Iota Phi Lambda
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Iota Phi Lambda Sorority Inc. (Script error: No such module "Lang".) is an African American business sorority. It was the first Greek-lettered business sorority established by African American women. It has established more than 100 chapters in the United States. It is a member of the Coalition of Black Business Sororities.
History
Iota Phi Lambda was founded on June 1, 1929, in Chicago, Illinois by Lola Mercedes Parker.[1][2][3] It was the first African American business and professional sorority.[4] Its purpose was to help elevate the status of business women, encourage women to choose business as a career, inspire women to seek career training, and to help African American women overcome the impact of the Great Depression.[5][6][3] Its six founding members were Ethel T. Edwards, Mildred G. Hardin, Ophelia Harrison, Lola M. Parker, Harriet M. Robinson, Burdette Trigg, and Marjorie Tyndall, Lola M. Parker.[5] Six of the founders were graduates of the Chicago Business College and one from Kansas State College.[3]
The sorority held its first annual convention in 1929.[7] By 2023, it expanded to charter more than 100 chapters with 5,000 initiates.[3]
Iota Phi Lambda is a member of the Coalition of Black Business Sororities, which also includes Gamma Phi Delta, Eta Phi Beta, and Lambda Kappa Mu.[8] Iota Phi Lambda is not a National Pan Hellenic Council (NPHC) sorority; dual membership within Iota Phi Lambda Sorority and NPHC sororities is allowed.
As of January 2024, the sorority has 64 active chapters and more than 1,300 active members.[9] Its national headquarters is located in Washington, D.C.
Symbols
The motto of Iota Phi Lambda is "Upward and Onward in Efficient Service." Its colors are emerald green and white.[10] Its flower is the white rose with green fern.[10] Its mascot is the turtle.[10] Its publication is the Iota Journal.[3]
Activities
The national sorority holds activities and programs to support public schools during American Education Weeks, Black History Month, Business Month, and Correspondence Week.[11][12][9][4] It also presents the Lola M. Parker Award for the outstanding woman of the year and the Mahala S. Evans Award for the outstanding member of the year.[3][13] Iota Phi Lambda is not a National Pan Hellenic Council (NPHC) sorority; dual membership within Iota Phi Lambda Sorority and NPHC sororities is allowed.
The sorority's national philanthropies are Toys U Can't Return, a teen pregnancy prevention program, and Iota Mothers Assistance which provides outreach and help for disadvantaged mothers.[13][6][4][9] Chapters provide tutoring at local schools and hold programs to help youth explore careers.[13][6] The sorority also awards annual scholarships on the chapter, regional, and national levels to help women seek careers in business, engineering, or science.[13]
Chapters
Script error: No such module "Labelled list hatnote".Iota Phi Lambda has established more than 100 chapters in 85 cities in the United States.[3]
Notable members
Honorary
- Peggielene Bartels, Ghanaian chief[15]
- Mary McLeod Bethune, educator and civil rights leader [15][16]
- Pearl S. Buck, writer[15]
- Donna Christensen, United States House of Representatives[15]
- Marian Wright Edelman, activist for children's rights[15]
- Ada Crogman Franklin, activist for children's rights and journalist[15]
- Irene McCoy Gaines, social worker and civil rights activist[15]
- Hazel Garland, journalist[15]
- Lydia P. Jackson, Louisiana State Senate[15]
- Carrie Meek, United States House of Representatives[15]
- Rachel B. Noel, educator and politician[15]
- Mai Padmore, Liberian politician[15]
- Betty Smith Williams, nurse[15]
See also
References
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- ↑ Bethune Résumé
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Additional references
- Green, E. K. (1959). A history of Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, 1929-1958. Washington, DC: Iota Phi Lambda Sorority.
- Howard University, Social Work Library: Sims, S. B. (1978). A history of Iota Phi Lambda Sorority 1959-1969. [n.p.]: Iota Phi Lambda Sorority.
External Links
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