Sisterhood, Service & Style: Inside Sigma Gamma Rho’s 61st Biennial Boule and Its Star-Studded New Honorary Class.

When thousands of women dressed in regal royal blue and antique gold gather under one roof, you know Black excellence is on full display. From July 22–26, 2026, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated took over the Tampa Convention Center for their 61st Biennial Boule, affectionately dubbed “Boule by the Bay.” Returning to Tampa for the first time since 1976, the historic gathering stood as a shining celebration of sisterhood, leadership, and unwavering service.

Under the guidance of International Grand Basileus Marica T. Harris, the 61st Boule proved once again that the poodles of Sigma Gamma Rho continue to live out their founding motto: “Greater Service, Greater Progress.”

One of the most anticipated moments of every Boule is the induction of new honorary members, women who embody the vision, strength, and impact of the sorority. On Friday, July 24, 2026, Sigma Gamma Rho officially welcomed 21 exceptional icons into their 2026 TrailblazerΣ Honorary Membership Class.

Representing beauty, entertainment, sports, activism, and corporate leadership, these powerhouse inductees include:

● Tami Roman Youngblood: Multi-hyphenate actress, executive producer (Haus of Vicious), and media personality recognized for her candid advocacy surrounding mental health and body dysmorphic disorder.

● Shontay Lundy: Visionary Founder and CEO of Black Girl Sunscreen, who revolutionized the beauty industry by creating inclusive sun protection for melanated skin.

● Lynette Woodard: Basketball legend, 1984 Olympic Gold Medalist, Four-Time All-American, and the first woman to ever play for the iconic Harlem Globetrotters.

● Sharon “MC Sha-Rock” Jackson: The undisputed “Mother of the Mic” and the first female MC in hip-hop history (member of Funky 4 + 1), currently shaping future generations as a professor at Bowie State University.

● Sonia Manzano: Beloved Emmy-winning actress, author, and television icon best known for her role as Maria on Sesame Street.

● Jennifer Jones: Trailblazing dancer and advocate who made history in 1987 as the first Black Radio City Music Hall Rockette.

● Charita Carter: Executive Creative Producer at Walt Disney Imagineering and creative lead behind Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.

● Femita Ayanbeku-Bradley: Three-time U.S. Paralympian and inspiring track-and-field athlete.

● Malorie Bailey: Entrepreneur, media personality, and advocate bringing national awareness to uterine fibroid health among women of color.

● Adrienne Bennett: Plumbing industry pioneer and America’s first licensed Black female master plumber.

● Michelle Carter: Shot put champion, 2016 Olympic Gold Medalist, and body positivity advocate.

● Dr. Ann-Marie Dillard: Humanitarian, global health strategist, and mental health advocate.

In Greek-letter organizations, the term Boule stems from the ancient Greek word boulē, meaning a council of leaders appointed to run governance. In the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), the Boule serves as the supreme governing body and national convention held every two years.Beyond the glamour, step shows, and networking galas, the Boule carries critical importance.

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated held its historic 61st International Biennial Boule, dubbed “Boule by the Bay,” at the Tampa Convention Center. The landmark convention brought together over 5,000 attendees and left a powerful financial footprint, generating an estimated $5,099,572 in direct regional spending for the Tampa Bay area.

Beyond its massive economic impact, the sorority delivered significant community service across the city.

Through its signature Operation Big Book Bag initiative, members distributed 3,000 backpacks to local K-8 students, while also assembling 300 newborn care packages for Project CRADLE Care and women’s wellness programs. Addressing vital water safety needs, the organization provided 300 free swim lessons at the Martin Luther King Jr. Pool as part of its Swim 1922 – Caravans of Hope campaign. To cement its lasting relationship with the host city, the sorority commemorated the historic gathering by unveiling a permanent paver along the iconic Tampa Riverwalk. Sigma Gamma Rho’s 61st Biennial Boule proved that when purpose aligns with passion, the impact is unstoppable.