SUMMER 2018
Honorable
MICHEAL E. CRISTAL 35th INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT
ELEVATING A BROTHERHOOD OF
CONSCIOUS MEN ACTIVELY SERVING OUR COMMUNITIES
THE OFFICIAL PHI BETA SIGMA FRATERNITY, INC.
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Contents
10
Conclave 2017 Detroit, Michigan
42
He’s A Sigma Man
46
The Sigma Executive Leadership Council
“A Family Reunion”
20
A Conscious Leader Intent on Elevating The Brotherhood Experience Behold The Man: Honorable Micheal E. Cristal 35TH International President
36
Sigma Beta Club National Leadership Conference A Brotherhood of Conscious Men: Embracing, Educating & Empowering Young Men Through Mentoring!
4
The Crescent Magazine
Sigma Men making moves in all areas of Bigger and Better Business, Social Action and Education
Clearing the pathway for our young Brothers in Corporate America
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The Sigma Exchange Authorized Vendors List
EDITOR
Steve E. Ballard Deputy Executive Director
CONTRIBUTORS
Steve E. Ballard Kent Poindexter Jenabu Williams John E. White
LAYOUT & DESIGN
Christopher P. Fleming Communications Manager
EDITORIAL OFFICE
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. 145 Kennedy Street, NW Washington, DC 20011-5294 (202) 726-5434 www.phibetasigma1914.org
ON THE COVER SUMMER 2018
The cover features the Honorable Micheal E. Cristal at the 2017 International President’s Reception
The Cresent Magazine is published twice annually by Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. Micheal E. Cristal International President
POSTMASTER
Please send address changes to: The Crescent Magazine Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. 145 Kennedy Street, NW Washington, DC 20011-5294
Summer 2018
5
INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT’S GREETING
Moving From Transformation to Conscious Men of Service
A Honorable MICHEAL E.
CRISTAL
International President
s I reflect on the past year, I’m amazed at how quickly time flies. In these 12 months since you saw fit to elect me as your 35th International President, we have done some significant work toward achieving the goal of being the “Conscious Leader” of the fraternal movement. We began our administration supporting brothers and their families affected by natural disasters. As the nation faces various challenges to its system of democracy, we have been reminded that our very survival depends on those who are willing to be caretakers, heroes, and transformers. In these “interesting” times, Phi Beta Sigma has been reminded that it arose from a legacy of leadership in times such as this. Because of this legacy, we have implemented a strategic plan that will solidify the fraternity’s foundation and propel the organization forward. Today, Phi Beta Sigma has taken its rightful place as A Brotherhood of Conscious Men Actively Serving Our Communities. We pledge to be intentional in our efforts to safeguard and positively impact the communities we serve. Welcome to The Crescent, the official journal of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity. Our communique speaks with you, our loyal brothers, and the world in which we serve. This publication also serves as a documentation of history. Conclave Detroit 2017 was celebrated as one more record-breaking event in a string of record-breaking gatherings for the fraternity. On these pages are a visual recap of the “Family Reunion”. I want to thank the International Headquarters’ Marketing & Communications Department on producing an excellent dispatch, always reflecting the best as a center of excellence. We hope you enjoy this issue and encourage your region and chapter to submit interesting information for display in volumes to come. Brotherhood First!
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The Crescent Magazine
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S GREETING
Greetings Brothers!
B
rothers, please allow me a moment to thank you for all that you do as servant leaders for the Fraternity, in these interesting times. Every day, as Men of Sigma, we are constantly faced with opportunities to be increasingly significant and increasingly relevant when the world may not agree to our God-given roles. Thankfully, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity has transitioned from any thoughts of ever being simply passive in its responses to the problems we encounter. Sigma has moved on to accepting an active role as a leader in our communities and on our campuses. We lead families, we lead churches, we lead businesses, we lead governments and we lead ourselves. We aim to achieve higher levels of accountability and reliability. It is not easy, but no one ever said that it would be so. As we work with a new governing administration within our great and noble Fraternity, let’s be reminded that it is our job to support the concept of being “conscious” men who are helpers in trying circumstances, when others can walk away. We have a job to complete and we do it in our neighborhoods, at our universities and certainly at the headquarters of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.
Honorable DARYL A.
ANDERSON Executive Director
Here at 145 Kennedy St, NW, we press on to higher goals every day of the week! We cannot and will not ask our general membership to be conscious and active if we are not accepting the same mandate. We thank the General Board and the general membership for holding us accountable. We thank the Sigma Beta Clubs for treating us as reliable. We thank the Washington, DC area for making us dependable. Please understand that Sigma has experienced a good year and expects to have an even better year as we continue to dedicate ourselves to the original mission. We will herald and defend! It is what Conscious Men, those who believe in themselves and their Fraternity, are committed to doing!! GOMAB!!!
Summer 2018
7
DEPUTY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S/EDITOR’S MESSAGE
A
Greetings Brothers,
s International Deputy Executive Director, I have the unique position and opportunity to engage and converse with the fraternity’s chosen leaders to ascertain a clear understanding of their mission and vision for the organization. Shortly after our newly elected International President Honorable Brother Micheal E. Cristal, took the reins of leadership at the Conclave 2017 Detroit, my job was to become a master communicator of the direction Phi Beta Sigma was headed under his administration. I surely posed the question, “What do you mean by “Conscious Men”—as I would be the primary officer responsible for branding the message internally and externally.
STEVE E.
BALLARD
Deputy Executive Director
From the first few words of his response, I understood completely the call to action. The purpose rests in the word “intent”, one’s true mission. Many organized groups of people speak, tout, preach, advocate and broadcast their vision. However, the question is, do they really perform or represent what the organization’s stated mission claim? As A Brotherhood of Conscious Men Actively Serving Our Community, Phi Beta Sigma Brothers are intentional in our efforts to impact the people we serve. Under the guidance of President Cristal, we have come together as leaders on all levels, past and present, official and regular; and collectively worked out a strategic plan to actually change our communities. This can be accomplished by targeting one specific demographic: the young African American male. This issue of The Crescent presents a detailed display of this administration’s Trilogy of Change: a plan targeting Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity’s Sigma Beta Club, collegians and young adults. We also offer an introduction for some, and presentation to others, the 35th International President. Growing up in the deep south town of Grenada, Mississippi, Micheal has used the principles instilled in him to advance his life’s priorities into a successful professional career and loving family. The Crescent interviewed Brother Cristal and I’m sure you’ll understand “Cristal Clear” his connection to this administration’s mantra. By tradition, this issue also recaps the previous conclave celebration. Conclave Detroit 2017 celebrated a record attendance in the history of the fraternity. Kudos to the Hon. Jonathan A. Mason, Sr., 34th International President, helped change the landscape of Phi Beta Sigma and Conclave 2017 proved on par with the groundbreaking administration. Thank you for supporting the official organ and enjoy the Summer 2018 edition.
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The Crescent Magazine
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated celebrated record-breaking attendance during Conclave Detroit during the week of July 18 – 23, 2017. Themed “A Family Reunion”, the Conclave took place in the “Motor City”, bringing together Sigma men and guests from chapters and cities across the country, to celebrate the organization’s achievements in rendering quality community service. The Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center served as the host center for the six-day conference, featuring a vast array of business and committee meetings, special programs and social events.
Brother Sammie L. Walthour, International Executive Director and Bro. Steve E. Ballard, Deputy arrived in Detroit prior to the conference to prepare to welcome the thousands of brothers and guests registered for the Conclave. Many brothers playing active roles in the conference arrived on Tuesday for committee meetings, training and to finalize preparations. The Collegiate Advisors University certified nearly 150 new collegiate advisors, while the General Board conducted the Pre-General Board Meeting. The Board enjoyed dinner hosted by the local women of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, which was, sponsored by Soror Mary Breaux Wright, International Grand Basileus and the National Executive Board of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. The conference officially opened on Wednesday, with the First-Time Attendees orientation, facilitated by Brother Charles H. Talbert introducing over 100 members to their first conclave experience. The Sigma Marketplace launched its opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Brother Scott Abdul-Salaam, Manager of the Sigma Exchange and Brother Micheal E. Cristal, International First Vice President. An excited packed house of Sigmas and guests attended the Opening Ceremony and Concert, celebrating the theme “A Family Reunion”. Comedian and actor Brother Flex Alexander served as Master of Ceremonies for the evening, during which the Fraternity honored civil rights legend Brother Dr. Virgil Wood and Honorable Brother Charles W. Moore, Treasurer Emeritus, with The Sigma Cares Award. Legendary Motown songstress Martha Reeves of the famed Martha Reeves & the Vandellas, was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award. The opening ceremony culminated with a concert from the world-renowned gospel group The Clark Sisters. Immediately following the concert, attendees moved to the Ambassador Ballroom to experience “An Evening with Soror Terisa Griffin-Honoring the Transformation.”
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On Thursday morning Conclave chapter delegates rose early to be fully certified for the conference and pick up materials. With voting devices in tow, the delegates joined the rest of the brotherhood at the Breakfast with the Candidates and the Candidates’ Forum. The first plenary session of the conference lasted over five hours, as delegates and the General Board engaged in the business of the fraternity. Attendees had just enough time for dinner and preparation for the Miss International Miss Phi Beta Sigma Pageant. Miss Alicia Jones of Tennessee State University, representing the fraternity’s Southwestern Region won the title of Miss International Phi Beta Sigma for 2017. The pageant was emceed by Porsha Williams, host of Dish Nation, Radio Show and star of Bravo Network’s Real Housewives of Atlanta reality television show.
Friday morning began with the Omega and Rededication Ceremony, following the tradition of previous Conclave events. There was a significantly large number of Sigma brothers in attendance, representing a wide range of members from seasoned Sigmas to recently initiated neophytes. Honorable Brother William E. Stanley, Jr., 28th International President and Honorable Brother Carter D. Womack, 27th and 29th International President, led the current and living past presidents in a spiritually moving ceremony. Summer 2018 13
After the close of Plenary Session II, Sigma brothers, Sigma Beta Club members and special guests assembled for the International Awards Luncheon, honoring local chapters, regions and members, as well as SBC clubs, who represented top performers in international programs. Throughout the year Sigma chapters performed thousands of hours of community service. Several chapters presented amazing chapter displays during the International convention. Recipients of the 2017 Model Alumni Chapter Awards were Kappa Mu Sigma chapter, (Bloomington, IL, Great Lakes Region) for Level III, Lambda Gamma Sigma chapter (Conway, AR, Southwestern Region) for Level II, and Tau Iota Sigma chapter (Memphis, TN, Southwestern Region) for Level I. The recipients of the 2017 Model Collegiate Chapter Awards were Alpha Beta Eta chapter (University of Arkansas, Little Rock, AR, Southwestern Region) for Level III, Beta Epsilon chapter (Langston University, Southwestern Region) for Level II, and Delta Nu chapter (University of Memphis, Southwestern Region) for Level I.
On Friday evening, eight esteemed members of the fraternity was bestowed the fraternity’s highest honor, induction into the Distinguished Service Chapter. The 2017 inductees were: Hon. Bro. Jonathan A. Mason, Sr., #179 Hon. Bro. Congressman John R. Lewis, #180 Hon. Bro. Charles H. Talbert, #181 Hon. Bro. Quentin W. Goodwin, #182
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Hon. Bro. Sammy Ford, III, #183 Hon. Bro. Michael W. Hines, #184 Hon. Bro. John L. Milner, #185 Hon. Bro. Marion Wright, #186
Friday evening brought together the fraternity’s seven best step teams in the country, representing chapters from each region for the International Step Show competition. A standing room only crowd witnessed the spectacular performances, which culminated in the Western Region’s Lambda Iota chapter at San Diego State University taking First Place. Second place was awarded to Beta Epsilon chapter at Langston University, Southwestern Region and third place honors went to Upsilon chapter at Livingstone College, Southeastern Region.
Summer 2018 15
On the last day of the convention, Sigma brothers and guests enjoyed a Blue & White Cook Out on the grounds of the Hart Plaza. The magnified block party featured good food, live music and a 3-on-3 basketball tournament. When the outdoor party ended, Sigma brothers and guest returned to change into their formal wear to celebrate the evening’s big finale, the induction ceremonies for the Alain Leroy Locke Honors Chapter and the Distinguished Service Chapter recognition, honoring the best in Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity. Because of the record-breaking attendance, the Grand Orchid Ball for Conclave 2017 was held in two ballrooms. Attendees had the pleasure of celebrating in two different festive environments – depending on their music preferences. The Orchid Ball featured the 2017 Image Awardees Mildred Gaddis, of The Mildred Gaddis Show, Bro. R. Donahue Peebles, President & CEO, The Peebles Corporation, Kimberlydawn Wisdom, State of Michigan Surgeon General and Mary Breaux Wright, International Grand Basileus, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Even with brothers in two different ballrooms, the men of Sigma were able to gather in for one Grand March and the linking of arms to close out the convention with the singing of “Our Cause Speeds on Its Way”, and dancing the night away.
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Sunday was the official day on which all Conclave activities ended. The post-General Board Meeting took place, with the newly elected 35th International President, Honorable Micheal E. Cristal, taking the helm of the Sigma ship, and introducing the new elected and appointed members of the General Board.
The end of Conclave is always a time for reflection and anticipation. It represents the end of one administration, and the beginning of new opportunities and challenges for the membership. We take time to thank those who gave their time and energy to make Phi Beta Sigma the best, and look with great anticipation to the new leadership team to guide us as “Our Cause� moves on!
Summer 2018 17
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A CONSCIOUS LEADER INTENT ON ELEVATING THE BROTHERHOOD EXPERIENCE BEHOLD THE MAN:
Honorable
MICHEAL E. CRISTAL 35TH INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT
I
n his first message as International President, Honorable Brother Micheal E. Cristal opened his missive with these words, “As I reflect on our 2017 Conclave I think of the immortal words of the Negro anthem, “Life Every Voice and Sing”, by our very own Brother James Weldon Johnson. ‘Sing a song, full of the faith that the dark past has taught us. Sing a song, full of the hope that the present has brought us!’ Our history as a people and as a Fraternity has taught us we can overcome all challenges. We have been through some difficult times, and despite these hardships, we have always managed to emerge victorious.”
Micheal E. Cristal can reflect over his life’s journey and recite these words as a testimony from whence he has come. As “the small-town boy who made good”, Bro. Cristal embodies the classic story of someone who persevered through life’s difficult challenges and emerged as the victorious leader. Armed with the principals of faith, fairness and focus, Phi Beta Sigma’s visionary leader used these tools to reach for and achieve his goals, despite the difficult hurdles placed before him. Who is Micheal Earl Cristal? He was born on September 25, 1963 in Grenada, Mississippi, called by most the “Deep South.” It was in the Deep South that he became well acquainted with racism: “My most vivid experience occurred on a Saturday afternoon while driving the car my older brother had given me. I arrived at an intersection where the Ku Klux Klan was having a rally. To say I was SCARED would be an understatement!” The story goes on to tell how he narrowly escaped the chilling, life-threatening moment, but the memory is forever embedded in his conscious. As the fourth of five children, Micheal had the love and support of his mother and siblings. While he loves his two older sisters and one older brother, his fondest memories are of he and his youngest sister Carol. Born only a year and a half apart, they spent a lot of time together as children. He shares, “she is one of my best friends.” He was taught that higher education would be his pathway to a fulfilling and productive life. Upon graduating from Grenada High School, 22 The Crescent Magazine
where he distinguished himself as an Honors Graduate and a member of the school’s Hall of Fame, he applied to and was accepted at Mississippi State University. He worked as a bagger in his local grocery store to finance his undergraduate education. It was on the campus of MSU where Micheal learned about Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity. The brothers of Theta Iota Chapter introduced themselves to Brother Cristal and recognized his potential to be an asset to the organization. Upon accepting their invitation to join, Micheal was initiated on April 3, 1982. He became very active in campus life as a hard-working member of the fraternity. Others on the campus recognized his leadership skills, as he served as the local Interfraternity Council’s Director of Government Affairs, worked on the Executive Committee of the Annual Greek Spring Celebration and eventually became President of the campus’ National Pan Hellenic Council.
He rose to the office of Chapter President and received Theta Iota’s Sigma of the Year honor, as well as the State of Mississippi’s Collegiate Brother of the Year award during the Mississippi State Conference in 1985. He served as State Director of Bigger & Better Business while still an undergraduate student. Micheal earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Marketing and has never ceased delivering exemplary service to his employer and the fraternity. After graduation he moved to Memphis, TN and began working for the Kroger Corporation. He joined the Tau Iota Sigma Chapter, rising to the office of chapter President and led them to earn the International Chapter of the Year Award during Conclave Raleigh in 1993. Brother Cristal is also the Founder/Chairman Emeritus of the chapter’s African American Male Image Awards & Scholarship Banquet, which has awarded more than $100,000 in scholarships. YouthWorks, a collaborative job readiness program for youth, established in partnership
with the Memphis Urban League and Kroger, and was established by Brother Cristal. In 1987, Micheal married his college sweetheart Marcia. They have been blessed with three children: Lauren, 26, Brandon, 22 and Jaylen, 12. His family has been, and continues to be, the light of his world, consistently supporting his vision for life. A tireless achiever in Sigma, Micheal served as the Southwestern Regional Director for two terms (4 years). He is recognized as one of the most impactful regional directors in the history of the Southwestern Region. Under his leadership, the Southwestern Region grew to become the third largest region in the fraternity, had 100% of its chapters active for the first time in the Region's and Fraternity's history, grew its financial treasury from $5,000 to $40,000, passed legislation that required all chapters to turn in chapter reports, started Club1914 which supports scholarships and chartered four chapters.
His success as a leader would not end after his service as a regional director. Cristal has served on the General Board from 2001 through today, having one break in 2008. He began serving as the International Director of Social Action in 2001 and revamped the organization’s relationship with the March of Dimes. At the same time, Micheal served as the Southwestern Regional Director from 2002-2006. Summer 2018 23
Brother Cristal has an impressive service record with the General Board. In addition to serving as Regional Director, his work includes service as Executive Assistant (title now Chief of Staff) to the 32nd International President Hon. Paul L. Griffin, Jr., and International Director of Conferences and Logistics under 33rd International President Hon. Jimmy Hammock. In 2011, Brother Cristal was elected the International Director of Bigger and Better Business. During his term, he was successful in securing a partnership with Wells Fargo Bank that generated a $10,000 sponsorship for Conclave Philadelphia, complete with wealth creation workshops held during regional conferences and at the Conclave. He increased the chapter engagement with the international program by 400%. As Phi Beta Sigma approached its 100th Year of Service, Micheal Cristal was elected as the International First Vice President in 2013. Leading into the Centennial celebration, Cristal represented the second half of a progressive and powerful leadership team, which resulted in the administration becoming the biggest game-changers in the history of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity. Working with the 34th International President Hon. Jonathan A. Mason, Sr., this team of corporate power-brokers achieved a myriad of record-breaking accomplishments. Cristal developed new strategies that delivered four consecutive years of record membership and celebrated the lowest membership reduction (-8.60%) of all Divine Nine organizations which have held Centennial celebrations. He introduced major revisions to the Membership Intake Process and returned traditional elements to the process. As a corporate leader, he put his professional connections to work by securing a $10,000 sponsorship from Kroger for Conclave Little Rock and another $10,000 donation from
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Kroger to Hosea Feed the Homeless, as well as $3,000 in canned vegetable goods during the Centennial Celebration Community Service initiative. Cristal is an ambassador for work-life balance, for which he continues to strive daily as he balances his work with Sigma, his profession and his family. He finds ways to be active in his local community at every opportunity, having served or currently serving on various boards including, Deacon at the New Olivet Baptist Church, Chairman of the Board for National Urban League-Memphis, Vice Chairman of the Memphis Regional Chamber of Commerce Capital Campaign, Leadership Memphis-2007, and several more. The personification of Micheal Cristal’s work ethic and commitment to success is his 32 years of continuous employment with the Kroger Corporation. Ranked #17 on the Fortune 500 List, the company is a member of the Billion-Dollar Roundtable for Supplier Diversity. He is currently Vice President of Operations, where he leads a team of 22,000 employees with sales in excess of $5 Billion. Micheal received this major promotion just weeks after being elected International President. Prior to this promotion, Micheal was Vice President of Merchandising, with a bevy of accomplishments under his belt. Under his leadership, the 7,000 employees working with him achieved sales of $1.7 billion dollars, which significantly increased Kroger’s overall market share. The list of his company achievements is vast and impressive. Brothers, this is your 35th International President of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.
THE VISION: A BROTHERHOOD OF CONSCIOUS MEN ACTIVELY SERVING OUR COMMUNITIES
President Micheal E. Cristal began his term introducing the theme “A Brotherhood of Conscious Men Actively Serving Our Communities.” This theme is perfectly in line with the work ethic and commitment which he has demonstrated in his years of involvement in Sigma: “I truly believe that when we intentionally define ourselves as Conscious Men, Conscious Husbands, Conscious Fathers, Conscious Servants, Conscious Leaders, we improve the lives of the people we touch.” In order to achieve a collective elevation of consciousness, President Cristal believes that Phi Beta Sigma must make a significant investment in the Brotherhood and the communities serviced by the Brotherhood.. THE PLAN IS DERIVED THROUGH THE IMPLEMENTATION OF SIX PILLARS: 1. Creating Centers of Excellence within the International Headquarters that delivers Superior Customer Service for our members 2. Continual Investments in our loyal members and chapters
3. Build Upon the Branding, Presence and Impact of our Sigma Beta Club
4. Sigma Wellness: Advocacy for a Better Life Experience for the African American Male
5. Introduce a comprehensive strategy that will position us for Long Term Financial Solvency 6. Expand and Protect the Sigma Brand. These six pillars will support the Trilogy of Change to be made in the African American community. The first part of the trilogy is the YOUTH. Since 1958, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity has had a long-standing tradition of enhancing the lives of our youth through mentorship with the Sigma Beta Clubs. Statistics show that children have a better chance of being successful when someone pours love into them, beginning at a very young age. Young people are given an opportunity to succeed when they are engaged with positive role models. It is OUR DUTY to lovingly challenge their young minds, help them grow and become global citizens who yearn to improve their communities. For this purpose, the Sigma Beta Club is the foundation of the trilogy and centerpiece of the programmatic focus.
The second piece of the trilogy calls for the support of the Collegiate brothers as they their journey to adulthood. Our collegians represent outstanding young men who have the potential to become the best power-brokers in their careers. While we pride ourselves on the services we render to the community, there is no greater service than being our Brothers’ Keepers! We must actively empower young Sigma brothers to take on leadership roles within the organization and prepare them to serve in the communities. It is OUR DUTY to care for each of our Brothers, for they are the organization’s most valuable resource.
The final piece of the trilogy is vested in our active involvement in our communities by capitalizing on the ability to connect the youth and collegians with opportunities to engage servant leaders. We must thoughtfully engage in issues of the day; address inequities in social injustice, economic empowerment, education and health issues that impact our people through sustainable and measurable efforts.
Summer 2018 25
In order to create sustainable efforts, we must start with our youth and foster in them a commitment to fulfill the reciprocal duty of love and friendship for everyone around them. We must include the collegians in the development of our programmatic initiatives, for they have great skills as organizers. The possibilities are endless when we tap into the skills of collegiate brothers from the moment they enter the bond; everyone benefits exponentially.
WORKING THE PLAN: CREATE CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE WITHIN THE INTERNATIONAL HEADQUARTERS THAT DELIVERS SUPERIOR CUSTOMER SERVICE FOR OUR MEMBERS MEMBERSHIP SERVICES CENTER OF EXCELLENCE
• Expand the IHQ Staff to meet the needs of the membership
• Membership Field Services Representatives focus on membership growth
• Improve Chapter Self-Assessment Final Report (CSAF) Implementation
• Customer Service Quality Rating for New Member’s Material being 98%
COMMUNICATION CENTER OF EXCELLENCE
• Introduce Fraternity App to provide membership services via smartphone
• Programming GOMABAlert: Call to Action advocacy communication
• Instituting a Text Engagement communication system • The Crescent Magazine published twice yearly
• Publish The Crescent: On The Yard, an online quarterly dedicated to the collegians
• Rebrand all communication vehicles for consistent visual presence (The Crescent, Crescent: On The Yard, BCM Weekly Update, President’s International Conference Call) RETAIL CENTER OF EXCELLENCE
The Sigma Exchange will provide chapters and members with all the Sigma-themed gear needed
• Paraphernalia, Chapter Supplies, and Recruiting Material
• Grow sales to $1,000,000 annually with continual incremental growth
• Introduce a Loyal Customers Discount Program for loyal members
• Maximize all outlets to increase sales with measurements in place to understand where specifically our sales are being derived. (Online Sales, Regional Conferences, Large chapters major events, Retail Store Sales, State Conferences)
• Give visibility to the profitability of our store
• Utilize a portion of the profits generated from our retail store to reinvest in the business as well as our programmatic focus and membership services.
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CONTINUAL INVESTMENTS IN OUR LOYAL MEMBERS
Investing monetary rewards to our Loyal Members and Chapters PROVIDE MAJOR INCENTIVES TOWARDS THE DELIVERANCE OF KEY CHAPTER EXPECTATIONS
• Chapters that are rated Gold as measured by CSAF
• Chapters that are delivering PIAs in the targeted programmatic focus areas
• Alumni Chapters having certified Collegiate Chapter Advisors
• Chapters participating in Anti-Hazing Awareness Workshops
BUILD UPON THE BRANDING, PRESENCE AND IMPACT OF OUR SIGMA BETA CLUB The Trilogy of Change within the African American community is the centerpiece of our programmatic focus. PROVIDE A TRILOGY OF CHANGE FOR THE AFRICAN AMERICAN MALE
• Sigma Beta Club – mentoring the youth
• Collegiate Member and Young Alumni – cultivate positive impact and support transitioning into adulthood as a result of continuous mentorship • Cultivate the African American community – through a comprehensive mentoring approach, a trajectory of limitless possibilities will be experienced by young males thus impacting the community.
INTRODUCE A COMPREHENSIVE TRAINING MODULE FOR SIGMA BETA CLUB ADVISORS
• Work toward getting all Diamond Chapters and Founder Level Chapters to start a Sigma Beta Club.
• Build a curriculum around Academics, Social and Recreation
• Coordinate an Annual Recognition Program
• Work with Alumni Chapters to have Chapter Houses turn a section into the Parlett Moore Sigma Beta Club Academies – target 5 Alumni Chapters
• Target the number of days the SBC members come to the Academy
MEASURE THE SUCCESS RATE OF THE AFRICAN AMERICAN YOUNG MEN IN THE SIGMA BETA CLUB VS. NON-PARTICIPANTS
• GPA average, high school graduation rate, college attendance, college graduation, criminal activity and athletics
Identify a Grant Writer to capture dollars for the programs, then provide Chapter Grants to assist chapters managing Sigma Beta Clubs
Summer 2018 27
SIGMA WELLNESS: ADVOCACY FOR A BETTER LIFE EXPERIENCE FOR THE AFRICAN AMERICAN MALE
Each collegiate aligned with an alumni mentor to support their career and entrepreneurial development.
• Goal is to assist collegians with employment when they graduate
• Maximize our network of influential Brothers to support our collegians gaining employment by serving as mentors: The Sigma Executive Leadership Council. LEADERSHIP SIGMA BEING SPONSORED BY THE SIGMA LEADERSHIP ACADEMY • Curriculums created for professional development: Collegiate (college-based/post college), Alumni (professional development)
• Establish a partnership with an academic institution that offers executive leadership development.
Introduction of Sigma Talks: a series of Sigma Influencers providing members insight on how they’ve grown their careers and what supported their life experience being successful. FINANCIAL PLANNING
• Supporting members in building their net worth and estate planning.
RE-ESTABLISHING A PARTNERSHIP WITH AARP
• A great alignment to support members as they age.
• Strengthening the partner relationship to support further investment in the fraternity.
MAKING THE IMPACT WITHIN OUR COMMUNITIES
• Establish a collaborative partnership with the African American Human Resource Management Association to provide personal development workshops.
• Build upon the partnership with Wells Fargo to improve financial literacy for members.
• Establish a partnership with the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives that support community policing and the reduction of police brutality. • Establish a partnership with the National Medical Association and National Dental Association to promote health awareness initiatives that indexes high for African American males. • Will target members form the Human Resources, Financial, Law Enforcement and Medical/Dental professions to serve on an advisory group.
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INTRODUCE A COMPREHENSIVE STRATEGY THAT WILL POSITION US FOR LONG TERM FINANCIAL SOLVENCY
The overall goal is to increase the net worth of the International Fraternity, provide funds to reinvest in chapters, building a partnership and benefits program for the membership and awarding scholarships to collegiate members and potential members. In addition, work closely with the core program areas: Bigger & Better Business, Education, Social Action and Sigma Beta Clubs. INTRODUCE IMPACT ONE: TARGETED TO RAISE $2,000,000 OVER FOUR YEARS 2018-2021
• Introduce a comprehensive development strategy that will encourage Brothers, Chapters and the larger community to invest in Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity. • Introduce the opportunity for members to make bequests: gifts in the form of cash, securities, real estate, or personal property through a provision in written and executed will.
• Enhance our investment portfolio that supports the fraternity getting a greater return on assets that will support long term viability and investing back into chapters and members.
• Increase the fraternity’s net worth +30% by 2021.
Endow a scholarship in Brother Alain Leroy Locke’s name to be awarded to collegiate members.
EXPAND AND PROTECT THE SIGMA BRAND
GAIN MORE CONSISTENCY OF THE APPROPRIATE BRAND FOR THE TARGETED ACTIVITY/EVENT WITHIN THE FRATERNITY.
• Sigma Wellness Brand for all of our international programs
Coaching Chapters on utilizing the appropriate logo for targeted events DEVELOPING A PROMOTIONAL TAG LINE TO BE USED EXTERNALLY THAT SUPPORTS OUR PROGRAM AND RECRUITMENT MARKETING
• A Brotherhood of Conscious Men Actively Serving Our Communities • Brotherhood First!
IDENTIFY THE FRATERNITY’S BRAND IN A COMPREHENSIVE MANNER
• Recruitment and programmatic purposes • External communication
Coordinate a Publicity Engagement Team of Media/Branding Professional volunteers to work with the IHQ Communications Center of Excellence
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THE STRATEGIC PLAN’S PHASE 1:
MAKING IT HAPPEN! Thanks to all of my Conscious Sigma Brothers for your excitement and support as we continue to construct the blueprint for A Brotherhood of Conscious Men Actively Serving Our Communities. In September 2017, we returned home to Howard University to set a course for enhancing the fraternity and held the General Board Strategic Planning Retreat. The outcome was the Strategic Plan’s Top 10 Focus Areas: Brotherhood Experience, Technology, Membership Growth, Branding, Finances, Programming, Policies and Procedures, Corporate and Government Partnerships, Training and Advisor Development and Fundraising. The strategic plan will propel our fraternity forward and position Sigma as the Conscious Leader of the fraternal movement.
Thousands watched, via live stream during our February General Board Meeting, as our team of champions presented updates on Phase 1: The First Five Focus Areas. In case you missed the reporting, we take this opportunity to share the amazing work that is taking place to assure a solid forecast for Phi Beta Sigma’s future. Greater detail was presented during the 2018 regional conference cycle.
BROTHERHOOD EXPERIENCE | Brother Torian Richardson
As the fraternity’s number one priority, the team’s mission is to foster the collective mind and soul of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. by raising the ceiling and floor of what fraternity brothers expect from each other. The team will function as a collection of brothers who are committed to hosting an environment of consistency, relevance, and influence for the fraternity -- those within our span of care, and our outward expression to the communities we serve.
• Draw context from the Phi Beta
Sigma experience embedded in our history so we can know, name, and identify our attributes, thus solidifying the importance of having central roots.
•
A space for consistency and collective meaning around the character traits we hold dear within our organization, expect of each other, and that we outwardly express in our collective action. Specifically: Brotherhood, Scholarship, Service, Conscious,
Inclusive, Culture, Humanity, 12inch, and GOMAB. • Foster a central place for open and honest dialogue where brothers can be heard through intentional “Listening Sessions” • Bridge the gaps between what fraternity brothers “expect” and what they “experience”. • Help craft a vision for what Phi Beta Sigma will feel like for brothers and the world we serve in 2050.
BRANDING | Brother Kevin Davis
The vision of the Branding Team is to develop and present visual brand standards for Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. for consistent and effective organizational messaging and representation. • After conducting focus groups, researching organizations, consulting industry professionals and leveraging skilled Brothers, the ONE SIGMA, ONE BRAND visual brand standards guide was approved by the general board in February 2018 • We will conduct branding talks at regional conferences beginning March 2018 • Templates and resources will be developed in Summer 2018 for chapter use
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• We will improve the Vendor Licensing Program in Summer 2018 • We will conduct brand expert certification training in the Fall 2018 • The fraternity will expect 100% compliance from chapters beginning January 1, 2019 •
Brand standards will be in alignment with the Regional Directors Council’s Uniform Code of Sanctions and enforceable beginning January 1, 2019.
SIGMA TECHNOLOGY | Brother John Reaves
The mission of the Technology Team is to enhance the fraternity’s existing technology to provide new ways for Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity to deliver quality services to its members and stakeholders. The purpose is to use technology to provide better and more effective access to information, in order to enhance the decision-making process at all levels of the fraternity. Moving forward, the team plans to: • Conduct an International Headquarters Office technology assessment
• Shore-up existing technologies to ensure Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity is protected
• Document all core processes
• Recommend short-term and long-term projects
• Uncover the system’s current limitations • Present a thorough and detailed Technology Assessment
• Recommend a 5-year budget • Explore funding sources • Evaluate what has been done and prioritize all outstanding project
FINANCE | Brother William Frasier, Jr. and Brother Dr. Ernie Hughes
The objective of the Finance Team is to financially secure the future of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. by creating a philanthropic environment with a strong annual giving program and the creation of an endowment which will provide perpetual funding for our international programs, initiatives and scholarships. The team has completed the initial phase of development through the following:
• Developed and presented with
approval from General Board the IMPACT ONE Campaign, which is a four-year fundraising to raise funds for the Phi Beta Sigma National Foundation.
• The IMPACT ONE Campaign will support the Fraternity by encouraging members, friends, corporations and foundations to include Phi Beta Sigma in their philanthropic efforts.
• By Conclave 2021, a $2-Million endowment will be established • Fully executed a Memorandum of Understanding between PBS and the PBS National Foundation • Revamped and enhanced the PBS National Foundation website to reflect IMPACT ONE and the five giving opportunities. • Established a Board of Trustees
MEMBERSHIP | Brother Jean B. Lamothe
As a membership-based organization, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. operates on the Membership Dues of its active members, thus the greatest asset of the organization is its members. To position, the membership team’s work plan encompasses a series of benchmarks that includes the following: • Completed a thorough analysis of membership growth trends from 2014 through 2017 • Completed an End of Year (EOY) 2017 membership statistics analysis • Established and presented an overall membership growth target for the fraternity • Established and presented membership growth targets for each region
•
Presented and General Board approved the implementation of the 5Rs Tactical Plan for driving membership growth.
• The membership growth will be measured with monthly reports from State Directors and quarterly reports from 1st Vice Regional Directors. • The 5Rs Tactical Plan and Financial Rewards will be presented at the upcoming regional conferences.
The supporting mantra to our administration theme is “Brotherhood First!” Trust that your leaders WILL protect the Fraternity, grow the Brotherhood, provide measurable impactful programs for the communities we serve and ensure our long term financial solvency.
THE INTERVIEW The Crescent (TC): You were initiated in Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity on April 3, 1982. Why did you desire to affiliate with Phi Beta Sigma and was it the same desire you experienced to become international president? President Cristal (PC): My roommate and I were recruited by the Brothers at Mississippi State University…when I went off to school I had very limited knowledge on fraternities and had no desire to join one; during the Fall semester of my Freshman year, we saw the Sigmas being the cool brothers who got along with everyone, was community service oriented and had a great connection with the girls on our campus. Those were attractive attributes to Harwood and me; I had no desire to become International President, it wasn’t until I was International First Vice President that I began to give serious consideration on pursuing the office. My desire prior to becoming International First Vice President was to be a credit to the organization. TC: Your body of service to Phi Beta Sigma is consistent and plentiful for 36 years. To what do you attribute such a level of display in service to the organization? PC: When I joined the Fraternity, I remember reading The Perfection Scoop and it stated the expectations of members. I’ve always tried to deliver on the expectations at the local, regional and national level, regardless of my leadership position. When I make a commitment, I’m ALL IN! My wife and I have been married for 31 years, I’ve been employed with the same company for 32 years and a loyal member of Phi Beta Sigma for 36 years. TC: How would you describe your form of motivation for other men to serve the organization? PC: As a leader, I think you have a responsibility to galvanize the membership to support a certain initiative or cause, however I have to be very honest…I struggle in trying to motivate someone to engage in an organization you took an oath on the bible for a lifetime commitment. Don’t get me wrong, the Fraternity has an obligation to be very relevant to its members along with meeting their needs, but the membership has a responsibility to stay engaged with their fraternity.
TC: Phi Beta Sigma is an organization of college-educated men with most dedicating their post collegiate lives to pursuing their career goals. How have you parlayed your Bachelor of Science Degree and professional experience in Marketing to your leadership roles in the fraternity? PC: This is who we are…a brotherhood of college educated African American men, even in 2018. It’s still an attractive attribute. When I was a college student serving as chapter president, I made a concerted effort to bring the business knowledge I was capturing in class to how I was leading the chapter. I’ve always utilized the business principles I’ve learned within academia and professionally to assist me in my work with Sigma. For me, it has always seemed natural to do that. TC: Your theme for this administration is “A Brotherhood of Conscious Men Actively Serving Our Communities.” How have you exemplified this theme on a personal basis? PC: What a great question….this is ALL I’ve ever known since I’ve been a member but yet it seems to be the BIGGEST CHALLENGE within our Fraternity. Absence of the advancement of brotherhood; it was the brotherhood that was and continues to be the most attractive principle of the Fraternity for me. I’ve worked with ALL brothers and all constituencies within this fraternity at all levels over the years. For me, it’s always about advancing the fraternity. I’ve worked with people who hadn’t supported me, people who think my leadership style isn’t the most engaging and I’ve worked with people who believe I’m going to be a certain way because of the brothers with whom I’m aligned. Throughout my Sigma career I’ve never said that I’m not going to work with this Brother or this chapter because he didn’t do this or he didn’t support that. I’ve done the total opposite. I’ve worked with brothers and chapters who have not supported me. I recall during the campaign one of the candidates was frequently talking about the negative vitriol of Brothers, saying you had to walk by brothers and wink a certain way or some subjects you could not talk about, because Brothers would flip out. I recall every occasion it was brought up and I said that has never been my experience in my 36 years being
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a member. I’ve never walked by a Brother and not spoken to him because we had issues. My experience has always been that if I have an issue with you, I’m reaching out to you to have a conversation. Brothers reflecting on their being a Blue Team and White Team within the Fraternity and based upon what team you’re on you couldn’t converse with the others (how goofy is that!). Look, I get political alignment, but I don’t support any activity that destroys relationships and compromise us being Brothers. It seems as though some Brothers find it so easy to throw away friendships without any appreciation for ours being a brotherhood. I couldn’t imagine having issues with a brother whom I’ve been close friends with for an extended amount of time and us falling out because of some political mishap. I couldn’t imagine seeing Harwood (my high school classmate, Line Brother, the Best Man in my wedding) back at Mississippi State for a reunion and not being able to talk to him--I just couldn’t imagine that! During the campaign some Brothers wanted me to distance myself from Past President Mason because of their working relationship with him, but I wouldn’t because he is a friend of mine. If it meant that I would lose your political support because of that, I said I understood but I wasn’t going to turn my back on a friend because that’s not who I am. The more I considered pursuing the Presidency and respecting the climate the Fraternity was experiencing, it became very apparent to me that we needed to get back to our origin: Brotherhood. Our theme isn’t a theme only, it’s an affirmation of who we are. We have a responsibility to truly be our Brother’s Keeper, to love one another, to provide uplift for each other which meant we had to be intentional on making sure the Brotherhood understood they were our #1 priority. This meant we must invest in them. I also believe that it is time for us to write our narrative. We should let the world know that this body of college-educated African American men define who we are. We are Conscious Husbands, Conscious Fathers, Conscious Professionals and Conscious Servant Leaders, etc. As we make our brothers a priority, we’re better prepared to make measurable impactful change within our community. I truly believe that when we make the brothers a priority and the community a priority, Phi Beta Sigma is unstoppable.
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TC: You’ve been very intentional in involving your son, Sigma Brother Brandon Cristal, in every aspect of your leadership experience. What is your hope for Brandon as his Brotherhood Experience encompasses you as International President? PC: I love Brandon as I love my other two children and am very proud of the young man he is becoming. As President, I find it very exciting to have my son being a member of the Fraternity and enjoying this leadership experience with me. I started recruiting Brandon when he was two years old, having him in “My Dad is a Sigma” t-shirts, taking him to our chapter events, and involving him with our Image Awards Scholarship Banquet. As he says, it was no doubt when he went off to college he was going to be a Sigma man. Two of my proudest Sigma moments were being able to pin him with my fraternity pin during his initiation ceremony and him pinning me when I was installed as International President. He and I both joined the Fraternity during our Spring Semester of our Freshman year at SEC schools. His initiation year is very special as he’s a Centennial Sigma. Brandon and I enjoy hanging together, it’s nothing to see him and I enjoying each other’s company at regional conferences and conclaves. He’s a trusted advisor that I rely on who’s having a blast being the First Son. TC: “An inclusive and trusted leader” was a very prevalent description of you during the campaign season. What are the latest examples of these attributes manifesting themselves? PC: I’ve been a General Board member for 17 years and have had the pleasure of working with Past Presidents Carter D. Womack, Peter M. Adams, Arthur R. Thomas, Paul L. Griffin, Jimmy Hammock and Jonathan A. Mason. I’ve worked with Brothers who I knew were not supportive of me. Even though the Past Presidents had worked with me and knew the caliber of my work, when the campaign season kicked in, I only had the support of two of the Past Presidents: Hon. Brother Womack and Hon. Brother Thomas. As a Vice President within a very large corporation, I understand leadership is about “WE” and not about “I”. So, when the election was over, I reached out to Brothers Winston O’Neal and Hon. Anthony Samad and asked them both to
work with me as I knew I didn’t have a monopoly on ideas for the advancement of our fraternity. After the election, still during the Conclave, I met with several of the Past Presidents and shared my vision for their role and asked for their help within specific areas of the administration. When I scheduled our General Board Strategic Planning Retreat, I invited the Past Presidents to attend; I also invited Chapter Presidents who didn’t support our campaign, and I invited Brothers who weren’t supportive of the campaign. With the help of ALL BROTHERS in attendance, we produced 10 Strategic Focus Areas that will guide this administration and beyond. I have worked very close with Past President Adams in restructuring the National Foundation and developing our Impact One Capital Campaign and am excited to have Past President Hammock leading the Campaign. I’ve worked very close with the Regional Directors Council in assisting me with developing initiatives that support easy execution for our chapters. I’ve emphasized to General Board members, if we’re going to introduce policy that will impact our chapters, run it by the RDC first. By doing this, we’re getting better alignment from the RDC. I’ve always said, I will work with anyone whose primary goal is to advance Sigma. Over the 36 years of being a member of the fraternity and almost 20 years on the General Board, I think I’ve earned the trust of the brothers. They know I’m going to give my all in advancing a better fraternity as I’ve proven it over and over. TC: The administration successfully launched the fraternity’s Top 10 Strategic Focus Areas with Brotherhood Experience as the #1 Focus. Why is this the top priority? PC: The theme of this administration is a “Brotherhood of Conscious Men Actively Serving Our Communities.” I strongly believe that we can’t service our communities effectively with sustainability in the long term, until we create major uplift within our membership. The key differential of our fraternity from other civic organizations is that we’re a Brotherhood; which means the relationship of the member and the Brotherhood Experience of our members has to be enduring and paramount. Advancing the right kind of experience that reflects us uplifting our members must be role modeled by our leadership team; starting with me. That’s why we introduced BROTHERHOOD FIRST as we must get the BROTHERHOOD EXPERIENCE RIGHT in everything we do. We should ask when rolling out a new initiative, how is it a benefit to the Brothers and how does it make their experience within Sigma BETTER.
I’m very proud of the strategic, yet empathetic and passionate approach that Bro. Torian Richardson, Brotherhood Experience Champion, has in creating a healthy dialogue on this very sensitive but needed subject. It will be the gateway to our long- term future. As I shared, I believe, when we make our Brothers and our communities a priority, Phi Beta Sigma will be unstoppable! TC: It’s quite apparent that through the Trilogy of Change (Sigma Beta Club, Collegiate Members and Community), your administrative aim is to impact the African American Male at every stage of existence. What was your major observance that caused you to pinpoint this as your mission for Phi Beta Sigma? PC: This gift from God called Phi Beta Sigma has to be relevant within the lives of our members. I believe, we have to be intentional on delivering sustainable, long term change within our communities. We have the best opportunity to drive sustainable change within the African American community specifically and the larger community in general. Our Trilogy of Change starts with us providing support to the youth in our community through our Sigma Beta Club. The intentional work we do in nurturing, mentoring and developing young African American Males, as well as People of Color through cultural enrichment, academic training and extracurricular activities has shown that students who meet regularly with their mentors are 52% less likely to skip a day class and 46% less like likely to start using illegal drugs and 55% more likely to enroll in college. The second tenet within the Trilogy of Change is preparing our Sigma Beta Club members to becoming college students and ultimately members of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity; where we build upon the foundational life changing experience that began as SBC members. As Collegians, their college training and leadership development captured within the Fraternity and through other college or university organizations are preparing them in honing their public speaking skills, organizational planning, strategic thinking, respect for financial literacy and the need for them to be culturally and community service minded. Assigned mentors and intentional support garnered from our Sigma Executive Leadership Council positions our collegians for a successful transition post-college.
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The third tenet is community service. Driving sustainable, long term change and recognizing that to whom much is given, much is required means WE MUST PAY IT FORWARD via our motto “Culture for Service, Service for Humanity.” Having so many people pouring into our young men since they were SBC members, continuing that investment as collegians, supporting the collegians launching a successful life experience after college graduation…they’re positioned to transition into a career of their choice or start a new business. They become financially literate, so they’re not creating unnecessary debt and thus, we recognize that this great start in life has positioned them to have a POSITIVE IMPACT on their community upon entrance. Now, imagine if we created that kind of experience for all of the Sigma Beta Club members we mentor; we will create a positive impact within communities all over this country AND it all started when we mentored the young kid through our SBC. Our Trilogy of Change is REAL, and it will produce a sustainable long term positive impact within our communities! TC: When July 2019/2021 arrives, what do you hope will have been accomplished under your leadership? PC: That we have positioned the Fraternity being relevant for our members through our mantra of Brotherhood First. We’re providing services to our members and chapters which are pertinent for championing the brand of Sigma within their communities. I hope that we’ve delivered measurable programmatic change within our communities, and that Collegians see Phi Beta Sigma as the Fraternity where you will receive mentoring and support in gaining meaningful employment upon graduation. I hope that we will have charted a path that supports the long-term financial solvency of our fraternity and that we’ve addressed many of the structural deficiencies of our organization that are suppressing us from experiencing exponential growth, which I believe is right around the corner. Lastly, I hope that we’re recognized as a premier organization that provides mentoring, nurturing and development of young men of color through our Sigma Beta Club. By delivering on these, we will have supported the vision of being “A Brotherhood of Conscious Men Actively Serving Our Communities” becoming a reality!
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The Phi Beta Sigma National Foundation, Inc. and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. announces the launch of Impact ONE, a fundraising campaign that will position Phi Beta Sigma, as a brotherhood of conscious men who believe in our beloved organization and the value of service and education, to strategically bind ourselves and resources to ensure our bright future. The overall objective is to increase the resources and funding available to deliver services, enhance the capacity of the Foundation, as a vehicle to achieve those ends, building an endowment, assisting in raising funds, and awarding scholarships for education by members and others. The goal is to support and strengthen the core programmatic areas: Bigger & Better Business, Education, Social Action and Sigma Beta Clubs.
FIVE WAYS TO DONATE
While the Foundation reaches out to individuals and organizations through various media, support is encouraged and welcomed anytime. We make it easy and convenient for you to give online, by mail or phone.
For complete details on each donation opstions, visit
WWW.PBSNF03.ORG and DONATE TODAY!
A BROTHERHOOD OF
EMBRACING, EDUCATING & EMPOWERING Y
THE 2018 NATIONAL SIGMA BETA CLUB LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE DILLARD UNIVERSITY | NEW ORLEANS, LA JULY 16 – 18, 2018
CONSCIOUS MEN:
YOUNG MEN THROUGH MENTORING!
The 2018 National Sigma Beta Club Leadership Conference was an overwhelming success! Beginning on Monday, July 16th 110 Sigma Beta Club (SBC) members and 70 Club Advisors, representing 36 Alumni Chapters of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., left their homes in route to the conference, held at Dillard University in New Orleans, LA. The purpose of the Leadership Conference was to continue improving the life outcomes of the club members, who represent young males, ages 8 - 18. This conference not only met the desired goals but we exceeded them greatly!
Summer 2018 37
DAY 1:
As the young men and advisors arrived, they were intentionally placed in mixed regional homogeneous groups based on their age. For the next three days, these groups roomed next to each other, dined together, and even participated in community service projects together. This minor conference adjustment forced Sigma Brothers and SBC Members to form unfathomable bonds that may not have occurred, if allowed to only intermingle with their local club members and regional companions. Dillard University hosted a mini-college tour for the participants, which concluded with two rising SBC Seniors being accepted into the university--on the spot! These young men were encouraged to forward their high school records for review. Interestingly, they not only met, but exceeded the minimum high school GPA and SAT/ ACT score requirement, which allowed them to receive this blessing! International President, Hon. Brother Micheal E. Cristal, along with several General Board members, were on hand to meet and greet the young men during the evening Networking Social and Ice Breaker.
DAY 2:
The second day began with an amazing Awards Breakfast, organized by Brother John White, Chairman, Sigma Executive Leadership Council and Vice President, North America Operations Management-Schools and Sodexo. According to the Post-Conference Survey, completed by SBC Members and Club Advisors, 90% of the guests were Very Satisfied with the food accommodations during the conference. During the breakfast, Brother Dr. Kevin Rome, President of Fisk University brought greetings and encouraged everyone in attendance by sharing his personal story of triumph over adversity. He reminded everyone that anything is possible if you are willing to: (1) separate yourself from people that don’t add value to your brand, (2) commit yourself to a life of excellence, and (3) be the hardest working person wherever you go. President Cristal also brought greetings during the breakfast. In his remarks to the young men, he shared, “Sigma Men, all over the land, is committed to standing by your side. We are dedicated to supporting you in your quest to become the Next Generation of Leaders, as long as you are faithful in your commitment to being an active member of our comprehensive mentoring program--that has 68 years of service.� 38 The Crescent Magazine
DAY 3:
SPECIAL RECOGNITION TO OUR VALUED SIGMA BETA CLUB ADVISORS We applaud, with great admiration, the sheer dedication, amazing support and team spirit of the following Sigma Beta Club Advisors. Thanks to these Conscious Sigma Leaders, the 2018 National Sigma Beta Club Leadership Conference was a monumental success!
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MEMBERSHIP
We offer Special Project Loans, Share Secured Loans, Collateralized Loans, Special Signature Loans. We offer loans for purposes of Home Improvements, Education, Wedding, Vocation, Bills/Loans Consolidation and Personal.
Membership in the Credit Union is open to Sigmas, Zetas, their families, the Fraternity, the Sorority, and their Regions and Chapters. A $28.00 minimum amount is required to open a share account, of which $3.00 pays the application fee and $25.00 purchases 5 shares at $5.00 each, deposited into the account.
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© Copyright 2018 Phi Beta Sigma Federal Credit Union Rights Reserved.
IT’S TIME TO COME HOME BROTHER.
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ROD CARTER
Brother Rod Carter is an award-winning journalist and the evening weekend anchor for News Channel 8 (NBC) in Tampa, Florida. Rod also anchors News Channel 8 at 8 on Great 38 weekend evenings. Rod is highly sought after in the Tampa area community as an emcee, speaker and moderator for many community events throughout Tampa Bay. He recently hosted and moderated the fraternity’s REAL TALK Forum in September 2017 during the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Annual Legislative Conference. He serves on the Community Leadership Board of the American Diabetes Association, the Swope, Rodante Vanguard Award Selection Board (selecting outstanding student athletes throughout the Bay area), the FAMU School of Journalism Board of Visitors, a Life Member of the FAMU National Alumni Association and a member of Beulah Baptist Institutional Church in Tampa. Bro. Carter is a proud graduate of Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, FL. He is the president of the Tampa Bay Association of Black Journalists (TBABJ) and a member of the Gamma Eta Sigma Chapter in Tampa, FL..
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KERRY CHARLES
Brother Kerry Charles is an anchor and reporter for FOX 5 News in Atlanta, Georgia. Prior to joining the station, he served for seven years as a morning news anchor in the Greensboro, N.C. area. Kerry has worked at stations in Cincinnati and Columbus Ohio, and Shreveport, LA. Kerry’s career has afforded him opportunities to cover some of the biggest stories in recent history. He went to our nation’s capital to cover the shooting of during a practice for the 2017 Congressional Charity Baseball Game, during which a U.S. Congressman and several other persons were seriously injured. He covered both national conventions during the 2016 Presidential campaign and the 2017 Presidential Inauguration. In 2012, Kerry followed the campaign trail to Charlotte to report live from the Democratic National Convention. He has covered a number of memorable stories including the 50th Anniversary of the March on Washington for Jobs & Freedom; special commemorations at the National D-Day Memorial (Bedford, VA) marking 70 years since the allied invasion along the beaches of France to retake Europe from Nazi Germany; the shootings at Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, SC, and the removal of the Confederate Flag from the grounds of the South Carolina statehouse. His journalistic work earned him an Emmy. Bro. Charles is committed to serving his community. In addition to serving as a mentor to aspiring journalists, Kerry is the inspiration behind an ongoing effort to provide financial literacy workshops, free lunch, grooming lessons and free haircuts to elementary and middle school students. He was initiated in the Lambda Theta Chapter at University of Cincinnati, and is very active with the National Association of Black Journalists. In April 2018, Morehouse College inducted Kerry into its MLK College of Ministers and Laity. The honorary college honors professionals who, in part, use their platform to better the lives of others. An Emmy award winning journalist, Kerry was named a University of Cincinnati Communications Alumni Champion (2014). He is one of 50 alumni in the Department of Communication’s history to receive this award. Communication Alumni champions have gone on to achieve success in their careers or professions, have provided a major impact on their local communities, or have provided significant support to the University or the department.
TIMON KYLE DURRETT
Brother Timon Kyle Durrett is a talented actor, currently best known for his role as David West, the controversial star basketball player on the hit OWN television show Queen Sugar. The Chicago native is not just another actor, he is an athlete and a scholar. He attended Alcorn State University where he made his mark on the basketball team and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree (with honors) in Communications. He became a member of Phi Beta Sigma at the Alpha Zeta Chapter. Soon after graduation, Timon journeyed to California, where he honed his craft and pursued his dream to become a professional actor. Timon paid his dues with bit parts and odd jobs and suddenly, the offers began to roll in. He has appeared in guest star and co-star roles on television shows such as Girlfriends, Eve, The Young & The Restless, CSI: Miami, CSI: NY, Vanished, Las Vegas, Heroes, Samantha Who?, Melrose Place, The Ghost Whisperer, and Castle. Known as Tree to friends and family because of his height (6’5”), Timon has since accepted his Hollywood nickname, The Chameleon. "I don’t just memorize lines, I study my character," Timon said in an interview. "I research his back story; I want to know my character's motives so that I can literally walk in his shoes when I perform. I can become the good guy, the bad guy, or even the reformed womanizer that I portray in Christopher Nolen’s 72 Hours. And, thus, I live up to my nickname."
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TIMON KYLE DURRETT CONTINUED Timon earned rave reviews in his stage debut in the national tour of Tyler Perry’s hit play, The Marriage Counselor, and a legion of fans as Quinn Davis on VH1’s first-ever scripted series Single Ladies. Most recently, Timon has appeared in Barbershop: The Next Cut and can be seen in two movies coming out later in 2018.
SANFORD GREENE
Brother Sanford Greene is best known for his most recent work on the hit Marvel Comic series, Powerman (Luke Cage) and Iron Fist, as well as the cover art for Black Panther. He has worked professionally in the comic illustration and related industries for over 15 years, having worked for such mainline publishers as, Marvel/ Disney, DC Comics, Dark Horse and Image Comics. He is currently working on his creator owned online comic series for Webtoons called 1000 and the anticipated new title called Bitter Root, a dark fantasy/action strip, set during the Harlem Renaissance for Image comics. The series is due to release in November 2018. Brother Greene was initiated at the Beta Mu Chapter at Benedict College, Columbia, SC in the Fall of 1997. He received a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree and immediate began professional work in graphic novel illustration and concept design. His first professional project was a graphic novel adaptation of Tim Burton’s Planet of the Apes. Other clients have included SEGA, Nickelodeon, Hasbro and Warner Brothers. Some of his more recent work is for a children’s book series called Kulipari (book 1), Army of Frogs (Book 2) and Amphibians End (Book 3) for Amulet Books, which was adapted into a television series for Netflix. He also, currently teaches illustration at Benedict College. Look for Brother Greene special participation with the Fall 2018 issue of The Crescent.
MATTHEW W. HORACE
Brother Matthew W. Horace is an author, speaker, national television news contributor and contributor to the Wall Street Journal on issues related to law enforcement and security. He is frequently featured on CNN, MSNBC, NBC, ABC, BBC and local affiliate stations. He has a distinguished career of over thirty-two years in federal, state, and local law enforcement managing local, regional, national, and international investigations. He has worked in every state in the Union as well as many foreign countries. Bro. Horace is also an adjunct professor at Farleigh Dickinson University, and is a published author. In 2016 he co-authored THE C.A.L.L., an anthology of short stories written by black men aimed to inspire Character, Accountability, Love, and Leadership in young men as they enter adulthood. In August, Hachette Publishing will release Brother Horace’s book The Black and The Blue: A Cop Reveals The Crimes, Racism and Injustice In America’s Law Enforcement, which addresses law enforcement, race and justice in America. Horace has a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Delaware State University, an M.A. from Seton Hall University. He is the Immediate Past President of the 100 Black Men of New Jersey.
44 The Crescent Magazine
REGINALD HUDLIN
Brother Reginald Hudlin is one of the most successful African American professionals in the film industry. He is a writer, producer and director, and the creative genius behind the current highest grossing superhero movie of all time, Black Panther. Twelve years prior to its film debut, Hudlin was hired to develop a comic-book series that opened the door to T’Challa’s big-screen success. But even before Black Panther, the Hudlin name had become equated with success in Hollywood, having directed two 1990s classics, House Party and Boomerang. As he continued crafting his creative writing skills working for Marvel Comics, Hudlin was hired as the President of Entertainment for BET in the summer of 2005, where he eventually produced the first and only Black Panther animated TV series. Reginald Hudlin began his career at his alma mater Harvard University, where he created his thesis project, a short film called House Party, based on his life experiences growing up in East St. Louis, IL. The project was a major success for Bro. Hudlin, winning him an award with the Black American Cinema Society. He graduated magna cum laude from Harvard, and his project became the basis for the movie. After graduation, he and his older brother Warrington created a company which produced music videos for entertainers including Heavy D and the Boyz and The Jamaica Boys. The success of the character and Marvel series Black Panther is largely due to Hudlin’s development of major plotlines, including the landmark marriage of Black Panther and Storm, as well as the creation of T’Challa’s half-sister Princess Shuri. The Black Panther animated series, which aired in 2011, drew the likes of Djimon Hounsou, Kerry Washington, Alfre Woodard, and Jill Scott into the nation of Wakanda. As a writer, director, and producer, Brother Hudlin’s credits include the television series’ “The Bondocks,” “The Bernie Mac Show,” and Fox’s “Showtime at the Apollo” specials. He was the producer for the film “Django Unchained” and director for “Marshall”, a film about Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, which starred Black Panther lead Chadwick Boseman. Hudlin was the creator of the BET Honors and the BET Hip Hop Awards. He also produced the 88th Academy Awards hosted by Chris Rock in 2016. He has been a nominee for the Academy Awards, the Golden Globe and the Emmy. He has been slated to direct the movie Shadowman, based on the New Orleans-based hero from Valiant Comics. Riding high on the massive success of Black Panther, Global Road Entertainment has signed Reginald Hudlin and Byron Phillips to a co-development deal through their company New Nation Networks. Under the agreement, Hudlin and Phillips will develop and produce original content across all platforms for Global Road. Hudlin was inducted as an Honorary Member in October 2010 in Hollywood, California.
ERIC PHILIPS
Brother Eric Philips is a reporter and anchor for NBC-12 in Richmond, Virginia. In addition to being part of the 12News Today team, Eric covers stories across Central Virginia. Eric is a recent recipient of the coveted Emmy Award. He has been a news reporter for local stations in Charlotte, Atlanta, Norfolk, and Salisbury, MD. He also worked for five years as a correspondent for CNN, where he covered stories coast to coast. A native of Morristown, NJ, Eric is no stranger to Virginia, having graduated from Hampton University and worked in Hampton Roads. Bro. Philips is a member of the non-profit organization The Brothers of 1-5-1. He was initiated into Phi Beta Sigma through the Zeta Delta Sigma chapter. Summer 2018 45
PREPARING BROTHERS FOR THE
“REAL WORLD” THE SIGMA EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP COUNCIL
O
ne of the key challenges talked about during the 2017 elections was how to engage collegiate members and help them prepare for real world careers upon graduation. Candidate Bro. Micheal Cristal talked about developing a council of brothers from various vocational backgrounds who have demonstrated success in their chosen careers. His vision would put undergraduate members in direct contact with this team of men, who could provide mentoring and wise counsel for these aspiring professionals. Upon becoming International President, Cristal used his professional skills retail management to attract successful Sigma men from numerous vocations to make up this “super team” to work with collegiate members in their quest to be the best they can be. The Sigma Executive Leadership Council is a conglomeration of the “best of the best” in our fraternity and in their communities. They are Sigma men who work in some of the highest offices in their respective professions. Among them are senior executives of Fortune 100 and Global 500 companies; men who sit on Boards of Directors for Fortune 1,000 and Global 500 companies; chief executive officers of professional services organizations; and men who serve in the upper levels of our nation’s colleges and universities. Although the Council’s primary goal is to provide guidance and mentoring for future Sigma professionals, it is hopeful that the relationships built with collegiate brothers will have a powerful impact on the communities into which they return. The Leadership Council will work with Collegiate Affairs, the Sigma Leadership Academy and the International Program Directors to identify, teach and guide Sigma men to be the best that they can be in an ever-changing world. Among their goals are to develop networks between collegiate members and professionals in their chosen fields, and to create internship possibilities which will provide real work experiences for these young men. We welcome the first official Sigma Executive Leadership Council, and look forward to seeing the fruits of their labor!
RODNEY
REGINALD M.
MICHEAL E.
PETER J.
Rodney currently serves as a Senior Vice President for Sodexo, heading its Midwest operations. He is responsible for leading and developing strategies to deliver economic, operational and commercial growth. Rodney is executive sponsor for Sodexo’s INclusion commUnity and the Chicagoland chapter of HONOR. Bro. Brown earned his MBA and Bachelors’ degree in Business Management from Saint Leo University.
Reginald Browne, a senior executive in the exchange traded funds industry (ETFs), is the chief architect of the distribution model for ETFs by professional market participants. Reginald runs a global franchise and is one of the most recognizable participants in the industry. Currently, he is a Senior Managing Director at Cantor Fitzgerald & Co. in New York. Bro. Browne has more than three decades of Wall Street experience and has diverse interest tightly woven across commerce, financial democracy, community redevelopment and global inclusion. He is a Director on the American Century ETF Board of Directors and has advised the Securities and Exchange Commission on U.S. Equity Market Structure as a member of one of their appointed committees.
Hon. Brother Micheal E. Cristal is currently the Vice President of Operations for the Kroger Company in Phoenix, AZ, where he’s responsible for leading a team of 22,000 employees delivering over $5 Billion in sales within 122 Fry's stores. Micheal has increased sales within the division by championing an improved shopping experience, high level merchandising standards, people development, and accountability of his Team to deliver the desired financial results. He received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Marketing from Mississippi State University, where he also became a fraternity member through the Theta Iota Chapter on April 3, 1982.
Peter J. Gates, Jr. is a Senior Vice President at Wells Fargo Bank in Chicago, Illinois. He is responsible for Credit Risk and Portfolio Management for over $5 billion in commitments to Middle Market and Corporate Banking Clients in the Midwest. He has been with the company for nearly 14 years, after serving at Bank of America and KPMG. Bro. Gates earned his B.S. in Accounting/ Finance and Minor in Applied Mathematics from Roosevelt University in Chicago. He volunteers in his spare time as a coach and mentor to youth athletic leagues in the Chicago area.
DR. JOHN G. IGWEBUIKE
JULIAN MACAULAY
BROWN
NEBEYOU ABEBE 48 The Crescent Magazine
BROWNE
CRISTAL
GATES, JR.
ALVIN NICHOLLS
BENOIT E.
GRAND MOUGIN
Benoit Grandmougin is a Provider Engagement Executive in the Medicare Operations division at Humana. He is responsible for value-based arrangements with integrated delivery systems and multispecialty groups in the Northeast Region. Prior to joining Humana, he negotiated managed care contracts for several health systems including Northwell Health, Mount Sinai Health System, and Emory Healthcare. Bro. Grandmougin is a Ph.D. student in the Health Sciences program at Seton Hall University. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Healthcare Administration from St. John’s University, a Masters’ in Public Health from the University of Tennessee, and a Masters’degree in Healthcare Administration from Hofstra University. Mr. Grandmougin is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and Board Member at Large for Long Island.
ANDRE K.
DR. BENNIE L.
DEVON
Andre Kimo Stone Guess is the President of GuessWorks, Inc. a management and consulting firm. He has over 25 years of non-profit executive and consulting experience in the arts and cultural arena. Andre was previously CEO of the August Wilson Center for African American Culture in Pittsburgh. Some of his clients include: The Pew Charitable Trusts, William Penn Foundation, New Orleans Jazz Orchestra, The Clef Club in Philadelphia, Signature Theater, MCC Theater, Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, New York City Opera, Wynton Marsalis Enterprises, Inc. and the Brooklyn Music School Christian McBride, Darin Atwater, Sean Jones, Aaron Diehl, Warren Wolf and Nicholas Payton. Bro. Guess earned a B.S. in Economics with a minor in Actuarial Mathematics from the University of Louisville. Andre has served as producer for several recording projects, including one which earned him a Grammy. He is also a writer and cultural critic with works published by USA Today, The Courier-Journal, The Root, The Grio and ESPN’s The Undefeated.
Dr. Bennie L. Harris serves as Senior Vice President at Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta, GA and is responsible for institutional advancement, marketing, communications and external affairs. Bro. Harris earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering from Mississippi State University, an MBA in Strategic Marketing from Washington State University and his PhD in Educational Leadership and Marketing from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. His resume includes leadership positions in institutional advancement at Lipscomb University in Nashville, TN, DePaul University in Chicago, Illinois, University of Alabama at Birmingham and Washington State University.
Devon Henry is the CEO & President of Team Henry Enterprises, LLC. Team Henry is a multi-discipline contracting and logistics firm headquartered in Newport News, VA with offices in Richmond, VA, Raleigh, NC and Miami, FL. Bro. Henry Devon is very active in his community and speaks at several local universities about entrepreneurship and S.T.E.M. initiatives. He was recently appointed to the Board of Directors of Village Bank and Trust Financial Corp. He also serves on other boards and committees including: Board of Visitors for Norfolk State University, Eastern Regional Director for Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity and the March of Dimes. Bro. Henry earned his B.S. degree in Biology from Norfolk State University and his Master of Science degree in Environmental Management from The University of Maryland.
GUESS
HARRIS
HENRY
Summer 2018 49
DERRICK D.
DR. SIDNEY
NATE
COREY
Derrick Little is the Executive Director of Digital Engineering for the GE Appliances Division. In this role he is responsible for setting the vision for product definition, dimensional control, engineering processes and tools, as well as global services staffing and execution. He also is working to develop electronic documentation systems for the digital thread to enhance access, usability, and control of information for product development and production teams. As a strong advocate for STEAM education, Bro. Little gives of his time to many organizations and activities that support the development of students in the areas of math and science. He currently serves on the board of the Louisville Regional Science & Engineering Fair, and GE Appliances’ AfricanAmerican Forum with Rico’s Roundtable which is a part of the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization. Derrick is an alumnus the University of Louisville with a B.S. and Master of Engineering in Electrical Engineering.
Dr. Sidney A. McPhee, the tenth president of Middle Tennessee State University, has presided over one of the most remarkable periods of growth and progress in the university’s history. Since his arrival, MTSU has been successful in raising its admission standards, which resulted in an increase in enrollment of high achieving students. Brother Dr. McPhee has overseen the addition of over 35 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, two colleges, and 16 institutes and centers. Since his appointment in 2001, the university has been successful in completing more than $800 million in improvements in academic, athletic and campus facilities. A book of McPhee’s photographic essays, China: Through the Eyes of An American University President, published in July 2012, was sponsored by the Hanban-Confucius Institute and released internationally.
“Highly respected”, “extremely versatile” and “tremendously effective” is how many describe Nathaniel “Nate” Miles, Vice President for Strategic Initiatives for Eli Lilly and Company. For more than 30 years, Nate has been a major force in the national healthcare, community and non-profit sectors. Bro. Miles began his professional career as a marketing executive for KIRO Broadcasting in Seattle, WA (CBS affiliate). Over the course of his career, he has been recognized by local and national leaders, elected officials and others as a powerful agent of change, a coalition builder in some of the most diverse populations. He was called upon by former President Bill Clinton to work with prominent business leaders nationwide to advise the President on the development and implementation of landmark foreign policy. Bro. Miles is a distinguished graduate of the University of Washington.
Corey Peters has been a force to be reckoned with since his days at Central High School in Louisville, KY, where he graduated with academic honors and was a standout in football. He attended the University of Kentucky where he earned his Bachelors’ degree in Secondary Education and was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons. Bro. Peters went on to complete a Masters’ degree in Educational Leadership at Michigan State University and in 2015, he signed with the Arizona Cardinals. He started the Peters Educational Enrichment Project, which is geared toward enhancing the lives of young people that need positive interactions and role models and founded Eden Estates LLC, a real estate holding company that provides affordable housing.
LITTLE
50 The Crescent Magazine
MCPHEE
MILES
PETERS
DR. LAMONT O.
WAYNE
FRED A.
FRANK X
Dr. Lamont O. Repollet was called to serve as the Commissioner of Education for the New Jersey State Board of Education earlier this year. After receiving unanimous Senate confirmation, he was sworn in by Governor Phil D. Murphy on June 19, 2018 as New Jersey’s first AfricanAmerican Commissioner of Education. In this role, Dr. Repollet is working to redesign the Department of Education to what he calls “DOE 2.0.” He is transitioning the Department to become a model organization, strengthen teaching leading and learning, and increase educational equity for students across New Jersey. Bro. Dr. Repollet has served as a District Superintendent for the Asbury Park School District. He earned his Masters’ degree in Education Administration from Kean University, and the Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University.
Wayne Snow is the Vice President of Advertising for Oklahoman Media Company, publisher of The Oklahoman, Oklahoman Direct, NewsOK. com, and oklahoman.com. He began his media career in 1985 after being recruited out of college by The Miami Herald. A Florida State University Business graduate, his first stint at the Miami Herald was three years as an Account Executive, before joining the Florida TimesUnion in Jacksonville, as a Senior Account Executive in Retail and Major Accounts. Over his media career, Snow has served on boards of the Newspaper Association of America, Kentucky Press Association, and Junior Achievement. As a leader in the Bluegrass State, Wayne was appointed by the Governor of Kentucky to the Bluegrass State Skills Corporation, Cabinet for Economic Development. In addition, Bro. Snow served as The Miami Herald’s Executive Liaison to the United Way of South Florida.
Fred Towler has been employed with International Paper for 31 years, and currently serves as the Vice President Supply Chain North American Papers. He is responsible for International Paper’s North American Center for Transportation Excellence and the Global Supply Chain Center of Excellence. Fred is a graduate of the University of Memphis and was recognized in 2016 as a Distinguished Alumnus. He attended the Northwestern University – Kellogg School of Management Executive Program and the University of Virginia – Darden School of Business Executive Program. Bro. Towler serves on several boards in the Memphis, TN area, including the Board of Visitors for the University of Memphis, Board of Directors for the University of Memphis Foundation, the Executive Leadership Team for the Mid-South Heart Association Heart Walk, and the Board of Directors for Literacy MidSouth. He also serves on the US Department of Agriculture Paper and Packaging Board.
Multidisciplinary artist Frank X Walker is a graduate of the University of Kentucky, and completed an MFA in Writing at Spalding University. He has lectured, conducted workshops, read poetry and exhibited at over 300 national conferences and universities including the Verbal Arts Centre in Derry, Northern Ireland; Santiago, Cuba; University of California at Berkeley and Notre Dame. Bro. Walker is a founding member of the Affrilachian Poets and the editor of America! What's My Name? The "Other" Poets Unfurl the Flag and Eclipsing a Nappy New Millennium. He has authored and published four poetry collections. Walker teaches in writing programs like Fishtrap in Oregon and SplitRock at the University of Minnesota and currently serves as Associate Professor in the Department of English at the University of Kentucky.
REPOLLET
SNOW
TOWLER
WALKER
Summer 2018 51
DR. JOSEPH
JOHN E.
ANTHONY R.
CHRIS
Joseph West is the Managing Director at Capgenus, an emerging healthcare consulting firm focused on personalized medicine, population health and practice management. He is a cofounder of NextLevel Health Illinois, a Medicaid HMO. He also serves as Lecturing Faculty at University of Miami – Miller School of Medicine. Brother Dr. West received his epidemiology training at the Harvard School of Public Health (Masters’ of Science and Doctorate of Science). He earned his undergraduate degree in Sociology from the University of Illinois – Urbana. Among his many awards, West received the Dwight D. Eisenhower Scholar at Harvard, Albert Schweitzer “Reverence For Life” Award at the Harvard School of Public Health, and the Chicago Defender Man of Excellence Award.
John White serves as Vice President, North America Operations ManagementSchools for Sodexo. He provides leadership and direction for all business aspects within the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States including account operations, growth, and retention, people development and training, financial growth and accountability to deliver on Sodexo Quality of Life positioning. His focus is on partnering with and developing strong commercial relationships with local communities to develop business outcomes and promote success in Sodexo’s corporate responsibility and sustainability programs. Bro. earned the Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition and Institutional Management from Alcorn State University and a Masters’ degree in Business Administration from Bellarmine University Louisville Kentucky.
Anthony R. Williams is the Senior Vice President, Global HRBP Corporate Functions for The Estée Lauder Companies. He plays a significant role governing the development and implementation of HR policies and future value-added services and programs for the company, including recruitment, talent management, retention strategies and change management. Bro. Williams was previously employed with Tyco International, Inc. in a similar capacity. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Personnel Management and Labor Relations from Indiana University Bloomington and completed the Human Resource Management Executive Education Program at University of Michigan's Stephen M. Ross School of Business.
Chris L. Winton is the Vice President of Human Resources for FedEx Services, Inc. He joined FedEx as an IT intern in 1997, and is currently responsible for leading HR functions for FedEx Services, including compensation, HR analysis, organizational effectiveness, recruiting, performance management, and workforce strategy & planning. Bro. Winton is also the Enterprise Business Lead for Workday at FedEx. In 2014, he was recognized by the Memphis Business Journal as a “Top 40 Leader under 40” for his body of work with Teach for America and TechHire. Chris earned his Bachelors’ degree from the University of Memphis in Management Information Systems and his MBA from Dowling College.
WEST
52 The Crescent Magazine
WHITE
WILLIAMS
WINTON
At Sodexo, diversity and inclusion is a business imperative, grounded in our core values of team spirit and the spirit of service and progress. In our continued commitment to being an inclusive organization, we embrace, leverage and respect the diversity of our workforce, our clientele and the communities in which we live, work and serve. Sodexo is proud to have executive leaders who are members of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. These leaders are committed to developing and inspiring the next generation of leaders.
NEBEYOU ABEBE
RODNEY BROWN
JOHN E. WHITE
Vice President, Health and Wellness, Sodexo North America
Senior Vice President, Universities West, Sodexo North America
Vice President, Schools Mid-Atlantic, Sodexo North America
Chairman African American Leadership Forum (AALF)
INclusion Community Executive Sponsor HONOR - Executive Sponsor, Chicagoland
Former Chairman African American Leadership Forum (AALF). AALF Capital Region Executive Sponsor
(Honor: Honoring Our Nation’s Finest with Opportunity and Respect)
BIGGER & BETTER
BUSINESS
INVESTING THE BLACK DOLLAR WISELY:
PHI BETA SIGMA IMPACTS THE COMMUNITY WITH ECONOMIC WISDOM AND MINORITY BUSINESS SUPPORT
P
hi Bigger & Better Business became the first National Program of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity. It was first introduced at the Tenth Anniversary Conclave, held in Philadelphia, PA in December 1924. When Bigger & Better Business was adopted, the expressed purpose at the time was to encourage Negro businessmen to improve their business acumen, efficiency and service to the public in order to favorably compete with other businesses. Today, the program continues in the fraternity’s commitment to elevating the exposure and engagement of minority-owned businesses. Under the leadership of Brother Reginald Sluch, International Director of Bigger & Better Business, Phi Beta Sigma has placed an all-out effort to push its chapters to establish vital relationships with local businesses in the communities they serve. These community staples are called SIGMA BUSINESS PARTNERS. Launched in June 2018, the initiative pushes chapter engagement with a targeted culmination of September 30, 2018. The plan encourages chapters to adopt or partner with small or minority-owned businesses in their community, city or campus. Alumni Chapters are asked to support 3 -5 businesses, while collegiate chapters should seek partnerships with 1-2 businesses. There are several ways in which chapters can support the businesses. Invitations to chapter meetings to present their goods or services or patronizing, promoting and spotlight a business within the community. Chapters can also render and capture service hours, dollars spent or raised for these businesses through Sigma events.
54 The Crescent Magazine
Partnering in media exposure is one of the best forms of support. Chapters can feature these businesses on their chapter websites, in newsletters, or social media. One of the best resources is the fraternity’s own consortium of business owners, the Sigma Business Network. The program strongly suggests promoting our own brothers. It’s of critical importance to position Sigma Brothers as conscious business leaders making an impact in the community. As leaders, the Bigger & Bigger Business program also recognized the need to make educating the African American population on credit worthiness a priority. The program recently launched a call to action with the question “Interested in gaining a better understanding of credit and debit management?” An International Conference Call was held on understanding how credit and debit works. The objective was to ensure that the fraternity’s members are introduced to the finer details of credit and debit management.
good credit, how to calculate, prioritize and manage debt and recognize the signs of identity theft and how to protect oneself. As a follow-up, the initiative on credit and debit management is holding a second seminar solely dedicated to credit repairs. It offers a step-by-step plan to move from poor credit to great credit within six months.
Participants of the webinar will be given several tips and strategies that can be leveraged to their score. If attendees are experiencing damaged credit or in need of repair, the webinar facilitators will share tactics and steps that will rebuild and repair their scores. This overall investment in the community will targeted to increase the power of the Black Dollar significantly. Through education and support, the impact of the Black Dollar with grow exponentially.
Sigma men and chapter leaders, representing all seven regions, participated in the webinar that helped to underscore what a FICO score represented. It also covered ways to establish and maintain Summer 2018 55
SOCIAL
ACTION
P
hi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. as part of its Sigma Wellness Initiative joined New York City's First Lady Chirlane McCray and her movement to transform how municipalities across the nation and globe address mental health, awareness and services. Recognizing the need for culturally-relevant outreach, First Lady McCray engaged Black male leadership for BROTHERS THRIVE. This joint effort with the other fraternities of the Divine Nine and 100 Black Men of America, marked the beginning of intentional engagement with the African-American community, while also centering Black leadership as integral partners to the solutions needed to repair our communities.
56 The Crescent Magazine
The energy in the room was absolutely electric and powerful. To gather the fullness of the moment and what it represented is hard to put into words. What I am absolutely confident about is the impact that our collective power will have on New York City the African-American male population and their mental health. Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity's Social Action arm continues to raise the bar of the level of engagement of our membership. We are just getting started, said Chris Rey, International Director of Social Action.
Summer 2018 57
EDUCATION
PHI BETA SIGMA’S ADOPT-A-SCHOOL INITIATIVE ALLOW CHAPTERS TO BE HANDS-ON IN IMPROVING SCHOOLS ACROSS THE NATION
P
ublic education systems across the nation are spending countless of hours addressing the disparities in affordable education programs and opportunities between some urban communities and suburban neighborhoods. Educational budgets continue to vary from inner city schools concentrated in minority communities with those in predominately white communities. Phi Beta Sigma continues its commitment to giving hands-on support directly to schools in the communities they serve. Bro. Steven D. Kniffley, International Director of Education provides the reason for the initiative, “Our Adopt-A-School program allows our dedicated chapters and members to formalize a partnership between them and the schools or classrooms in the neighborhoods they serve. It empowers disadvantaged youth through programming, fundraising and advocacy.” The program provides for short-term mentorship, while encouraging a collaboration of the Fraternity’s four program areas: Sigma Beta Club, Bigger & Better Business, Social Action and Education.
58 The Crescent Magazine
To affectively administer the program, Sigma Chapters are provided a thorough webinar that instructs the members on how to approach a school and negotiate the Memorandum of Understanding, as well as provide program ideas. The Brothers have the option of supporting the program through fundraising efforts, which could include sponsoring a book fair or field trip; class and/or school end-of-year party, scholarships, school supply drive, donation of playground supplies, school uniforms or books. The possibilities for unique engagement are as vast as there are participants. Some of the various ideas for programs include conducting a Spelling Bee, Read-In Initiative, After-School tutoring, STEM/STEAM program, Meet the Professional Day, Voter Registration Drive, Essay Contest, Teacher Appreciation Day, Oratorical & Debate Contest or Beautification Project. The webinar also offers chapters the step-by-step training on developing collaborations with other service organizations with a like-minded focus, as well as pursuing funding. Lastly, the webinar assists chapters with capturing data for the purpose of reporting. Once chapters engage schools in the Adopt-A-School program, it’s vital to the success of the initiative, for chapters to utilize multiple modalities to capture program information. The training directs chapters to keep the reporting mechanism consistent with program goals, engage in both shortterm and long-term assessment and access both outcomes and outputs.
“As A Brotherhood of Conscious Men Actively Serving Our Community, Phi Beta Sigma determined to be fully engaged with improving the educational opportunities of our young students,” shares President Micheal E. Cristal, International President. “If not us, then who? We must make the personal sacrifice to put our young boys on a positive path for a promising future. It starts in the home, stretches to the classroom and then, in the world. So, we’re intentional in our efforts to impact the communities we serve.”
Summer 2018 59
APPROVED LICENSED VENDORS The following is a list of all approved licensed vendors for Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. Should you see any unlicensed vendors selling our paraphernalia please report it to the International Headquarters.
#
C
F
4imprint, Inc.
CertiPH’d DeZignZ
FortyFour
550 Strong
Christopher V Cheatham
Francis Communications, Inc.
CJB Jewelry
Fresh Prints
Club Colors Buyers
Fuel
3 Sisters Embroidery
A
Ace Screen Printing Adam Block Design Advanced Graphic Products, Inc. Affiliate Merchandise Group All Sewn Up Allen Professional Graphics Group American Collegiate Sports Angelus Pacific Company Anton Sport Apedes Art F/X Attitude Designs
B
B & J Greek Stop B-Unlimited BA Promotions & Marketing Big Boy Headgear, Inc. Bloody But Unbowed Greek Gifts Boundless Brand Builders Company Branders.com, Inc. BSN Sports-Farmers Branch Buffalo Dallas
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CafePress, Inc.
College Hill Custom Threads The Collegiate Standard Collegeryder Craftique Manufacturing Company CreateMyTee.com Creative CNC Carvings Creative T-Shirts & Imaging Cuff-Daddy Customink
D
Fashion Greek
G
Geared Up Girls Geneologie Gifted Images Graphic FX Gray’s College Bookstore Greek 101/Campus T-Shirt Greek-Branded Greek Composites By Vantine Imaging Greek Dynasty
Daydream Marketing
Greek Empire
Decade Productions
Greek Escape
Deference Clothing
Greek Essence
DesignAShirt.com
Greek 4 Life
Diva Starr
GreekGear.com/Express Design Group, Inc.
Dog Prints
Greek House
Doom Wear Designs
Greek Nation
E
E&V Embroidery Elite Screen Printing
Greek Occasions GreekTShirts.com Greek Unique Greek Yearbook
H
N
T
Happy Me Tee
National Sportswear & Emblem
The College Crib
Haute Frat
Need Nalia?
The Graphic Cow
H Creations Embroidery
Noble Image Apparel and Concierge
The Greek Scene
Halo Branded Solutions, Inc.
Houndstooth Cloothing Company
I
Ink Cotton In-Zone, Inc.
NameMakers/Campus Connection
O
On Point Promos OOShirts, Inc.
Teamwork Athletic
The Neon South The Rah Rah Company The Social Life The Trophy Shop
P
The University Closet
James M Williams International
Pride Sash
Threds, Inc.
JPG Apparel
Print Mania, Inc.
JNJ Apparel
Pure Country, Inc.
J
Joneswear, Inc.
K
Parson-Bishop Services, Inc.
R
Royal Greek Store
Kapsil Greek Specialties
RushOrderTees.com
Kevin Davis Design + Brand
Rxdesigns
King Greek, Inc. Kotis Design Kustom Kut
L
Lasa & Associates, Inc./Geek Divine and More Letters Greek
M
McCluskey and Associates Mega Greek/EC Group Merchnerds MoDessaDesigns More Greeks Morgan & Morgan Marketing Morgan Row MV Sports
S
SANDZ, Inc. Savage Promotions, Inc. Scotty Gear Fraternity & Sorority Products/Desert Cactus Shamrock Green Holdings Simply Sophisticate Something Greek/EZ Corporate Clothing South By Sea College Sport-tee Sporty Promotions Student Book Stores, Inc.
The University Shop Tiger Town Graphics/TTGrafx.com/CJ Printing/Southern Fried Cotton Tough Shirts Triple OT Sports Shop
U
U Big T’s Screenn Printing & Embroidery UberPrints, Inc. Underground Printing Unique Printing Unique Impressions University Apparel, Inc. University Sports Shop/Embroidery House
V
Vantage Imaging Victory Designs
W
WestPoint Home Wood Works! By Erick Black
Y
Yeti Coolers
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Sigma men are strong fathers
Thank you for your support
marchforbabies.org/phibetasigma
THE CRESCENT MAGAZINE Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. 145 Kennedy Street NW Washington, DC 20011-5294