CHAPTER HISTORY

About Upsilon Sigma Chapter (Click on any image to enlarge) The Upsilon Sigma Chapter of the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity was chartered September 11, 1927 by Brothers; Summer Colum, MD, Austin Gray, MD, Milton Johnson, MD, William M. Jones, George W. Lawrence, JD, Hugh Fisher Lewis, U.C. McClerkins, George W. Prince and John E. Smith.

Upsilon Sigma Chapter Charter The chapter immediately flourished and became a driving force in the African American community in Chicago. In the beginning, the chapter met at a funeral establishment on South Indiana. The chapter's annual Drikel Ball on the Thursday immediately following Thanksgiving opened the social calendar for the formal event in Chicago.

In 1949, a program was started to buy a fraternity house in Chicago. The tireless effort of brothers in the chapter resulted in the purchase of "The Sigma House" at 4941 S. Dr. Martin Luther King Drive.

Upsilon Sigma has been the mother chapter of the Great Lakes Region. During the administration of brothers Chester Riley and Clarence Johnson, Both Directors of the Great Lakes Region (1974-1980) more than 61 chapters of the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity were chartered or reclaimed thought the region.

Respectfully Submitted: Bro. Michael Jarard, Esq., Vice President

Name of Chapter: Upsilon Sigma Chapter

City/Community: Chicago, Illinois

Chapter Address: 4941 South Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive, Chicago, IL. 60615

Chapter President: Hon. Justice Carl Anthony Walker

Telephone: (312) 254-9914

Email: Info@upsilonsigmapbs.org

Chapter Level Status: Gold

Chapter Members: 132

Chapters in Marginal Status will be placed on performance review until performance is brought up to a minimum of Bronze Status.

*Chapters are evaluated and compete for awards per chapter size (Bronze 0-35, Silver 36-55, Gold 56-75, Diamond 76100, Founders 100+)

-All Reports Will Be Submitted Electronically-

Prior to submitting, chapter will confirm that all information presented in report is accurate and true. Any falsification in this report will result in chapter suspension. Each Regional Director will review and approve his chapter's report and forward to National Headquarters for processing. Any chapter that does not submit report to Regional Director during the required period will be suspended.

Upsilon Sigma Chapter is extremely diverse and members range in age from 25 years old to the mid-90s. The Honorable Clarence Johnson is 83 years old and as of December 31, 2022, our oldest member is Dr. Edward Hubbard.

We have three active members who have served the fraternity for more than 60 years (Dr. Edward Hubbard, Hon. Bro. Clarence D. Johnson – DSC 126, and Bro. Rutherford Wilson). We have two surviving members of the Distinguished Service Chapter (Hon. Bro. Clarence D. Johnson and Hon. Bro. Judge Carl Walker).

99% of our members have bachelor’s degrees. We have one appellate court justice, more than 10 members with law degrees, more than 10 members with PhD’s, more than 10 members in law enforcement, a host of ministers, educators, and other professionals.

Respectfully Submitted:

Hon. Bro. Justice Carl Walker

Upsilon Sigma Chapter has been keenly focused and very intentional in our implementation of our membership growth and retention policy. This is evidenced by our explosive growth during 2022. Our Retention, Recruitment and Reclamation program has focused on retaining current members, recruiting new members and reclaiming former members.

To meet our goals, we engaged in the following:

Maximizing Event Participation - When hosting social events associated with any of our 3 core programs, we have gone through great lengths to ensure maximum participation. This has included the use of social media (Facebook, GroupMe, Email and Text Blasts) as well as personal phone calls. These outreach efforts took place on a 10 day out, 7 day out, 3 day out and day prior basis. This has resulted in brothers not only being able to interact with each other socially but to do so, in many cases, for a worthy cause. We also make a point to provide updates of chapter, state, regional and national activities of Phi Beta Sigma.

Pastoral Care - We have been very intentional in our efforts to support and uplift brothers during these trying times. From birthdays, to wedding and fraternity anniversaries, to support during a loss, Upsilon Sigma shows concern and interest in non-Sigma activities of members. Additionally, we make an effort to recognize the achievements of our brothers during chapter meetings, committee meetings and via call of support. Additionally, some of the pastoral care initiatives are also supported through many programs such as Ask a Doctor, Mental Health programming, etc. We also monitor lack of engagement monthly to ascertain the wellness of members.

Respectfully Submitted:

Hon. Bro. Justice Carl Walker Attorney Charles Bracey

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Chapter operations are excellent and still improving. The entire chapter meets every month on the second Saturday at 5:00 p.m. over zoom. Our president along with our Executive Committee, Chaplain and Wellness Committee have focused on the engagement of all brothers.

Chapter Budget

Upsilon Sigma has a written budget which is developed on an annual basis to reflect changes in economic conditions and chapter membership. Revenue is primarily derived from our annual Carnation Ball & Crescent Moon Awards Gala, the receipt of chapter dues, member donations, and other fundraising activities.

A monthly report is given by both the Financial Secretary and the Treasurer.

Chapter has current and written bylaws

Upsilon Sigma has a written constitution governing our structure and operation.

Chapter Committee Meetings

Each committee has set meeting dates every month. We also have a consolidated committee meeting one to three times per month as needed.

Respectfully Submitted:

Hon. Bro. Justice Carl Walker

Members Personal Property

Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. and Upsilon Sigma Chapter assume no liability or responsibility for any loss or damage to any personal property of members, even if used in conjunction with fraternity activities. Each member is required to have insurance or to be self-insured for damage to his property.

Abusive Behavior

Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. and Upsilon Sigma Chapter have high expectations for the conduct and behavior of members. No member shall engage in abusive behavior against anyone, whether member or someone attempting to become a member.

Alcohol and Drugs

The possession, sale, use or consumption of ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, while on chapter premises or during a fraternity event, in any situation sponsored or endorsed by the chapter, or at any event an observer would associate with the fraternity, must be in compliance with any and all applicable laws of the state, province, county, city and institution of higher education, and must comply with either the Bring Your Own Beverage (BYOB) or Third Party Vendor Guidelines.

No alcoholic beverages may be purchased through or with neither chapter funds nor the purchase of the same for members or guests are undertaken or coordinated by any member in the name of or on behalf of the chapter. The purchase or use of a bulk quantity or common source(s) of alcoholic beverage, for example, kegs or cases, is prohibited.

OPEN PARTIES, meaning those with unrestricted access by non-members of the fraternity, without specific invitation, where alcohol is present, are forbidden.

No members, collectively or individually, shall purchase for, serve to, or sell alcoholic beverages to any minor (i.e., those under the legal drinking age).

The possession, sale, or use of any ILLEGAL DRUGS or CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES while on chapter premises or during a fraternity event or at any event that an observer would associate with the fraternity is strictly prohibited.

No chapter may co-sponsor an event with an alcohol distributor or tavern (tavern defined as an establishment generating more than half of annual gross sales from alcohol) at which alcohol is given away, sold or otherwise provided to those present. This includes any event held in, at, or on the property of a tavern as defined above for purposes of fundraising. However, a chapter may rent or use a room or area in a tavern as defined above for a closed event held within the provisions of this policy, including the use of a third party vendor and guest list. An event at which alcohol is present may be conducted or co-sponsored with a charitable organization if the event is held within the provisions of this policy.

No chapter may co-sponsor, co-finance, attend or participate in a function at which alcohol is purchased by any of the host chapters, groups, or organizations.

All recruitment or membership intake activities associated with any chapter will be non- alcoholic. No recruitment or membership intake activities associated with any chapter may be held at or in conjunction with a tavern or alcohol distributor as defined in this policy.

No member or pledge, associate/new member or novice shall permit, tolerate, encourage or participate in “drinking games”. The definition of drinking games includes but is not limited to the consumption of shots of alcohol, liquor or alcoholic beverages, the practice of consuming shots equating to one’s age, “beer pong”, “Beirut”, “flip cup”, “century club”, “dares” or any other activity involving the consumption of alcohol which involves duress or encouragement related to the consumption of alcohol.

No alcohol shall be present at any pledge/associate member/new member/novice program, activity or ritual of the chapter. This includes but is not limited to activities associated with “bid night”, “big brother/big sister night” and initiation.

Hazing

Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Upsilon Sigma Chapter does not condone hazing of any kind.

“…Hazing is a broad term encompassing any action or activity which does not contribute to the positive development of a person; which inflicts or intends to cause physical or mental harm or anxieties; which may demean, degrade or disgrace any person regardless of location, intent or consent of participants…any action or situation which intentionally or unintentionally endangers student for admission into or affiliation with any student organization.”

According to the policy of our National Organization, "No chapter, colony, student or alumnus shall conduct nor condone hazing activities. Hazing activities are defined as: “Any action taken or situation created, intentionally, whether on or off fraternity premises, to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, or ridicule. Such activities may include but are not limited to the following: use of alcohol; paddling in any form; creation of excessive fatigue; physical and psychological shocks; quests, treasure hunts, scavenger hunts, road trips or any other such activities carried on outside or inside of the confines of the chapter house; wearing of public apparel which is conspicuous and not normally in good taste; engaging in public stunts and buffoonery; morally degrading or humiliating games and activities; and any other activities which are not consistent with academic achievement, fraternal law, ritual or policy or the regulations and policies of the educational institution or applicable state law.”

As a certified members of Phi Beta Sigma, we are privileged to recruit and train new members of our great brotherhood and aid in providing them with positive fraternal experience. However, with this privilege comes great responsibility. attend chapter meetings, executive board meetings, and council

Respectfully Submitted:

Hon. Bro. Justice Carl Walker