Zeta Phi Beta Sigma Together in DC

Washington, DC – Mary Breaux Wright, International Grand Basileus of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. recently announced at a national teleconference that the sorority plans to convene its 2014 International Boule’ in Washington, DC. The meeting will coincide with the Centennial Celebration of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, which is also taking place in the place of its founding, the nation’s capitol.

Brother Jimmy Hammock, International President, was pleased and excited to hear that their sisters had decided to join them in this very special celebration: “Since her installation this past summer as Grand Basileus, Soror Wright has expressed her commitment to supporting her brothers of Phi Beta Sigma. Together, as leaders, we’re serious about promoting and celebrating our 92-year relationship as the only true brother-sister Greek-letter organizations. It makes perfect sense that our Zeta sisters will join us in Washington, DC, as we celebrate 100 years of service.”

Phi Beta Sigma plans to hold its 100th Centennial Celebration in July, 2014. The four-day gathering will bring together Sigmas from all corners of the globe to celebrate this major milestone. Details of the Centennial celebration and the Zeta Boulé are forthcoming.

A Word from Our National Director of Social Action

The brothers of Nu Iota Sigma Stand with the town of Newtown and continue our effort on protecting our children from all manners of violence. See the statement below from brother Darryl T. Williams, our National Director of Social Action 

Washington, DC - December 19, 2012 – Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., the Fraternity of James Weldon Johnson, A. Philip Randolph and John Lewis, a 98-year old, international organization of college and professional men of predominantly African American origin, in the aftermath of the senseless and horrific events of December 14th, in Newtown, CT, join the world community in expressing their love and prayers for the families and souls of the precious victims of this violent act and a call for protective action.

The methodical slaying of his own mother by her 20-year-old son with guns in the home and the continuing slaughter of 6 women and 20, 6-7-year-old children at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT,  have shattered the hearts of a community and world, still reeling from this tragedy. With more questions than answers, we come together as God’s children in love and support for the brave and innocent victims, remarkable parents, responders, clergy and a nation that have admirably poured out their best in brotherly and sisterly acts of caring and comfort, and prayerful vigils participated in by President Obama.

A father, who sadly lost his 6-year-old son in this shooting carnage, touchingly expressed that he will endeavor to dedicate his life in service to others as a testament to the joy that he experienced in being a parent. This reminds us all of the true meaning and purpose for which we are on this Earth and, as God’s children, our responsibility to care for each other. It instills an imperative and sense of urgency to meet our collective responsibility of providing a safe, nurturing environment and opportunities for all children to learn, and grow as adults to love themselves, and love each other as God loves us.

The men of Phi Beta Sigma, collegiate and professional alumni, committed to Culture for Service and Service to Humanity, stand with all good and caring persons dedicated to providing a safe and loving environment for all children to learn in their schools, playgrounds, places of worship and their general community, and call on legislators, health care advocates and community leaders to fashion a way to ensure that the probability of these senseless tragedies ever occurring is minimized. We have a shared responsibility to make resources available to all who need them to grow in self-love and in respect for others and to encourage them in ways that they may achieve with a sense of fulfillment and joy. Full support and funding of mentoring programs by organizations, religious and civic groups with demonstrable success play an important role. Access to mental health treatment as needed is equally important.

In this Season of Hope, let us redouble our efforts and commitment to find answers to improve safety and opportunity for all in a spirit of love and service. In so doing, may we honor the memories, the promise and the eternal gifts that these young lives represent, by our continued service, respect and protection of the safety of all to purse their aspirations in peace and love.

Bro. Darryl T. Williams 

International Director of Social Action
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.

The Blu Holiday Takeover Party

 The brothers of Nu Iota Sigma attended the Blu Takeover Party Friday December 21, 2012 sponsored by C and D Productions. The lovely ladies of Zeta Phi Beta attended as well.

Sigma Day on Capitol Hill

Dear Brothers of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity,

For far too long our country has been steeped in violence and lack of support and policies to help our children and families succeed. Teen dating violence is ending far too many young lives today. Violence in communities have devastated and traumatized children and families and to make matters worse, we are facing a high school student dropout rate in communities of color that affects the overall economy with a loss in hundreds of billions of dollars in productivity, decrease in property values as well as enormous social costs and disruption in social services. That’s why Men of Sigma will join together on September 18-20,2012 for Sigma Day on the Hill for three days of activities to bring national attention to the issues facing our communities and ending far too many lives before they are even started.

THE PROBLEM

“A comparison of Intimate Partner Violence rates between teens and adults reveals that teens are at higher risk of intimate partner abuse” and according to the Centers for Disease Control “Violence is a serious public health problem in the U.S. In 2007, more than 18,000 people were victims of homicide and more than 34,000 took their own life.” The highest rates of homicide are in the African-American community where homicide is the leading cause of death for black boys and men between the ages of 15-24. Researchers in a 2012 report released by America’s Promise also found that graduation rates for blacks fell behind every demographic by race; 91.8 percent of Asian students, 82 percent of whites, 65.9 percent of Hispanics and 63.5 percent of blacks.
These statistics paint a pretty dismal picture for what we are facing in our country, but our lives will not improve unless we do something about it.

SIGMA MEN ANSWERS THE CALL

Sigma Day on the Hill along with its partners, allies and Sigma Beta Club will bring national attention to prevent teen dating violence; prevent or alleviate community violence with support to children adolescents, teachers, families, and community leaders on the principles and practice of nonviolence; and to help reduce the high school student dropout rate, especially in communities of color. Click here to register today!
For more information click here or email sigmadayonthehill@gmail.com.

Bro. Darryl T. Williams	Bro. Jacob Gillison
International Director of Social Action	Sigma Day on the Hill Committee Chairman

Social Justice and Juvenile Court

from L-R: Percy Bradley, Soror Lisa Jones Johnson, State Rep Henri Brooks, and brother, Rev. Dr. Andre Johnson

On Sunday, July 29, at 10:00am, Nu Iota Sigma, along with the Social Justice Ministry at Gifts of Life Ministries, sponsored an informational session with State Representative Henri Brooks. She addressed issues concerning the Juvenile Court in Shelby County in Tennessee. Brooks shared information made public by the United States Justice Department who say, "Black youths arrested in Memphis, Tennessee, (are) much more likely than white juveniles to be jailed and tried as adults." Further, she mentioned the scathing review of 66,000 cases that revealed, "serious and systemic failures" in the way youthful offenders were treated. Also the review found:

• African-American children were treated "differently and harshly,"
• Black juveniles who were arrested in Memphis and surrounding Shelby County were twice as likely as whites to be detained in jail and twice as likely to be recommended for transfer to adult court, where a conviction generally brings harsher punishment.
• Failed to protect juvenile suspects from self-incrimination
• A pattern of youths arrested without a warrant not getting timely hearings
• Inadequate protections for detained juveniles who were in danger of harming themselves
• A tendency for jailers to overuse physical restraints on juveniles.

The brothers of Nu Iota Sigma stand with the children and their families and will continue to support efforts to correct this egregious problem in our Juvenile Court System.

To read the report click here

National and local media outlets turned out to cover Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. and the National Action Network’s announcement of the organizations’ efforts to form a national coalition of civic organizations, academic institutions, politicians and concerned citizens to stand together to denounce and stop the culture of hazing.

On Thursday, May 31, 2012 a press conference at the National Press Club in Washington, DC. featured Brother Jimmy Hammock, international president, and Brother Rev. Al Sharpton, founder and president of the National Action Network. At this gathering, the two announced plans to eradicate the culture of hazing while preserving the legacy of Greekdom, service organizations and fraternal organizations through a major anti-hazing campaign. The multi-layered campaign will include print, audio and a professionally developed sensitivity training curriculum for Greek-lettered organizations, academic administrations, parents, students, and potential fraternity/sorority members. The newly formed coalition also announced its support of federal anti-hazing legislation and its plans to work with Congresswoman Frederica Wilson to strengthen her bill and help it become federal legislation.

"Hazing is an injustice to all of us," said Bro. Sharpton. "We want to raise awareness within organizations who may be harvesting this culture and let them know that hazing is unacceptable. Furthermore, we want to send a message to those who think it is tolerable for them to be hazed to belong."

Hazing is the practice of forcing new recruits to an organization to perform strenuous, humiliating and dangerous tasks to gain entry. Over the years hazing has become a mainstay for bringing new members into fraternities and sororities, but is practiced by groups of all types, including the military and marching bands on college campuses. Because of its emphasis on the use of physical and psychological abuse, hazing has been declared illegal by local, state and national law enforcement, and is an injustice that creates a culture of senseless violence.

"Institutionalized hazing has had a crippling affect on many lives for many years, " said Brother Hammock. "This initiative is a top priority of this administration. The leadership is serious about our efforts and the assigned task force is developing every opportunity to spread the message." September 6, 2012 will be National Anti-Hazing Day. Phi Beta Sigma collegiate chapters across the country will be required to host sensitivity training on their respective campuses. Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity will also hold a Town Hall Meeting on this anti-hazing campaign during the Serious Sigma Summit. The meeting is scheduled for August 11, 2012 at the Marriott Charlotte Executive Park, Charlotte, NC.

"The time is now and Phi Beta Sigma is starting a movement to eliminate the culture of hazing," said Brother Jonathan A. Mason, Sr., International First Vice President and task force chairman. "At the end of the day, Sigma’s main objective is to put an end to this divisive and destructive culture, which threatens to further decimate not only the African-American community, but also the wider society."

Florida Congresswoman Frederica Wilson, a past regional director of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated discussed the importance of supporting and putting into law federal anti-hazing legislation which she has authored. The growing numbers of academic, social, civic and political figures supporting this effort and joining the coalition include Congressmen Edolphus Towns and John Lewis, Sigma members. Mrs. Paulette Walker, National First Vice President, speaking on behalf of Cynthia Butler-McIntyre, National President Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, proclaimed the sorority’s support of this effort. Other academic leaders included Scott Rokowski, Head of Sorority & Fraternity Life, University of Pennsylvania, Dan Robbins, Cornell Coalition and senior at Cornell University and Barbara Cheives, Converge and Associates, developer of the Anti-Hazing Curriculum.

For more information and access to articles covering the anti-hazing campaign and press conference, please log onto www.pbs1914.org.

Brother Carter's House Blessing

Brother Glenn Carter (left) and Brother Dr. Andre Johnson (right) stand outside of Brother Carter's home

The brothers of Nu Iota Sigma congratulates Brother Rev. Glenn Carter on his house blessing ceremony. Brother Rev. Dr. Andre Johnson officiated the ceremony as family, friends, and Brother Carter's Gifts of Life Ministries church members attended the celebration. Rev. Carter gives all the praise to God on this wonderful blessing.

Nu Iota Sigma Congratulates Soror Phyllis Galloway

The Brothers of Nu Iota Sigma chapter of Phi Beta Sigma would like to congratulate Chi Lambda Zeta's very own Soror Phyllis Galloway on her re-election as South Central Regional Tamias (Treasurer) of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated. Under Soror Galloway's leadership and financial acumen, the South Central Regional finances are under a watchful and steady eye. They are blessed to have Soror Galloway as their treasurer.

Again, the brothers of Nu Iota Sigma, the West Tennessee Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Incorporated congratulate Soror Galloway on this prestigious and trustworthy honor.

Soror Galloway addressing the South Central Regional Conference

Soror Galloway and brother Clint Higgs

Dear Brothers of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity,

For far too long our country has been steeped in violence and lack of support and policies to help our children and families succeed. Teen dating violence is ending far too many young lives today. Violence in communities have devastated and traumatized children and families and to make matters worse, we are facing a high school student dropout rate in communities of color that affects the overall economy with a loss in hundreds of billions of dollars in productivity, decrease in property values as well as enormous social costs and disruption in social services. That’s why Men of Sigma will join together on September 18-20,2012 for Sigma Day on the Hill for three days of activities to bring national attention to the issues facing our communities and ending far too many lives before they are even started.

THE PROBLEM

“A comparison of Intimate Partner Violence rates between teens and adults reveals that teens are at higher risk of intimate partner abuse” and according to the Centers for Disease Control “Violence is a serious public health problem in the U.S. In 2007, more than 18,000 people were victims of homicide and more than 34,000 took their own life.” The highest rates of homicide are in the African-American community where homicide is the leading cause of death for black boys and men between the ages of 15-24. Researchers in a 2012 report released by America’s Promise also found that graduation rates for blacks fell behind every demographic by race; 91.8 percent of Asian students, 82 percent of whites, 65.9 percent of Hispanics and 63.5 percent of blacks.

These statistics paint a pretty dismal picture for what we are facing in our country, but our lives will not improve unless we do something about it.

SIGMA MEN ANSWERS THE CALL

Sigma Day on the Hill along with its partners, allies and Sigma Beta Club will bring national attention to prevent teen dating violence; prevent or alleviate community violence with support to children adolescents, teachers, families, and community leaders on the principles and practice of nonviolence; and to help reduce the high school student dropout rate, especially in communities of color. Click here to register today!

For more information click here or email sigmadayonthehill@gmail.com.

Bro. Darryl T. Williams	Bro. Jacob Gillison
International Director of Social Action	Sigma Day on the Hill Committee Chairman

Nu Iota Sigma Celebrates Soror Yalaunda Toliver-Taylor

Soror Yalaunda Toliver-Taylor, Zeta Phi Beta's South Central Region President of the Year

The Brothers of the Nu Iota Sigma Chapter of West Tennessee congratulate our Soror Yalaunda Toliver-Taylor on the South Central Region of Zeta Phi Beta Inc., naming her 2012 President of the Year. She also received the Tennessee Director's Leadership Award. Under Soror Toliver-Taylor's leadership, her chapter (Chi Lambda Zeta) received awards for their Z-Hope activities and first place in the Scrapbook Competition, Moreover, the Zeta Friends, (the Amicae), took first place for Report of the Year that detailed their extensive community service and the Zeta youth groups also won awards and recognitions. We are proud of both Soror Tolliver-Taylor's and our Sorors' accomplishments. We celebrate their gifts and love for both Zeta and Sigma.

Soror Toliver-Taylor flanked by brothers Willie Parks (left) and Tremaine Spencer (right)

Soror Toliver-Taylor posing with brother Clint Higgs

COLLEGIATE ADVISOR UNIVERSITY

COUNTDOWN TO COLLEGIATE ADVISOR UNIVERSITY (CAU) WASHINGTON, D.C. Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity is presenting the Collegiate Advisor University (CAU)  which will serve as the fraternity’s official training and certification process  for all alumni members who have a desire and/or are appointed to serve as collegiate chapter advisors. Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity has developed a comprehensive and functional training process  that will assure our collegiate chapters are receiving quality, timely and appropriate direction and advising.  The course curriculum was created with the goal of launching the participant’s success story as an advisor.  This will be accomplished through modules aimed at providing the building blocks to this success.  The modules that will be presented are as follows: SIGMA 1100: Launching Your Success Story: This module is a combination town hall meeting and  information session designed to acquaint the participant with the certification program,  Collegiate Advisor Manual and inspire attendees as they pursue or continue their career  as a collegiate advisor. SIGMA 2100: Foundations of Collegiate Advising: This module provides the  participant with the basics of advising collegiate chapters including best practices and styles to  utilize in order to be effective in the role of advisor. SIGMA 3100: Chapter Operations: Working Effectively Together:   This module provides the participant with methods and mentality to inspire motivation,  trust and a degree of harmony that are not only the characteristics of a world-class  organization but successful chapter. SIGMA 4100: Coaching and Development of Chapters: This module provides the  participant with the skills and methods to coach and develop collegiate chapters.  In this session the attendee will learn to realign improper behavior and reinforce positive ones. SIGMA 5100: Advisory Role in Risk Management: This module acquaints the participant  with the advisor role in the risk management of collegiate chapters. In this session the attendee becomes familiar with precedents, statutes  and procedures that shape how we administer the fraternity’s operation on collegiate campuses and  also anytime that the fraternity sponsors an event or it is inferred that they are sponsoring it. The second CAU will take place at the Serious Sigma Summit in Charlotte,  North Carolina on Friday, August 10th. All alumni members currently serving,  appointed to serve or that have an interest in serving as a collegiate advisor are  strongly encouraged to register, attend and successfully complete the certification process. The Collegiate Advisor University will convene at 8:00 am on the morning of August 10th  and will culminate with a graduation ceremony for participants.  In keeping with our commitment of “Going Green”, limiting our carbon footprints and keeping in  line with modern technology, participants are strongly encouraged to bring with them a laptop computer, netbook or tablet as the presentation materials will be loaded to thumb drives  and a limited number of print copies will be made available for distribution. Dress will be business casual. To register, please log onto www.pbs1914.org click on Serious Sigma Summit and  download the Registration Form and mail to: Serious Sigma Leadership Summit,  Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Attention: Executive  Director, 145 Kennedy Street N.W., Washington, D.C, 20011.  Registration forms can also be scanned and sent to sigmaserioussummit@pbs1914.org.  Chapters can also download the official Collegiate Advisor Manual and begin  preparing for the training and certification. Click on the Member tab and go to Membership Forms listing.

SIGMA LEADERSHIP SUMMIT

Get ready! Be prepared! Come expecting to learn and build the Sigma Brand during this summer’s Serious Sigma Leadership Summit, August 9 – 11, 2012 in Charlotte, NC. This summit will be like no other conference in Sigma history.

The Serious Sigma Leadership Summit will provide a hands-on approach to engage Sigma leadership on all levels by displaying building blocks for enhancing and positioning the Sigma Brand.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

All Brothers are invited; however, we strongly encourage the following brothers to register and participate:

Chapter Presidents
Chapter Officers
Current and Aspiring Collegiate Chapter Advisors
Sigma Emerging Leaders Forum
International, Regional and State/Area Officers
REGISTRATION

Registration is only $25 and will be credited to your 2013 international dues! You must be present to receive credit to your dues. There will be no onsite registration. Please email your completed registration form to SigmaSeriousSummit@pbs1914.org or mail in your form and payment to: The Serious Sigma Summit Registration, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., 145 Kennedy Street, NW, Washington, DC 20011. Please visit the Fraternity's website for updates at www.pbs1914.org/serioussigma.

MORE INFORMATION

The three-day summit is packed with critical learning opportunities to assist all members with positioning Phi Beta Sigma on campuses and cities around the globe. Key training programs include New Membership Intake Certification and Collegiate Advisor Training. Learning labs include Chapter Organization Effectiveness, Sigma Leadership Development, and Membership Recruitment, Retention & Reactivation.

Special highlights include the Community Anti-Hazing Town Hall Forum, Sigma Leadership Acknowledgement Luncheon and dynamic learning sessions.

Sigma Man Leads Team to Undefeated Season

Brother Rev. Glenn "Pappy Lee" Carter coached the Young Masters Basketball team to an 11-0 undefeated season. The undefeated streak continued into the playoffs as they were crowned Sports 42 league Champions. Along with coach Carter, the brothers of Nu Iota Sigma aided in supporting the team. The Young Masters is a ministry of Gifts of Life Ministries where brother Rev. Dr. Andre Johnson serves as as pastor.

If you would like to donate to the Young Masters basketball teams, click here or you may send your check or money orders to: Young Masters C/O Rev. Glenn Carter at 1542 Jackson Ave Memphis, Tn 38107.Make checks payable to Gifts of Life Ministries. Your donations will help keep young men and young women active this summer. You can contact Coach Carter at 901-326-9358 or 901-272-7337.

Lisa Jones Johnson Named Zeta of the Year

Soror Lisa Jones Johnson

On Sunday, May 20, 2012, the brothers of Nu Iota Sigma attended the Memphis Metropolitan Pan-Hellenic Founders Day to celebrate Soror Lisa Jones Johnson receiving the Zeta of the Year award from Chi Lambda Zeta chapter. It was also announced that Nu Iota Sigma will become a member of the Memphis Metropolitan Pan-Hellenic Council next year. Soror Jones Johnson serves as chaplain of her chapter and is married to Nu Iota Sigma Vice President, Dr. Andre Johnson. Congratulations again Soror!

Soror Lisa Jones Johnson and brother, Rev. Dr. Andre Johnson

Sigmas at Grand Opening of Stork's Nest

On Saturday May 5, 2012, the brothers of Nu Iota Sigma were on hand when the ladies of Chi Lambda Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated officially launched the opening of the Stork's Nest at Methodist South Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. Phi Beta Sigma also partners with the March of Dimes in their Strong Fathers Program.

The Stork Nest was launched nationally in 1972. This program has both service and educational components. The service is the establishment of a distribution site, the "Nest," where expectant mothers, referred by cooperating hospitals, clinics, and health centers, can get necessary items such as maternity clothes, layettes and furniture at minimal or no cost. The educational component consists of seven sessions covering prenatal care, nutrition, drugs, alcohol and smoking, genetics, infant care and parenting.

Stork's Nest program objectives are to:

Provide incentives for expectant mothers to obtain early and regular prenatal care
Provide clothing and nursery items for pregnant women who use community health services.
Provide educational opportunities for pregnant women to help them make informed choices and decisions relating to parenting, nutrition, and health.
Provide information and referral to community resources to enhance the physical and emotional well-being of mothers and their families.

Sigma Leadership Summit

Get ready! Be prepared! Come expecting to learn and build the Sigma Brand during this summer’s Serious Sigma Leadership Summit, August 9 – 11, 2012 in Charlotte, NC. This summit will be like no other conference in Sigma history. The Serious Sigma Leadership Summit will provide a hands-on approach to engage Sigma leadership on all levels by displaying building blocks for enhancing and positioning the Sigma Brand. Read more here

Block Party for Peace

The Brothers of Nu Iota Sigma, the West Tennessee Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Incorporated participated at the 2012 Block Party for Peace event. The Block Party for Peace is an event created to promote peace, empowerment, and opportunity within and surrounding the communities of Memphis, Tennessee. In addition, the Block Party for Peace makes available opportunities in employment, education, health. They provide quality family entertainment as an attraction to the residents and citizens of Memphis and surrounding communities. The brothers of Nu Iota Sigma were glad to participate and were joined by the Ladies of Zeta Phi Beta, Chi Lambda Zeta chapter and brothers from Delta Nu and Kappa Omicron Chapters.