The History of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated

On Saturday, October 8, 1913, MHF A. Langston presented to MHF Leonard F. Morse the proposition of establishing a new fraternity. It was to be at Howard University, Washington, D.C. MHF Charles I. Brown, another student at Howard, was invited to aid the movement. Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity , Inc. was founded at Howard University in Washington D.C,January 9, 1914, by Three Young African-American male students. The founders- Most Honorable A. Langston Taylor, Most Honorable Leonard F. Morse, and Most Honorable Charles I. Brown- wanted to organize a Greek letter fraternity that would truly exemplify the ideals of Brotherhood, Scholarship, and Service.

The founders deeply wished to create an organization that viewed itself as "A part of" the general community rather than "APART FROM" the general community. They believed that each potential member should be judged by his own merits rather than his family background or affluence.... without regard of race, nationality, skin tone, or texture of hair. They wished and wanted their fraternity to exist as part of even a greater brotherhood which would be devoted to the "INCLUSIVE WE" rather than the "EXCLUSIVE WE". From its inception , the founders also conceived Phi Beta Sigma as a mechanism to deliver service to the general community. Rather than gaining skills to be utilized Exclusively for themselves and their immediate families, the founders of Phi Beta Sigma held deep conviction that they should return their newly acquired skills to the communities from which they had come. This deep conviction was mirrored in the fraternity's motto, "CULTURE FOR SERVICE AND SERVICE FOR HUMANITY".

Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. has grown into an international organization of leaders, embracing some 150,000 dedicated brother of all walks of life, in more than 700 chapters across Africa, the U.S., Europe and the Caribbean. No Longer a single entity, the fraternity has now established the Phi Beta Sigma Educational Foundation, Inc. and the Phi Beta Federal Credit Union(to build financial equity within our communities). Through our three National Programs: Bigger and Better Business, Education, and Social Action, Phi Beta Sigma strives demands the highest personal development for our people.

THE MOST HONORABLE FOUNDERS

MHF A. Langston Taylor was a tall, lanky lad from Memphis, TN who was easy going but tireless. His eyes were set deep in a brown skin face that showed a squared chin and prominent ears. His speech was pleasant and his oratory was stirring. One of the greatest names in Sigma, MHF Taylor was the spark that lighted the Sigma flame among the three. More than any other he is responsible for the growth of the Fraternity- especially in the earlier years. He has been National Pres., Secretary, Treas., Field Secy., and President of the Distinguished Service Chapter. MHF Taylor was an Elk and a 33^rd degree Mason, F&AM Prince Hall Affiliated. His triumphant life came to an end August 8, 1953.

MHF Charles I. Brown was physically a little smaller than average; his cheekbones were high, his "cowlicks" deep. Socially,he was known to be a "perfect gentlemen. " This is to say that he had that gracious courtesy that is commonly associated with the Eighteenth Century ideal type; never hurried, never flustered reticent and affable. He was the third member of the "Great Three" who founded Phi Beta Sigma. MHF Brown entered Howard University in 1907 graduating in 1914. After Graduating, he taught English for public schools in Topeka, KS. MHF Brown is noted for founding "Dangerous" Delta Chapter @ Kansas State University, the first chapter in Sigma History to be chartered on a racially mixed university campus.

MHF Leonard F. Morse was handsome, shy thin and dark. He was very much the New Englander- from New Bedford Massachusetts. He was the first elected Alpha Chapter President; holder of Sigma's Distinguished Service Key. MHF Brown was also the first male student at Howard University to earn two degrees in three years. He also earned (3) bachelor degrees, (1) Master Degree(2) Doctorate Degrees before his death. MHF Brown was the President of both Edward Waters College, and Dean of both Payne University and Bethel Colleges. He later became the Florida State Dir., and personally organized nine chapters with in the state.

The Mission

The Brothers of Phi Beta Sigma are the Fraternity's most valuable resource and strength. They are they primary means by which Phi Beta Sigma objectives will be achieved. In order to accomplish the Fraternity's objectives, it is essential that systems are instituted that effectively embody "Culture for Service and Service for Humanity" and promote Brotherhood, Scholarship, Service. To optimize Phi Beta Sigma's effectiveness, The Fraternity will:

• Strengthen and serve proactively the Brotherhood as a supportive resource that positively impacts 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 the 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 its members and the community at large
• Maintain and improve the Fraternity's technological literacy in order to better service its members and the community at large
• Foster and nurture our constitutional bond with Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
• Encourage a closer and mutually beneficial working relation with fellow Greek-Letter organizations, other community service organizations, businesses and government
• Select leaders who have a well- defined "vision" and accountable "action plan" for "making it happen."
• Select leaders who are committed and have demonstrated the ability to "lead"

3 National Programs

Social Action

Phi Beta Sigma has from its very beginning, concerned itself with improving the general well- being of minority groups. In 1934, a well-defined program of Social Action was formulated and put into action. Some of our current social action projects have focused on:

1. Sigma's Against Teen-age Pregnancy(S.A.T.A.P)- To reduce the incidence of teen-age pregnancies in our communities
2. Sigma's Against Domestic Abuse(S.A.D.A)- A program designed to eliminate domestic abuse in our homes and communities
3. Project Vote 2001- Designed to increase the participation of African-Americans in the political arena though the voting process
4. Sigma's Waging War Against Cancer(S.W.W.A.C)- A fund raising program for the American Cancer Society, and to increase awareness, with strong emphasis on early detection and prevention of prostate and colorectal cancer

Bigger & Better Business

Bigger and Better Business became a principal concern of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity in 1924. The purposes of the program are:

1. The make surveys of business conditions on a community basis and to provide for the wide dissemination of the findings through printed reports, forums and lectures
2. To assist with small business with there move to e- business in order to compete in today market place
3. Continue growth of assets within our Phi Beta Sigma Federal Credit Union. This Credit Union is a savings and banking institution for our members and family

Education

The genesis of the Education program lies in the traditional emphasis which the fraternity places on education and the fundamental reorganization of the Fraternity that took place in the period of 1945-46. Some of the initiatives of the Education Program are:

1. Sigma Beta Clubs- These clubs provide mentoring, guidance, educational tutorial assistance and advise to young men between ages 6 to 18
2. Project S.E.T(Sigma Education Time)- Project S.E.T.'s goals are to increase grade point averages and graduation rates of collegians throughout the nation; to serve as role models to the campus community that education must come first for success and empowerment in the new millennium, and dispel prejudices and negative stereotypes of Black men by establishing education as our top priority
3. Sigma Scholars- A Resource Guide to Better Scholarship. The study was researched and designed at the request of our Sigma Beta Clubs and collegiate members. Sigma Scholars covers a variety of topics encompassing essay examination, studying for Math and Science, tutoring sessions, and note taking skills
4. Phi Beta Sigma Book-A-Bration For Our Youth- The objective of this program is to collect 20,000 books nationwide to donate to local schools and churches
5. Phi Beta Sigma Educational Foundation(PBSEF) 501(c)- This tax-exempt program enable educational achievement via scholarships and grants for our youth and to fund leadership development