Gamma Gamma Chi
| Gamma Gamma Chi | |
|---|---|
| ΓΓΧ | |
 | |
| Founded | April 3, 2005 Greensboro, North Carolina |
| Type | Cultural interest |
| Affiliation | Independent |
| Status | Active |
| Emphasis | Islam |
| Scope | National |
| Motto | "Striving for the Pleasure of Allah through Sisterhood, Scholarship, Leadership, and Community Service" |
| Colors | Lavender, Green and Gold |
| Flower | Water lily |
| Chapters | 3 active |
| Headquarters | Alexandria, Virginia United States |
Gamma Gamma Chi (ΓΓΧ) is an American college sorority for Muslim women. It was founded in Greensboro, North Carolina on April 3, 2005. It was the first Islamic sorority in the United States.
History
[edit]Gamma Gamma Chi was founded in Greensboro, North Carolina on April 3, 2005, by Guilford College student Imani Abdul-Haqq and her mother Althia Collins.[1][2][3][4] Its purpose is to promote a positive image of Islam and Muslim women.[5] It was the first Islamic sorority in the United States.[1][2]
Collins serves as the sorority's president and CEO.[3] Collins, a former president of Bennett College, contributed $50,000 in cash and in-kind services to help establish the sorority.[2][3]
Its Alpha chapter was inducted on April 23, 2006, in Atlanta, Georgia.[5] It has since added four other chapters.[6] Chapters are city-based, rather than being associated with a specific university.[6]
Chapters observe Islamic holidays and volunteer and help with fundraising activities for charitable organizations.[6] Because of its member's commitment to Islam, sorority events do not include alcohol or socializing with men.[1][6] Although it has an Islamic focus, the sorority's membership is open to non-Muslims.[1][2]
Its headquarters are located in Alexandria, Virginia.[6]
Symbols
[edit]The Greek letters Gamma Gamma Chi were selected for the meeting "women on earth for a period of time”, which fits with Islamic teachings.[2] Gamma Gamma Chi's motto is "Striving for the Pleasure of Allah through Sisterhood, Scholarship, Leadership, and Community Service".[5] It pillars are based on Islam's five pillars and 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.[3][7]
The sorority's colors are lavender, green, and gold.[6] Lavender symbolizes peace, green was Muhammad's favorite color, and gold stands for true treasure.[6][4] Its flower is the water lily, selected because it flourishes in difficult surroundings.[1][6]
Chapters
[edit]| Chapter | Charter dae | Institution | Location | Status | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | University of Kentucky | Lexington, Kentucky | Inactive | [4][3][8][a] | |
| Alpha | April 23, 2006 | Atlanta, Georgia | Active | [1][3][5][6][b] | |
| 2006 | University of Maryland, Baltimore County | Catonsville, Maryland | Inactive | [1][2] | |
| Washington, D.C. | Inactive ? | [6] | |||
| Alexandria, Virginia | Inactive ? | [6] | |||
| Chicago, Illinois | Active | [6][9] | |||
| Philadelphia, Pennsylvana | Active | [6][9] |
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e f g Kinzie, Susan (May 20, 2006). "Gamma Gamma Chi Sorority Welcomes Young Women With Islamic Beliefs". The Ledger. Retrieved 2024-10-16.
- ^ a b c d e f "Women start 1st Islamic sorority". The Washington Times. January 4, 2006. Retrieved October 15, 2024.
- ^ a b c d e f "Greek Life and the Muslim Girl". www.beliefnet.com. Retrieved 2024-10-16.
- ^ a b c Jarvie, Jarvie (2005-12-18). "Muslim Ideal Are Cornerstone for New Sorority". Sunday News. Lancaster, Pennsylvania. p. 80. Retrieved 2024-10-16 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ a b c d "Gamma Gamma Chi Sorority, Inc.: About Us". www.rcampus.com. Retrieved 2024-10-16.
- ^ 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. ISSN 1539-7459. Retrieved 2024-10-16.
- ^ "Gamma Gamma Chi Sorority (2006)". Pluralism Project Archive. Harvard University. Retrieved 2024-10-16.
- ^ Adams, Kathleen (December 14, 2005). "Drive for an Islamic Sorority at U. of Kentucky". NPR. Retrieved October 15, 2024.
- ^ a b "Muslim, Jewish Students Explore Greek Life". The Sunday Oregonian. Portland, Oregon. 2010-03-21. p. 66. Retrieved 2024-10-16 – via Newspapers.com.