Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.
The People's Fraternity
Phi Beta Sigma was founded on the campus of Howard University, Washington D.C. in the spring of 1914.
The founders were three young African American males students. The Most Honorable A. Langston Taylor, Most Honorable Leonard F. Morse and Most Honorable Charles I. Brown
envisioned a Greek lettered fraternal organization that would maintain three main principles: Brotherhood, Scholarship and Services.
It was their goal to have an organization that would want to part of the community not one that felt like it had to be part of the community.
It was their belief that an organization should base its membership not on race, nationality, color, skin tone, and texture of hair or family background.
To them, membership selection should based on leadership qualities, scholarship, positive image, talent, sophistication and progressive attitude.
They also thought potential members should want rise their qualities too not only bettering themselves and the organization but the community as well, thus, promoting
the organization’s motto “Culture for Service, Service for Humanity”.The three principles were selected because of their combination for making a dynamic fraternity.
Our first principle, brotherhood, is unique bond shared by all Sigmas once they cross the “burning sands”.
The bond is form because no Sigma is alike in personality or characteristic, which bring new ideas to the organization so it can grow.
This also forces each Sigma to challenge himself to find something in common with other Sigmas. Lastly, this forms a lifetime
bond that keeps all Sigmas together in good and bad times.
Our second principle, scholarship, represents the constant pursuit for knowledge and development of a keen perception and sound judgments.
This knowledge is a combination of lessons taught in class and in society that gives Sigmas the opportunity to give the best form of service.
That leads to our third principle, service, which is the keystone of the organization’s existence. The founders saw service as a source of joy, the basic of happiness, and
a way for mankind to give thanks for the blessings they had received. It was also the wish of the founders for each member to keep the organization aware of opportunities for service.
Three national programs were created so that all Sigmas would be able maintain the principle and the motto set forth by the founders.
The start of the Education program begun with the conception of the organization. The intent of the program is to encourage and assist students in attaining the highest scholastic achievement.
The program sponsors scholarships, endowments and several smaller programs that are design to achieve its intent. Two of the smaller programs are the Sigma Beta Club and “A Fraternity that Reads”.
The Sigma Beta Club is mentoring program that helps shape and mold young men and boys. This is one of the more notable accomplishments of the organization. “A Fraternity that Reads” is an annual project,
which hopes to convey to children the impotence of reading. In 1925, the Bigger and Better Business program became a concern for the organization. The program was design to help the promotion of small black businesses and entrepreneurship among individuals.
The program aids the businesses in competing and helps them to become a viable force in today’s economic. In spirit of the program, the organization established the Phi Beta Sigma National Credit Union that has been owned and operated by Sigma men.
The organization also created the “Buying Black and Giving Back” program that encourages its members and chapters to physically assist and financially support minority businesses in the area.
The most important of the three programs is the Social Action created in 1934.
In the beginning, the program was concerned with improving the general well being of minority groups.
In the past, the program focused more on civil rights and liberties such as national and state anti-lynching legislation, equality of wages and
working conditions, abolition of Jim Crow laws etc. Over the years, the program has evolved to create projects targeted toward young adults to senior citizens, national and
local emergencies and medicinal needs. These projects focus on teenage pregnancy, domestic abuse, cancer and bone marrow.
In order for the Fraternity to achieve these objectives, the Fraternity tries to strengthen and serve proactively the Brotherhood as a supportive resource that positively
influences the Fraternity’s growth and financial solvency. Reaffirm and maintain a strong commitment to Brotherhood, Scholarship and Service.
Ensure that the Fraternity programs are focused and committed to serving humanity. Create an environment that respects the dignity and worth of each brother.
Exhibit integrity and ethical behavior in conducting the Fraternity’s business, serving as a model for all Greek Letter organizations.
Foster and nurture the constitutional bond with Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
Encourage a closer and mutually beneficial working relationship with fellow Greek letter organizations, other community service organizations, business and government.
Finally, by the selection of leaders who are committed and have demonstrated the ability to “lead.”
Phi Beta Sigma views its members as leaders in the organization and in the community thus role models for today’s youth and potential members.
Therefore, the Fraternity created several risk management policies to protect members and chapters status in the community. These policies cover alcohol, drugs, hazing and abusive behavior.
The Fraternity requires that all chapters comply with the laws and ordinances of the state, city, country, and university or college when alcohol is present at any chapter sponsored event.
Unlawful drugs are prohibited from all chapters’ functions. Chapters are encouraged to conduct alcohol and drug awareness programs for members.
When it comes to hazing, the National Office mandated that no chapters should participate in the hazing of its members or potential members.
The Fraternity encourages all chapters to use the Intake process or the chapter and members will face disciplinary action from the Regional and National Office
not including actions taken by the local and state government and university or college.
The actions taken by the Regional or National Offices can include probation, suspension or rejection of the chapter’s charter.
Therefore, all chapters are encouraged to read and follow the Fraternity’s handbook regarding the Intake process.
In addition, the Fraternity does not condone any abusive behavior or language on the part of its members or potential members that are directed towards other members, non-members or women.
To remind the Fraternity of its responsibility to appreciate black women, two members helped five lovely ladies to create an organization. In 1920, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, now incorporated, was founded with one of its’ goals was to promote “Finer Womanhood.”
It was written in each organization’s constitution that Phi Beta Sigma and Zeta Phi Beta is recognizes as brother and sister (Zeta Phi Beta Sigma). This something which no other fraternity and sorority can lay claim to in writing.
The eight-seven years of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. history are unique because from its beginning to now and in all likelihood in the future will be a positive role in the society.
There are many things about this Fraternity that cannot be said because of secrecy, time, space or respect for other organizations who also have a place in society. The Fraternity respectably gives all organizations their time to shine.
For while the other organizations are shining, Phi Beta Sigma is planning new ways to continue being the “People’s Fraternity.”
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