The First Black Rockette Jennifer Jones Inducted as Honorary Member of Sigma Gamma Rho

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. has inducted Jennifer Jones, the first Black Rockette, as an Honorary Member. The sorority announced the induction today, Friday, July 24, 2026, during its 61st Biennial Boule in Tampa, Florida.

In 1987, at age 20, Jennifer Jones broke the color barrier at Radio City Music Hall when she became the first Black Rockette, chosen from 221 women competing for 26 spots on the famed precision dance line. The company had existed for more than six decades at that point. Jones went on to perform with the Rockettes for 15 years before retiring in 2002.

Jones has since told her story on the page. She is the author of the children’s book On the Line: My Story of Becoming the First African American Rockette and the memoir Becoming Spectacular: The Rhythm of Resilience, both centered on empowerment, perseverance, and representation for young readers.

She is also a cancer survivor and advocate. After being diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer in 2018, Jones completed treatment and was declared cancer-free the following year. She now speaks openly about awareness and early detection, urging others to know their family history and not to delay screening.

Jones was inducted as part of Sigma Gamma Rho’s Honorary Membership Class of 2026, a group of women recognized during the 2026 Boule Honorary Membership Ceremony for achievements spanning sports, entertainment, education, public service, advocacy, entrepreneurship, and global humanitarian work.

The ceremony took place as Sigma Gamma Rho gathered in Tampa, Florida, for its 61st Biennial Boule under International President Marica T. Harris. In announcing the class, Harris said the 2026 honorees “embody the spirit of service, the power of purpose,” carrying forward the sorority’s mission of Greater Service, Greater Progress.

We at Watch The Yard would like to congratulate Jennifer Jones on her induction as an Honorary Member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.

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