The History of
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.


FRATERNITY HISTORY
On January 9, 1914, three honorable and distinguished men formed what became known as Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. , which was founded on the campus of Howard University in Washington, D.C. These three young black men were the most Honorable and Distinguished Brothers

A. Langston Taylor, Leonard F. Morse and Charles I. Brown

Our Founders 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". They deeply wished to create an organization that viewed itself as "a part of" the general community rather than "apart from" the general community. They also 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.

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."

Today, more than three-quarters of a century later, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. has grown into an international organization with over 100,000 dedicated brothers coming from all walks of life. Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. has over 700 chapters across the globe from Africa, the United States, Europe, and the Carribean. In addition, we are the first Black Greek letter organization to create chapters in Africa. As a result, we are called the Fraternity of African Princes and Kings.

Through our Three National Programs: Bigger and Better Business, Social Action, and Education, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. contributes to the empowerment of all humanity. We take pride in knowing that our programs can help some that are not as fortunate as others. Because we are no longer a single entity, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. can better the lives of others through the establishment of the Phi Beta Sigma Federal Credit Union, in order to build financial equity within our target communities, and the Phi Beta Sigma Educational Foundation, Inc. Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. also sponsors an auxilary club for young black men in high school called The Sigma Beta Club.

There are many organizations which Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. is involved in, including:

  • The National Pan Hellenic Council
  • The NAACP
  • The National Urban League
  • March Of Dimes
  • The National African American Leadership Summit
  • The National Headstart Association
  • Birth Defects Foundation
  • Children Defense Fund
  • The National Boys Club Of America

    • With the help and assistance of our esteemed distinguished Brother Benjamin Chavis, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. not only supported but sponsored (along with our lovely Sisters of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.), the Million Man March. The site of the National Headquarters of the Million Man March was our own National Headquarters, located in Washington, D.C.

    [Click on the picture of our National Headquarters to visit our National Website]