We are often called the Fraternity of African
Presidents, Kings and Princes. We weren't the first
African-American Greek-Letter Fraternity to be
founded... However, we are definitely the
Fraternity of Firsts...
First to have Presidents of other countries in
its membership (Bros. Kwame Nkrumah, Dr.
Nnamdia Azikiwe, and Nelson Mandela).
First Greek-letter Fraternity to be recognized
by Howard University April 15, 1914. (Omega Psi
Phi wasn't until October 28, 1914)
First to hold a joint International Convention
with another African-American Fraternity (Omega Psi
Phi)
First to be offered a chance to merge with another
Fraternity (Kappa Alpha Psi...Thanks, but no
thanks!!!)
First to establish a chapter South of the State of Virginia before the year 1915.
First and ONLY Black Greek Letter Fraternity to
establish a constitutional bond with a Sorority
(Zeta Phi Beta)
First to establish a youth auxiliary program (Sigma Beta Club)
First to own and operate a Credit Union for its members
First and ONLY Black Greek-Letter Fraternity to
have one of its members on the face of a U.S.
Coin. (George Washington Carver: The 1951 Half
Dollar) Only 2 African Americans have EVER
been on the face of a US coin: George Washington
Carver and Booker T. Washington--who was
not Greek
First to establish chapters in the Continent of Africa
First to establish Graduate/Alumni Membership
First to establish an Graduate/Alumni Chapter
First to use the cane . . . (it was used for style)
First to use the Dogmatic Image (not the Q's)
First to come with the idea for the NPHC (National Pan-Hellenic Council)
Lastly, many Fraternities may have supported the
Million-Man March, but only
PHI BETA SIGMA FRATERNITY, INCORPORATED can lay
claim to not only
supporting, but also sponsoring the March in
its International Headquarters.
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