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GREETINGS Message from the International President and International 2nd Vice President.
SIGMA COLLEGIATES SHOW OUT AT CONCLAVE
A showcase of the collegiate engagement and achievements at Conclave 2021: Myrtle Beach
ON THE COVER
Brothers Maxwell McDaniel, Shawn Adams and Jared E. Jackson
ABOVE PHOTO
Collegiate Sigma Brothers at Conclave Myrtle Beach
CONTENTs 16 26 AN HBCU TRIFECTA!
Introducing the new collegiate leadership – all hailing from Historically Black Colleges &
THE ALAIN LEROY LOCKE HONORS CHAPTER INDUCTEEs Meet the six new inductees into the fraternity’s highest honor chapter for collegian Sigmas
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Bro. Steve E. Ballard
EDITORIAL STAFF
Shawn Adams Jared E. Jackson Maxwell McDaniel Dr. Kent L. Poindexter Joshua A. Busby
LAYOUT & DESIGN
Marvin B. Manigault Jr
EDITORIAL OFFICE Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity INC. 145 Kennedy Street, NW Washington , DC 20011-5294 (202) 726-5434 www.phibetasigma1914.org
Believing in the Power of our Brotherhood It’s now been over a year and half that our world changed due to COVID-19. This global pandemic has taught us more about ourselves as individuals and as a collective brotherhood. What I’m most proud of is our unwavering commitment to Service to Humanity despite the odds placed against us. This past summer at Conclave Myrtle Beach the brotherhood ushered in a new era of leadership. I’m not only honored to serve as your International President, but I’m even more honored to serve as the first past International Second Vice President in our 107-year history to be elected to the highest office in Sigma. My election is a testament to the investment in our collegiate brothers and brightness to our fraternity’s future. This administration is committed to exploring and embracing ways to prepare each of you for leadership in and out of Phi Beta Sigma. We have a responsibility to make sure that every collegiate brother is exposed to service opportunities, professional growth opportunities, and leadership develop opportunities at the local, state, regional and international level. I’m excited about this issue of The Crescent On The Yard. Not only will we celebrate our collegiate brothers who achieved high honors and recognition at Conclave Myrtle Beach,
4 • THE CRESENT : ON THE YARD
but you get an opportunity to meet the newest International collegiate leadership team. I’m excited about the collegiate prospective they will bring to the General Board and the new ideas that they will help bring to life. Empowering Generations of Men to BELIEVE in Advocacy, Community Service and Engagement is who we are. We must BELIEVE in our power as a brotherhood and our ability to bring about change in the communities that we live, work, and play in. As each of you represent the lifeline of this great Brotherhood, I’m excited about our possibilities as a fraternity, and the strides we will take together. Let’s go change the world! Brotherhood First!
Hon. Chris V. Rey, JD International President
GREETINGS BROTHERS! Hello and a special greeting to all my fellow Fraternity Brothers and Chapters. Thank you for all the hard work and dedication that you have put forward thus far. As we are finishing the Fall 2021 semester, let’s remember to keep up with our studies and continue to represent our chapters the best way that we can. This counts for both in the classroom and out. Coming off the tail end of our Conclave in Myrtle Beach South Carolina, we have a whole new momentum and steam heading into this new year and chapter in Sigma’s history books. Collegiate members showed great pride and love in how they represented themselves and their chapters on display during Oratorical and Debate Competition; and special honors of the new Alaine Leroy Locke Scholars. Together, we were able to show that we will not only have bright futures of our own, but for Sigma as well. The new International Collegiate Advisory Council (ICAC) is excited to get to know the members of each region and get to work with helping our collegiate chapters to shine and be the best of their ability. With that, I would like
to remind us all to still be mindful of COVID-19 protocols as it relates to both fraternity guidelines and our respective universities. There is still work to be done but we must be able to do so without causing risk to ourselves and others. Continue all the hard work that you are already doing, and to the chapters that go above and beyond -- a special thanks! You set the bar high and act as a model for other chapters to follow. Thank you and GOMAB!
Brother Maxwell McDaniel International Second Vice President
SPRING 2021 • 5
COLLEGIAT
SHOW CO
LEADE AT CONCLAVE M The collegian leaders and members of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity showed up and represented amazingly
during Conclave 2021 “A BROTHERHOOD OF
CONSCIOUS MEN” in Myrtle Beach, SC. Collegiate members were very well represented in person and
through the hybrid connection. COTY is excited to highlight the many achievements and achievers from the fraternity’s collegiate ranks during the week-long
conference. From the Walter M. Clarke Leadership
Summit to the International Awards, Sigma young bloods were present and engaged, proving that the future of Phi Beta Sigma looks bright.
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TE SIGMAS
ONSCIOUS
ERSHIP MYRTLE BEACH
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THE WALTER M. CLARKE LEADERSHIP SUMMIT, WORKSHOPS & SEMINARS The Walter M. Clarke Leadership Summit provided collegiate members the opportunity for hands-on engagement and building blocks for enhancing the Fraternity’s brand and position. The Summit focused on: Effective Communications, Leadership Development, Organization Effectiveness, Fraternity Brand Positioning, Leadership & Career Development; and Community & Partnership Engagement.
INTERNATIONAL ELECTIONS, COLLEGIATE CAUCUS & PIZZA PARTY The International Collegiate Affairs Council (ICAC) sponsored a Collegiate Pizza Party and a special caucus, designed to give the undergraduate members a specific space to engage with their international collegiate leaders, along with delegates and members representing chapters from around the country. With International elections being the major item on the agenda for Conclave Myrtle Beach, the young brothers had opportunity to discuss their views on the election process and discuss the candidates running for office. Out of the elections emerged new collegiate leadership for the General Board. Brother Maxwell McDaniel of the Delta Theta Chapter was elected International Second Vice President; Brother Shawn Adams of Alpha Alpha Alpha Chapter and Brother Jared Jackson of Eta Chapter, North Carolina A & T University were elected Collegiate Members-AtLarge.
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THE ALAIN LEROY LOCKE HONORS CHAPTER INDUCTEES
The Alain Leroy Locke Honors Chapter is the highest honor to be bestowed upon collegiate members of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. For Conclave 2021, six esteemed collegians were inducted into the Honors chapter: Brother Stephon D. Calhoune Theta Iota Chapter, Mississippi State University, Southern Region
Brother Justin Jackson Gamma Alpha Delta Chapter, Nova Southeastern University, Southern Region
Brother Russell Edmonds Alpha Chapter, Howard University, Eastern Region
Brother Donald J. Lauer IV Zeta Gamma Chapter, Voorhees College, Southeastern Region
Brother Jared E. Jackson Eta Chapter, North Carolina A&T University, Southeastern Region
Brother Danurius Leviy Williams II Alpha Chapter, Howard University, Eastern Region
SPRING 2021 • 9
INTERNATIONAL AWARDS Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity chapters were recognized for their excellence in advancing the programs and initiatives of the organization. The following collegians and collegiate chapters were honored for their outstanding service during the 2020-2021 operating years:
MODEL CHAPTER AWARDS FOUNDERS LEVEL Beta Epsilon Chapter, Langston University, Langston, OK DIAMOND LEVEL Delta Nu Chapter, University of Memphis GOLD LEVEL Eta Chapter, North Carolina A&T State University SILVER LEVEL Zeta Zeta Chapter, University of Houston, Houston, TX BRONZE LEVEL Beta Beta Lambda Chapter, College of Bahamas, Nassau, BA COLLEGIATE CHAPTER OF THE YEAR – SOCIAL ACTION Eta Chapter HIGHEST COLLEGIATE GPA Brother Jared E. Jackson, Eta Chapter, North Carolina A&T State University COLLEGIATE CHAPTER WITH HIGHEST GPA Beta Theta Chapter, University of Arkansas, Pine Bluff, AR
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ORATORICAL & DEBATE COMPETITION FIRST PLACE – GULF COAST Baselios Girmai – Zeta Zeta Jalen Hinton – Iota Tau
SECOND PLACE - SOUTHERN Jordan Carpenter – Gamma Rho Delta Destin Howard – Gamma Zeta
ORATORICAL CONTEST WINNERS Jashaun York- Great Lakes, Epsilon Theta Tyrell Griffey- Southern, Gamma Psi JP Waife- Western, Gamma Rho Nu
MISS INTERNATIONAL PHI BETA SIGMA PAGEANT Four talented women representing Sigma regions, competed for the title of Miss International Phi Beta Sigma 2021. Ms. Cassondra Horn, Miss International Phi Beta Sigma 2019 from the Gulf Coast Region, ended her duties and paraded for her final walk. On Thursday, August 5th, Miss Erycka Praileau, representing the Southeastern Region, was crowned Miss International Phi Beta Sigma 2021.
MISS PBS 2019 TAKES HER FINAL WALK
TIARA THOMAS Miss Southwestern Region
MIKAYLA STOVALL Miss Southern Region
KHAISIA VALEZQUEZ Miss Eastern Region
ERYCKA PRAILEAU
Miss Southeastern Region
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Two of the fraternity’s best step teams competed for the trophy as best of the best. Chapters contending for the 2021 International Step Show Competition were Epsilon Theta Chapter at Western Kentucky University (Great Lakes Region) and Upsilon Chapter at Livingstone College (Southeastern Region). After the dust settled, Upsilon Chapter was voted step champions for Conclave 2021.
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SPRING 2021 • 13
TRIFE A N
H B C U
CTA
Introducing the Newly Elected Collegiate Leaders of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Historically Black Colleges and Universities have long a tradition of cultivating some our culture’s best leaders. Throughout the
history of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, some of our most celebrated and esteemed leaders have been initiated at HBCUs including
Howard University, Morehouse College, Fisk University, Morris Brown College, Hampton University and others.
The Conclave Myrtle Beach elected three outstanding collegians all representing chapters on HBCU campuses. We are pleased
to introduce to you in this issue of the Crescent On The Yard the newly installed collegians on the General Board.
FALL 2021 • 17
BROTHER
MAXWELL MCDANIEL International Second Vice President
Brother Maxwell McDaniel, a Senior Business Management major attending Prairie View A&M University, was born and raised in Dallas, Texas by his mother who is a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. and father Bro. Timothy McDaniel, who is also a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. He is the middle child, having an older brother, and younger sister. Maxwell’s began his life as a Sigma man in 2009 when he became a charter member of the Theta Mu Sigma Chapter Sigma Beta Club. The Dallas-based Sigma Beta Club worked with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, March of Dimes, American Heart Association, and Toys for Tots. While in the club, Maxwell attended four Sigma Beta Club National Leadership Conferences and Conclaves. As an young adolescent anxious to excel, he attended workshops and soaked up knowledge and skills from various men of Sigma and mentors and was able to gain a sense of the role that Sigma played in the lives of youth and also on the greater African American community and culture. Brother McDaniel graduated from the Bishop Dunne Catholic School in Dallas, TX in 2018, where he was 18 • THE CRESENT : ON THE YARD
a member of several organizations including the African American Awareness Club, Student Council, and the Track and Field Team. He also started his own DJ business in high school and has carried that entrepreneurial energy into his college career at PVAMU. Maxwell remains very close to his elementary school in Desoto, TX, where he got his first tastes of knowledge and the place that inspires him most to succeed. He makes a point to return to his alma mater to do volunteer teaching and to work as a summer camp counselor. He can often be found hanging out and helping with afterschool care while on holiday breaks during the school year. In the Fall Semester 2018, Brother McDaniel entered Prairie View A&M University and has been very active in student life on campus. Since his freshman year he has served on the Social Media team for the American Marketing Association, served as Director of Campus Development for the Student Government Association, a member of the NAACP chapter, and an official campus DJ. In the Spring of 2020 he joined the Delta Theta Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma. Maxwell immediately moved into a leadership role by serving as chapter historian and step master.
BROTHER
SHAWN ADAMS Collegiate Member-At-Large 1
Brother Shawn Adams, a Junior Criminal Justice major at Virginia State University, was raised in Dinwiddie, Virginia by his grandparents. His grandmother is a Nurse’s Aide and his grandfather is a retired sanitation worker. In 2006, Shawn moved from New York to Virginia. His grandparents believed that Shawn would have a better opportunity in Virginia than New York. From a very young age, Shawn’s showed a passion for sports. He played football and soccer at Dinwiddie High School from 2015-2019. He is known as a hard worker and a trustworthy individual who loves building brotherhood around his teammates. In 2019 he graduated from high school with a 3.0 GPA and was awarded the Iron Man Award always being present at practice and being committed to working hard. In August 2019, Shawn enrolled at Virginia State University and would keep up his impressive academic work in his first two years, achieving a 3.4 GPA. Shawn became the Youth President at Calvary Temple Church in Petersburg, VA. He is known for taking many young people under his wing and also giving back to the community through food drives and clothing giveaways.
In January of 2021, Shawn returned to his high school and became a volunteer coach for the football team. During his time there he would help the Junior Varsity team as well and he also earned a job in the technology department for the team. In April 2021, Shawn became a member of Alpha Alpha Alpha Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Incorporated. His campaign platform his newly elected position consisted of the following: (1) Creating tools and systems to strengthen the communication between collegians and alumni (2) Grow and support the Brother-to-Brother initiative by ascertaining opportunities for Collegians around the world to improve their skills and talents (3) Building and creating a better Sigma life for all collegiate members, and (4) having their voices heard. Shawn continues his service to the community in his professional life by working with organization such as United States Postal Service and The Home Depot.
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BROTHER
JARED E. JACKSON Collegiate Member-At-Large 2
Brother Jared E. Jackson is a student leader at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. For his academic achievements Jared was a recipient of the Cheatham-White Scholarship, a full ride academic scholarship to the university, requiring him to maintain a 3.5 cumulative GPA throughout his matriculation. Jared has been initiated into several honor societies during his matriculation at NCAT, including Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, which honors the top ten in the junior class. An active member of Phi Beta Sigma, Jared has been elected to leadership roles on the local, regional, and international levels. During Conclave 2021, Jared received the Collegiate Highest GPA Award. He currently serves as the Greek Council Vice President at his university, responsible for interfacing with the student body to develop strategic plans to enhance the growth of the Greek community. 22 • THE CRESENT : ON THE YARD
Throughout his collegiate career, Jared has participated in two internships in his hometown of Baltimore Maryland. During the summer of 2019, Jared interned as a City Planning Intern for the Baltimore County Department of Planning, one of the largest municipalities in Maryland. This summer, Jared worked as a transportation and planning intern at RK&K Civil Engineering, giving him insight into the private consulting sector of planning. During both of his internships he was exposed to various aspects of the construction, planning, and engineering industries. Jared plans to pursue a master’s degree in Urban Design and eventually work to revitalize urban areas throughout inner cities in the United States.
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HONOR CHAPTER INDUCTEES
BRO. STEPHEN D. CALHOUN
Theta Iota Chapter Mississippi State University Southern Region
BRO. RUSSELL EDMONDS Alpha Chapter Howard University Eastern Region
Brother Stephen D. Calhoun is a Senior and holds a 3.85 GPA. A resident of West Point, MS, he graduated from West Point High School and joined the Army National Guard to help further his college education. Once army training was completed, he attended North East Mississippi Community College to determine how to execute his career goals through higher education. By joining and receiving a scholarship from the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, Stephen was able to show his ability for high academic achievement. He was the first African American student at the college to receive two national awards.
Brother Russell Edmonds was initiated in Spring 2019 through the Alpha Chapter at Howard University in Washington, DC. Originally from Northern Virginia by-way-of Houston, Texas, he studied Mechanical Engineering on a full-expense paid Founders Scholarship and graduated in Spring 2021. While on campus, Russell served as the Director of Special Projects for the Howard University Student Association, a site coordinator for the Howard University Alternative Spring Break Program, and Executive Chief of Staff for the College of Engineering and Architecture Student Council, as well as other positions.
After enrolling at Mississippi State University as an Architecture major, he changed to Building Construction Science, because he realized he would wanted to be more creative building the product from an architectural drawing, than drawing buildings only. Stephen proudly ranks in the top five percent of the students in his major, as well as the African American with the highest GPA.
As a neophyte brother, Russell served as chapter president when the chapter was awarded the 2020 Eastern Region Collegiate Chapter of the Year Award. That same year he was honored with the Walter M. Clarke Award for the Eastern Regional Collegiate Brother of the Year. Through his experiences as a chapter leader, Bro. Edmonds learned a lot about branding, professionalism, and the keys to successful collaboration.
As a Sigma man, scholarship represents his constant pursuit of knowledge and the development of keen judgement. Stephen learned he suffered from Dyslexia, after struggling in school at a young age. He credits God for placing great people in his life whose helped him prosper throughout his academic career. He’s an active member of Theta Iota Chapter, while completing a bachelor’s degree, two minors, and training in the Junior Reserve Officer Training Course to become a future officer in the U.S. Army.
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As a collegian, Bro. Edmonds developed tremendously as a professional as well. Following his freshman year, he interned at Stanford University’s SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory as a LCLS Summer Research Intern. There he collaborated with some of the country’s brightest scientists and developed his technical engineering skills. The following two summers he interned with ExxonMobil as a member of the company’s Future Leaders Academy program. He was also worked as a Press Intern for Congressman Brother Adriano Espaillat on Capitol Hill. Presently, Bro. Edmonds works as a Technology Development Program (TDP) Engineer with AT&T in Atlanta, Georgia. At AT&T he works at the intersection of technical skills and business acumen to support the larger organization. He is also involved with Hon. Brother Chris V. Rey’s. Transition Team in the selection of new leaders of our fraternity at the International level. FALL 2021 • 27
BRO. JARED E. JACKSON
Eta Chapter North Carolina A&T State University Southeastern Region From high school to college, academic excellence has always been at the top of Brother Jared E. Jackson’s priority list. As a recipient of North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University’s most prestigious Cheatham White Scholarship (a full academic scholarship awarded annually to only 20 incoming freshmen), he started his college career as a pre-law major. At a young age, Jared developed a love for city planning and administration because of the countless hours spent with his father, a civil engineer and also a member of Phi Beta Sigma. He believes that this career path will allow him to make effective changes in the living and working environment of those living in urban areas. Since entering NCAT in the fall of 2018, Jared has maintained a 4.0 GPA every semester and maintained a position on the Chancellor’s List. He’s been inducted into multiple honor societies, including the Golden Key International Honor Society, Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society, and Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. During the 2020 Southeastern Regional Conference, he received the Dudley E. Floyd Award for academic excellence and elected as the 2nd Vice Regional Director. His peers describe him as an exceptional student who helps those around him succeed in their academic pursuits as well.
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BRO. JUSTIN JACKSON
Gamma Alpha Delta Chapter Nova Southeastern University Southern Region As President of Gamma Alpha Delta Chapter, Brother Justin Jackson helped the chapter gain exposure and created the sustainability plan to the Fraternity and Sorority Life office to ensure the chapter’s continued growth both in membership and finances. Through his tireless efforts, Justin led the return of Gamma Alpha Delta Chapter to the campus of Nova Southeastern University, after a three-year hiatus. After this accomplishment, he became the Program Assistant of Intramural Sports and Chapter President. As captain of the Men’s Track and Field Team, Justin helps his coach create the weekly workouts for he and his teammates. He is a vocal leader on the team, motivating his teammates through pep talks and guidance in practice.
As a result of his college experiences as an athlete, Brother Justin Jackson’s passion for working in athletics grew stronger. At Nova Southeastern University, he studied sports and recreation management with the hope of one day becoming an athletic director at a power five Division I institution. Justin loves the idea of using a student’s athletic development to assist them in seeking careers that they’re passionate about and developing newfound skills as they mature.
BRO. DONALD J. LAURER IV Zeta Gamma Chapter Voorhees College Southeastern Region
Brother Donald J. Laurer IV is a senior Computer Science major at Voorhees College in Denmark, SC. He initiated in Fall 2019 and currently serves as the chapter President. He is the recipient of the distinguished Voorhees College Presidential Scholarship, awarded for his outstanding academic achievement at the Military Magnet Academy in North Charleston, SC. Donald has been consistently recognized as an outstanding student on the President’s List for maintaining a 4.0 GPA since his freshman year and has been invited for membership in the W. Franklin Evans Honor College. He was selected amongst all students in the Department of Science, Technology, Health and Human Services to participate in the HBCU-STEM Program, sponsored by U.S. Senator Tim Scott and the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce. The program allows him to coordinate with industry partners in his career field for post-graduation employment. On campus, Donald is the top pitcher for the Voorhees College Baseball Team, an NAIA Division 1 sporting team. He’s proud to represent as the first and only non-minority NPHC fraternity member in the history of Voorhees College. Donald is deeply involved in his home church and community. For nearly a decade, he’s served with the United States Marines as a volunteer for the annual Toys 4 Tots Drive. He assisted in the creation and maintenance of a community food “Blessing Box” at his church and has earned both the Boy Scouts of America Eagle Scout Award and the Trail Life USA Freedom Rangeman Award.
BRO. DANURIUS LEVIY WILLIAMS II Alpha Chapter Howard University Eastern Region
Academic excellence has been a top priority for Brother Danurius Leviy Williams from a very young age. He graduated high school as a Distinguished Honors Graduate and a member of the National Honor Society. During his freshman year at Howard University, while playing the mellophone in the university’s Showtime Marching Band, he maintained a 4.0 GPA. Danurius was named a Howard University Alain Leroy Locke Scholar and a member of the Dean’s List. During his sophomore year, Danurius began to seek out ways to inspire positive change on campus. He looked to join a student organization that would not only push him to strive for continued academic success, as well as identifying how he would live his life beyond Howard University’s campus. He joined Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity in Spring 2019 and became a 2019 Fulbright US-UK Summer Scholar. Danurius took what he’d learned about the purpose of knowledge from his membership in Phi Beta Sigma and applied it to everything. After studying Global Climate Change, Public Policy and Technology at the University of Exeter in England (on the Fulbright), he shared that knowledge on his campus. He helped restart the Department of Sustainability within the university’s Student Association, serving as Associate Director of Sustainability. Recognizing the reality that Black and minority communities are more at risk to the adverse weather effects of climate change and environmental degradation, he decided to use his learnings to ensure that climate mitigation and sustainable development become priorities. Danurius applied for and was selected to intern with both the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Environmental Defense Fund.
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