Investing In The Brotherhood

ONGOING

INVESTING IN OUR LOYAL BROTHERS

The Cristal administration committed to making it clear that the active members are the most vital part of Phi Beta Sigma. The fraternity would cease to exist without the commitment of individuals and chapters who meet their financial obligations and provide active support to the causes, i.e. the members who show by their actions a genuine love for Sigma. President Cristal made it clear that his team would be ever mindful of those who showed by their actions their loyalty, and such loyalty deserved to be rewarded. He understood that many brothers give their time and resources at the sacrifice of their families and personal lives. Membership may have its privileges—but those who dedicate themselves to the promotion and support of the organization’s programs should be acknowledged.

In his vision, President Cristal provided an outline of how the fraternity would do more to recognize the work of its brothers, which included:

1. Making awards to loyal members and chapters on a regular basis for contributions above and beyond requirements

2. Committing to communicating more with the Brotherhood

3. Appointing a “Value Proposition Committee” to develop a program to encourage non-active members to return to the fold while providing incentives which highlighted the benefits of being reconnected

4. The creation of Centers of Excellence at the International

Headquarters, designed to provide more access to the ongoing activities of Sigma

5. Making membership growth and development a major priority— making numbers count as the push continues for bringing in new members (the result was realizing the largest membership numbers in Phi Beta Sigma’s history!

6. The launching of the Sigma E-Learning Center, to promote the further growth and development of the membership

Communication has been a vital part of the commitment to keeping brothers in the know about their fraternity. During his administration President Cristal pushed for having The Crescent Magazine published on a consistent basis, with at least two issues per year becoming the standard. Additionally, the Communications team launched the Crescent on the Yard, a digital magazine focused on the collegiate membership.

The Technology team at the International Headquarters was pressed into involvement with this effort, providing insight and resources which allow members to be in contact and in the know at a moment’s notice. The Sigma App was launched, featuring quick access to the international website, BluPrint, Conclave, push notifications and more. Brothers were provided live access to General Board meetings and other significant events (including the celebration of the 107th Founders Day celebration) via livestreaming. Even the COVID-19 pandemic could not keep Phi Beta Sigma down—brothers were engaged on a weekly basis in special online gatherings to support and encourage each other through the most difficult period of this world crisis.

The appointed Value Proposition Committee introduced several innovations to keep brothers engaged and encouraged, including: the SigmaLink (via LinkedIn); the Sigma Loyal Service Recognition program; sharing of birthday greetings and Sigmaversary e-messages to acknowledge milestone celebrations; the Neo Portal for new members; and the SigmaLINK Job Manual.

P H I B E T A S I G M A F R A T E R N I T Y, I N C .

PHI BETA SIGMA FRATERNITY APP

GET Connected, STAY Connected

Member’s Value Proposition

MEMBERSHIP HAS ITS PRIVILEGES

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BUILD UPON THE BRANDING,

PRESENCE AND IMPACT OF OUR SIGMA BETA CLUB

Throughout his campaign and his administration, President Micheal Cristal provided a vision of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity as a leader in the work of making African American communities stronger. His vision placed particular emphasis on educating and supporting Black males in their early years. From the statement of his administration’s theme to the promotion of the Trilogy of Change, the President remained steady in his understanding of the purpose of his time in office: The Trilogy of Change is our mission and vision. Its purpose is evident by the bright light currently beaming on our Sigma Beta Club, our culture’s future, under the leadership of Bro. Jenabu Williams, International Director of Sigma Beta Clubs.

The Sigma Beta Club was an idea which came into fruition in 1954 under the leadership of the National Director of Education, Brother Dr. Parlett L. Moore. As the 20th International President of the fraternity and an educator, Dr. Moore understood how the residents of Black communities were at a major disadvantage with regard to obtaining the education and training needed to be productive. His influence combined with the voices of other Black Greek-lettered organizations forced the Supreme Court to decide favorably in the Brown vs. Board of Education case. Dr. Moore embraced that same energy in moving his beloved fraternity to establish the first Sigma Beta Club in 1954. Its purpose—to provide mentors from the ranks of Black professional men for young men who had little or no exposure to higher education and its potential benefits.

While Phi Beta Sigma embraced the idea of doing its part to support its communities, the active support of Sigma Beta Clubs has not always been a priority for the fraternity. The Cristal administration determined that the promotion of this program must take precedence if Black organizations and communities are to survive and thrive. The Trilogy of Change proposed making African American young men a focal point in empowering Black communities. Some of the highlights of the push to promote the Sigma Beta Club during this administration include:

1. The 2018 National Sigma Beta Club Leadership

Conference, held at Dillard University (New Orleans, Louisiana)

2. “Real Talk” 2019 promoted the theme

“They Need Us to Survive”, to emphasize the importance of being present in Black communities

3. Development of a partnership with the National

CARES Mentoring Movement in 2020

4. The National SBC program hosted a virtual graduation ceremony celebrating its participants around the country

5. Sigma men were present at President Barack

Obama’s Mentoring Conference

6. The Fraternity made a donation of $50,000 to the National Sigma Beta Club Foundation

7. The induction of Wayne Brady as an Honorary

Member of Phi Beta Sigma led to his appointment as a National Spokesperson for the Sigma Beta Club. Brother Brady is known for his work with community organizations providing support to disenfranchised youth.

8. Signed a MOU with the National Sigma

Beta Club Foundation. Defining clear roles and responsibilities of the NSBCF and the fraternity. The International Director of

Education will serve on the NSBCF Board of Directors.

PERHAPS THE MOST SIGNIFICANT ACHIEVEMENT OF THIS ADMINISTRATION’S EFFORTS TO PROMOTE THE SIGMA BETA CLUB HAS BEEN

MENTORING OVER 4,200 YOUNG MEN OF COLOR!