[Three Pieces of Ephemera Related to Iota Phi Lamda]

[Houston, Texas], 1975. Very good. Two stapled pamphlets, measuring 8½" x 5½" and 11" x 8½"; one single-sheet form measuring 11" x 8½". Very good: slight oxidization to staples; very minor edgewear to form.

This is a group of three items relating to the Houston, Texas, chapter of Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc. (IPL). IPL is the first African American sorority for business and professional women. It was founded by Lola Mercedes Parker in 1929 in Chicago. According to the sorority's website, its goals are to:

"Unite in sisterhood qualified business and professional women in order to enhance and improve the status of women in our highly complex, competitive business and professional world; Promote increased interest in the broad field of business education among high school and college young women through planned programs and scholarships; Encourage the development of personal goals and leadership potential; and Establish and promote civic and social service activities for youth and adults."

The stapled pamphlets highlight two important events in the chapter's history: a spotlight on the achievements of famous Black women in observance of International Women's Year, and the observance of the sorority's Founder's Day. Both provide a detailed program schedule for their respective events and feature mimeographed illustrations along with text of sorority songs. "Spotlights" additionally features samples of member signatures, while the Founder's Day program displays a photographic image of Lola Parker. A single-sheet application for membership to the sorority is also included, asking women to list their occupation, educational and employment history, and "special talents."

Illustrated and informative evidence of a Black female business sorority in Texas in the mid-1970s.