Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Just remember, if you and your chapter

are not servicing your community, you are not fulfilling the Founders' mission.

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 the 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 services 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 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 statement

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 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, and Service.

To optimize Phi Beta Sigma's effectiveness, the Fraternity will:


  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Select leaders who are committed and have demonstrated the ability to "lead".

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Sept 15, 1963

48 years ago today, four black girls were killed when a bomb went off during Sunday services at a Baptist church in Birmingham, Alabama, in the deadliest act of the civil rights era.

They would be in their mid-60's had the terrorist's bomb not exploded. Cynthia Wesley, 14, would be 62 today. Denise McNair, 11, would be 59 today. Carol Robertson and Addie Mae Collins, also 14 would be 62 today. Johnny Robinson, 16, and Virgil Wade, 13 were killed by the Birmingham Police while restoring order. They would be 64 and 61 respectively. Their deaths and lives lost were one of the many tragedies which was a part of the Civil Rights Movement.

The right to vote was not gained without sacrifice and loss.

http://www.english.illinois.edu/maps/poets/m_r/randall/birmingham.htm