J.L. Kemp Inducted into Sigma Gamma Rho

Historic African American Women's Sorority is Among the "Divine Nine"

Lebanon, IL (04/20/2018) — Dr. J.L. Kemp, professor of psychology at McKendree University in Lebanon, Ill., was inducted recently into the sisterhood of Sigma Gamma Rho (SGR), an organization rich in history. Founded in 1922 by seven educators at Butler University in Indianapolis, Sigma Gamma Rho is one of the historically African American, Greek letter sororities and fraternities known collectively as the "Divine Nine." The local Alpha Upsilon Sigma chapter is one of more than 500 SGR chapters across the U.S. and internationally.

Kemp, a resident of Belleville, Ill., graduated from McKendree College (now McKendree University) and in 1996 earned a Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) degree from Indiana State University, its first African American female student to do so. She has taught psychology at McKendree University since 2000, and in 2006 became its first African American female tenured professor. She has served on many faculty committees and advises the university's chapter of Pi Gamma Mu international honor society for social sciences.

"We believe Dr. Kemp will be an asset to our sisterhood and the work we do in surrounding communities," said Dr. Stephanie Carpenter, membership facilitator for the chapter.

"I did not become a Sigma; I was BORN a Sigma Gamma Rho Woman," said Kemp. "Thank God I am finally home."

According to its website (Sgrho1922.org), SGR's mission is to "enhance the quality of life for women and their families… through community service, civil, and social action" and to achieve greater progress in the areas of education, health awareness, and leadership development.The private induction ceremony, for members only, was held on April 14 at the Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows in Belleville, Ill. A public reception will be held at the East St. Louis City Hall Rotunda on Sunday, April 29 from 4 to 6 p.m. for family members, friends and members of other "Divine Nine" organizations.

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