Fraternity History

Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity was founded at Howard University in Washington, D.C., January 9, 1914, by three young African-American male students. The Founders, Honorable A. Langston Taylor, Honorable Leonard F. Morse, and 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 to race, nationality, skin tone or texture of hair. They desired for their fraternity to exist as part of an even 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 services to the general community. Rather than gaining skills to be utilized exclusively for themselves and their immediate families, they held a 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”.

Fraternity Mission

The brothers of Phi Beta Sigma are the fraternity's most valuable resource and strength. They are the primary means by which Phi Beta Sigma objective 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, and 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 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. • 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 relationship with fellow Greek-letter organizations, other community service organizations, business and government. • Select leaders who are committed and have demonstrated the ability to "lead".

While we were not the first African-American Fraternity founded, but we are definitely the "Fraternity of Firsts" • First Fraternity to have Presidents of other countries in its membership (Hon. Bros. Kwame Nkrumah, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, William Tolbert,and William Tubman). No other Fraternity Except Omega Psi Phi can even claim a nation's President in its membership. • First Fraternity to use a Shield • First Fraternity to have a fraternal motto • First Black Greek-Letter Fraternity to be recognized by Howard University April 15, 1914 (Omega Psi Phi wasn’t until October 28, 1914). • First Fraternity to hold a joint International Convention with another African-American fraternity: Omega Psi Phi. • First Fraternity to step • First Fraternity to be offered a chance to merge with another fraternity; Kappa Alpha Psi, formerly Kappa Alpha Nu. • 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 Fraternity to establish a chapter south of the state of Virginia before the year of 1915; South of the Mason-Dixon line (Beta Chapter - Morgan College, Wiley College). • First Fraternity to establish Graduate/ Alumni Membership • First Fraternity to establish a Graduate/Alumni Chapter • First and only Fraternity to establish a constitutional bond with a sorority: Zeta Phi Beta • First Fraternity to establish an auxiliary organization: The Sigma Beta Club • First Fraternity to own and operate a credit union for its members • First Fraternity to establish chapters on the continent of Africa • First Fraternity to use the cane..... (It was used for style) Co-founded the National Pan Hellenic Council, the governing body of historically black fraternities and sororities The original idea of establishing a Pan-Hellenic Council came in 1922 when Omega Psi Phi and Phi Beta Sigma were both hosting their National Conventions in Atlanta at the same time. The two fraternities held a joint meeting and proposed that the established fraternities and sororities work together more harmoniously. During this meeting both sides agreed to urge the other fraternities and sororities to join up. Because of the need for unity and the proposal from these two fraternities, nine years later it became a reality. The official creation of the NPHC took place in 1930. In 1935 Omega Psi Phi and Phi Beta Sigma met again repeating the previous historical situation of 14 years before. Two of the Omega Founders, Dr. Oscar J Cooper & Dr. Edgar A. Love personally visited the Sigma Conclave to extend greetings. There have been more members of Phi Beta Sigma serving as National President of the NPHC than any other NPHC fraternity or sorority. Sigma Founder Dr. Leonard F. Morse became the first male student at Howard University to earn 2 degrees and 2 diplomas in three years of college. Many Fraternities supported the Million Man March (MMM), but only Phi Beta Sigma can lay claim to not only supporting, but also sponsoring the Million Man March in its International Headquarters. Much Love to Bro. Chavis Mohammad (Benjamin Chavis) who was a major contributor in organizing the March. Finally, Sigma continues to be on the forefront of issues that affect and support the African-American community by being the first to designate "African-American Sons Day at the Office", which is now NPHC-wide supported and endorsed.