The Philadelphia Alumnae Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated was formed as a result of a trip taken by Helen Nottage Cook, who was on tour with the Wooding Singers. Following a performance, Cook was introduced to Bertha Rhoda Black, a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated. The two became engaged in conversation and upon learning from Cook that she was a Temple University graduate, Soror Black immediately inquired if there was a chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho at Temple University or in the City of Philadelphia. Because there were no chapters in the area, Soror Black encouraged Cook to establish a graduate chapter in Philadelphia and instructed her to contact Northeast Regional Syntakes, Edna Forest Browne.

Upon Cook's return to Pennsylvania, she contacted Edith Cole Ormand and the two began contacting their college friends. Shortly thereafter, a group of 5 young women formed and began working towards establishing a graduate chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho, Sorority, Incorporated in Philadelphia. With the assistance of Syntaktes Browne, Alpha Eta Sigma chapter was chartered on March 28, 1941 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Alpha Eta Sigma became the 60th chapter to be formed in the country and the 13th to be formed in the Northeast Region. Charter members were Sorors Helen Nottage Cook, Pearl Howell, Erslia Hawkins, Edith Ormand and Geraldine Burris. Sorors Parthenia Jackson, Viola Edwards Robinson and Constance Harris were also initiated into the Upsilon chapter (later renamed Beta Phi chapter) of Sigma Gamma Rho on this date while matriculating at Cheyney State Teacher's College. They all joined Alpha Eta Sigma after receiving their degrees that semester.

Since her inception, the Sorors of Alpha Eta Sigma continuously represent and uphold our sorority's motto, "Greater Service, Greater Progress." In the 1940's, Alpha Eta Sigma enriched Sigma's image with many outstanding and varied activities that were designed to create a better world for our people, our children and our community. On June 27, 1947, Alpha Eta Sigma chartered Beta Delta chapter at Temple University. Beta Delta began accepting members from Temple University, University of Pennsylvania, Drexel University and LaSalle University. Sorors Eleanor DeShields and Lillian Reid were early advisors to the Beta Delta chapter. The "Miss Rhomania" Debutante Ball and "Calendar Girl" contests were held which highlighted our Rhoers and other high school girls' beauty, character, talent and academic achievements. Scholarships were awarded to numerous young women to help fund their college education. In 1944, Alpha Eta Sigma hosted her first Northeast Regional Conference.

In the 1950's, the primary objectives of Alpha Eta Sigma were manifested by its community service initiatives. The Upsilon chapter at Cheyney University was dissolved and new members from that institution were initiated in the Beta Delta Chapter. Soror Alma C. Hawkins, Northeast Regional Syntakes, chartered Beta Phi chapter.

In 1950-1951, the Beta Delta chapter participated in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority's first Jabberwock held in the Irvine Auditorium at the University of Pennsylvania. In 1954, Alpha Eta Sigma was the first hostess chapter to host a regional conference in a hotel, the Whittier Hotel, which was located at Broad and Cherry Streets. Dr. Patricia Harris (nee Roberts), president of the American Council on Human Rights, was the keynote speaker. Dr. Harris later became the Ambassador to Luxembourg. In 1955, Alpha Eta Sigma reactivated the Beta Delta chapter as a metropolitan chapter in Philadelphia. In 1957, Alpha Eta Sigma chartered Beta Phi chapter at Cheyney University.

In the 1960's, during the heart of the civil rights movement, Alpha Eta Sigma primary focus was to educate and uplift the African American community. In the 1960's, chapter members sponsored Vocational Guidance Clinics in local churches to inform community residents about various educational and career opportunities. Alpha Eta Sigma was one of the leading organizations in the American Council on Human Rights, which were early activist group advocating human rights. Undergraduate Sorors from Beta Delta Chapter served as hostesses and ushers at the Baptist Temple on Temple University's campus during Martin Luther King's visit to Philadelphia.

"Training Youth for Community Leadership" was the theme of the 27th Boule hosted by Alpha Eta Sigma in 1961. The Boule has held at the Benjamin Franklin Hotel. Dr. Lorraine A. Williams was elected International Grand Basileus during the Boule; she was the first Grand Basileus to be elected from the Northeast Region. Soror Williams was later followed by Soror Annie Lee Neville of Rocky Mount, N.C. as Grand Basileus, and then succeeded herself to the office of Grand Basileus.

In the 1970's, Founder's Day celebrations became a beacon for Alpha Eta Sigma. Members gathered together to worship at local churches and donated funds to assist with their community outreach programs. In 1972, Sigma Gamma Rho celebrated her 50th Golden Anniversary. In celebration of our country's bicentennial anniversary, in 1976 the chapter hosted the Northeast Regional Conference at the Benjamin Franklin Hotel, which was one of the most select hotels in Philadelphia. The Smorgasbord was Sigma Gamma Rhos' signature event in Philadelphia. It was held at the Women's Assembly Building, which is now designated at the Johnson House at Germantown Avenue and Washington Lane. In 1979, Alpha Eta Sigma presented its first Annual Scholarship Peanut Luncheon that highlights the research and inventions of scientist Dr. George Washington Carver. The proceeds of this event go toward the Soror Pearl Howell Memorial Scholarship Funds.

In the 1980's, the chapter's annual Rhomania event was its Luncheon and Fashion Show. The chapter donated their time and financial support to the Stephen Smith Home for the Aged, the Mercy Douglas Human Resource Center, the Philadelphia YWCA, Heritage House, Concerned Black Woman and many other beneficial projects. Alpha Eta Sigma initiated community activist Shirley Dennis as an Honorary Member of the sorority.

During the 1990's Sigma Gamma Rho continued to focus her attention on the youth of Philadelphia. The chapter formed a mentoring and after school tutorial program called "Ebony Pearls" for girls who attended General John F. Reynolds Elementary and Robert Vaux Middle Schools in North Philadelphia. The chapter also executed several national programs within these schools such as the Mwanamugimu Essay contest and the Wee Savers Program. The Mwanamugimu Essay Contest is designed to enhance the knowledge young people have about the continent of African through the development of research and writing skills. The Wee Savers Program teaches students the importance of saving their money and investing for their future.

Alpha Eta Sigma provided literacy assistance, in conjunction with the Assault on Illiteracy Program, the Mayor's Commission on Literacy and Emanuel Institutional Baptist Church, to adults who wish receive a high school equivalency diploma. The chapter also assisted in the growth of Sigma Gamma Rho by establishing undergraduate chapters at The College of New Jersey (formerly Trenton State University), West Chester University and Lincoln University. Alpha Eta Sigma continued to donate countless hours to support community service initiatives at Mercy Douglass Human Service Center, People's Emergency Center and Maplewood Manor Nursing Home.

Since we have entered into a new millennium, it isimperative that we as members of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated take a more critical look at who we are, where we are, and how we will direct our future. Evolution is a constant process of being, of expanding, of creating. Sigma Gamma Rho is a classic example. What we are and what we do today is possible not only because of the dynamic involvement and dedication of those on our roster but also because of the vision of our beloved seven Founders. Service to our people is paramount. Alpha Eta Sigma has met the challenges of the day and continues to grow through Sisterhood, Scholarship and Service.

Several members of Alpha Eta Sigma have been called to serve in various capacities on the national, regional and local levels. Soror Laura J. Hawkins served Sigma as Regional Grammateus, 1946; Regional Syntakes, 1965-1969 and Regional Epistoleus, 1967-1968. Soror Hawkins served as Executive Director of Sigma Gamma Rho from 1967-1971. In her capacity as Executive Director, she was the liaison to the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).

Soror Naomi Satchell Strange served as Undergraduate Chapter Coordinator; 1961-1962; Syntakes; 1962-1965, during which times she chartered up six chapters. More recently, Soror Satchell Strange has served as Parliamentarian for the Northeast Region and currently serves as Parliamentarian Consultant for the Northeast Region.

In the 1960's Soror Edith Custalow served as Northeast Regional Grammateus. Soror Yvonne Jones, principal of Overbrook High School in Philadelphia, served as Regional Anti-Grammateus, 1967-1969; and Undergraduate Chapter Coordinator, 1969-1970. In the 1990's Soror Linda Simmons served as Tamiochus. Soror Karla D. Smith, Esq., a Sigma legacy, was appointed to the Board of Directors as Legal Advisor. Soror Zakeia Smith served as Regional Grammateus from 2000-2002. Soror Deena Weems was appointed the Northeast Region Area 6 Coordinator in 2002.

The following sorors have served as Basileus of Alpha Eta Sigma:

Edith Ormand (1941-1943)
Ersalia Hawkins (1943-1944)
Alice Kearney (1944-1945)
Pearl Howell (1945-1952)
Laura J. Hawkins (1962-1963)
Naomi Satchell Strange (1958-1962)
Laura J. Hawkins (1962-1963)
Bertha Jackson (1963-1964)
Lillian Milan (1964-1969)
Sarah Williams (1969-1972)
Edith Custalow (1972-1976)
Yvonne Jones (1976-1980)
Gloria Johnson (1980-1984)
Pamela Davis (1984-1988)
Clarice Young (1988-1992)
Karla D. Smith, Esq. (1992-1996)
Vanetta Cheeks Reeder (1996-2000)
Deena Weems (2000-2002)
Kim Thompson Campbell (2002-2006)
Deena Weems (2006-Present)