007 – c. 2010 | Chicago metropolitan area | Chicago, Illinois | Inactive | [6][18][24] |
| Epsilon | June 17, 2007 – c. 2015 | Philadelphia metro area | Elkins Park, Pennsylvania | Inactive | [6][18][25][26] |
| Zeta | July 1, 2012 – c. 2015 | Newark metropolitan area | Newark, New Jersey | Inactive | [27][17][b] |
| Chi | February 2, 2025 | United States | Virtual | Active |
- ^ This chapter included American Intercontinental University, Clark Atlanta University, Georgia Perimeter College, Spelman College, and Troy State University.
- ^ Chapter served Northern New Jersey and the five Boroughs of New York City.
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b c d Kinzie, Susan (May 20, 2006). "Gamma Gamma Chi Sorority Welcomes Young Women With Islamic Beliefs". The Ledger. Lakeland, Florida. Retrieved October 16, 2024.
- ^ a b c d "Greek Life and the Muslim Girl". www.beliefnet.com. Retrieved October 16, 2024.
- ^ a b c d Anna, Cara (November 26, 2005). "First Muslim Sorority Founded". The Herald-Sun. Durham, North Carolina. Retrieved April 11, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ a b c d e "About Us". Gamma Gamma Chi Sorority, Inc. Retrieved October 16, 2024.
- ^ a b c d "Women start 1st Islamic sorority". The Washington Times. January 4, 2006. Retrieved October 15, 2024.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m Diamond, Laura (January 11, 2010). "Muslim women embrace sorority". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. pp. D1, D7. ISSN 1539-7459. Retrieved April 11, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l "20th Anniversary Commemorative Book Volume 1: Returning to the Hive". Flipbook.net. Charlotte, North Carolina: Gamma Gamma Chi Sorority, Inc. April 2025. Retrieved April 12, 2025.
- ^ Kinzie, Susan (May 20, 2006). "Gamma Gamma Chi Sorority Welcomes Young Women With Islamic Beliefs". The Ledger. Retrieved October 16, 2024.
- ^ Adams, Kathleen (December 14, 2005). "Drive for an Islamic Sorority at U. of Kentucky". NPR. Retrieved October 15, 2024.
- ^ "First GammaFest held April 6–8 in Maryland". Gamma News. Gamma Gamma Chi Sorority Inc. May 2007. Archived from the original on September 5, 2008.
- ^ "The Meaning of Our Letters, Gamma Gamma Chi". Gamma News. Gamma Gamma Chi Sorority, Inc. October 2007. Archived from the original on September 5, 2008.
- ^ "Gamma Gamma Chi Sorority (2006)". Pluralism Project Archive. Harvard University. Retrieved October 16, 2024.
- ^ Jarvie, Jarvie (December 18, 2005). "Muslim Ideal Are Cornerstone for New Sorority". Sunday News. Lancaster, Pennsylvania. p. 80. Retrieved October 16, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ a b "About Gamma Gamma Chi". Alpha Chapter of Gamma Gamma Chi Sorority, Inc. Archived from the original on November 19, 2015. Retrieved April 11, 2025.
- ^ "Chapters". Gamma Gamma Chi Sorority, Inc. Archived from the original on November 18, 2010. Retrieved April 11, 2025.
- ^ "Chapters". Gamma Gamma Chi Sorority, Inc. Archived from the original on January 13, 2014. Retrieved April 11, 2025.
- ^ a b "Contact Us". Epsilon Chapter of Gamma Gamma Chi Sorority, Inc. Archived from the original on August 30, 2015. Retrieved April 11, 2025.
- ^ a b c Neroulias, Nicole (March 21, 2010). "Muslim, Jewish Students Explore Greek Life". The Sunday Oregonian. Portland, Oregon. p. 66. Retrieved October 16, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "History". Beta Chapter Gamma Gamma Chi Sorority, Inc. Archived from the original on June 9, 2013. Retrieved April 11, 2025.
- ^ "Contact Us". Beta Chapter Gamma Gamma Chi Sorority Inc. Archived from the original on October 5, 2013. Retrieved April 11, 2025.
- ^ "Beta Chapter celebrates second anniversary with fundraiser". Gamma New. Gamma Gamma Chi Sorority, Inc. August 2008. Archived from the original on December 11, 2008.
- ^ "Special Interest". News and Record. Greensboro, North Carolina. August 2, 2009. p. 79. Retrieved April 11, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Six new members inducted". Gamma News. Gamma Gamma Chi Sorority, Inc. May 2007. Archived from the original on September 5, 2008.
- ^ "Delta Chapter established in Chicago". Gamma News. Gamma Gamma Chi Sorority, Inc. June 2007. Archived from the original on September 5, 2008.
- ^ "About Us". Epsilon Chapter of Gamma Gamma Chi Sorority, Inc. Archived from the original on August 30, 2015. Retrieved April 11, 2025.
- ^ "Sixth Chapter Established". Gamma News. Gamma Gamma Chi Sorority, Inc. July 2007. Archived from the original on September 5, 2008.
- ^ "Home". Zeta Chapter of Gamma Gamma Chi Sorority, Inc. Archived from the original on June 10, 2013. Retrieved April 11, 2025.