GETTING
READY!
WINTER 2021
Brotherhood First: A GREAT TIME to be a Sigma!
We celebrate Black Joy.
We celebrate Black Joy.
Its beauty. Its brilliance. Its variety. Its tenacity. Its resilience. Its ability to thrive despite everything.
Its beauty.The Its power brilliance. ItsJoy variety. Its tenacity. Its resilience. of Black truly knows no bounds... Its ability toit’s thrive A Joy despite Supreme.everything.
The power of Black Joy truly knows no bounds... Celebrate A Joy Supreme with us at aarp.org/blackcommunity it’s A Joy Supreme.
4 6 8
GREETINGS Message from the International President and International 2nd Vice President.
SPIRIT OF MENTORING LAUNCHES Mastering VirtuaL Instruction ON THE COVER
Collegiate Sigma Brothers ( L to R) Marc Gorum (Howard Univ), Rasheed Oridedi (Univ of Maryland-College Park), Mamadou Koyate (Howard Univ), Destin Davis (Howard Univ) and Travis Brown (Howard Univ)
ABOVE PHOTO Eta Chapter at North Carolina A&T University
CONTENTs 12 16 22 On-Line Education to Meet Learners Where They Are Sigma Wellness : Mental Health is Serious
Getting Ready for THE Job World
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Steven E. Ballard
EDITORTIAL STAFF
Corey Hicks Trae D. Johnson Dr. Kent L. Poindexter John E. White Anthony R. Williams
LAYOUT & DESIGN
Marvin B. Manigault Jr
EDITORIAL OFFICE Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity INC. 145 Kennedy Street, NW Washington , DC 20011-5294 (202) 726-5434 www.phibetasigma1914.org
READY FOR THE WORLD Greetings Brothers in Sigma! As I prepare for the final six months as your international president, I remain committed to providing you, our collegiate members, with the tools you need to become productive citizens in the communities you serve. From Day One, this administration has exalted the three pillars of the Trilogy of Change, where our focus has been on developing the youth— from Sigma Beta Clubs to collegians to young adults. This issue of The Crescent On The Yard continues with that commitment, assisting you in preparing your exit from college life to career endeavors. We’ve donned the Winter 2021 edition “Getting Ready!” As you advance in your life’s goal through professional development, we want you to be prepared, positioned and postured to take on every new challenge for which you’ll be faced. In this current climate, even though some rules are varied and traditions altered, some preparatory steps are still tried and true. This issue offers valuable information and tools from prominent Sigma resources solely at your fingertips. Not only will you find actionable steps for success, we also emphasize the importance of a healthy mind as you embark upon a
4 • THE CRESENT : ON THE YARD
new territory. Through Sigma Wellness, we understand that mental health is a serious matter in managing today’s social and professional arenas. I advise you to absorb all that this issue has to offer in assisting you in presenting yourselves as the total package for any business, institution or organization. Thank you for continuing to support this publication! Be sure to register for Conclave 2021: Myrtle Beach to engage in a learning experience that will equip you with more professional and leadership tools, networking opportunities and fraternity fellowship. See you there! Remember: “Brotherhood First, A GREAT TIME to be a Sigma!”
HON. MICHEAL E. CRISTAL International President
Greetings My Collegiate Brothers! First, I want to thank each of you for supporting this officer, as well as Brother Matthew Swalek and Brother Samuel Sarkodie, your Collegiate
Members-At-Large. It is an honor to be elected to serve and supported during the work.
Each of us are transitioning into new roles,
leaving the academic institutions and entering the professional world. Though it is scary, the
fellowship and support of the Brotherhood has made the change a little easier.
I highly urge you to keep this issue of The
and worked with some of the most talented,
creative and amazing role models on all levels. I want to personally thank every leader who’ve
poured into me since my initiation into this great brotherhood.
I hope to see each of you in Myrtle Beach from August 3 – 8, 2021.
Crescent On The Yard ever present before you.
Fraternally,
prepare for the job market. From understanding
DANE NORVELL,
This issue is an awesome tool that will help you your strengths and weaknesses to establishing
your personal brand, this magazine offers step-
International Second Vice President
by-step guidance in building yourself as the total package.
As Sigma Men we come from greatness.
Many of us have been fortunate to have met
WINTER 2021 • 5
4 • THE CRESENT : ON THE YARD
PHI BETA SIGMA LAUNCHES SPIRIT OF MENTORING
WELCOME SPIRIT OF MENTORING: BROTHER TO BROTHER MENTEES
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., through the Sigma Executive Leadership Council, recently launched Spirit of Mentoring, a global initiative designed to proactively support collegiate brothers through collaboration, goal achievement and problem solving. The Spirit of Mentoring initiative will provide the following impact: • Develop readiness assessments • Help build a diverse pipeline of future leaders • Develop an initiative that will be in close alignment with the fraternity’s strategies and strategic imperatives • Create a competitive advantage • Utilize the innovative technology to establish and market a new spirit of brother to brother mentoring. THE BROTHER TO BROTHER MENTORING INITIATIVE, a component of Spirit of Mentoring, seeks to develop the depth, breadth and diversity of our global leadership talent at every level in the organization. The Brother to Brother Mentoring initiative pairs emerging leaders with experienced leaders in the fraternity. Through Brother to Brother, the program aims to • Help increase the probability for each participant’s professional success • Foster an open, supportive environment that welcomes and embraces leadership and diversity • Continue to create an organization that develops leadership talent by having set the example. Acceptance in the program is by application. Mentees must meet the following criteria: • Junior or Senior collegiate brother • A 2.75 GPA • A Sigma Sponsor letter or referral • Must demonstrate a passion for leadership and growth development • Must commit to the program for 1 year WINTER 2021 • 7
Mast
Ins
8 • THE CRESENT : ON THE YARD
TIPS TO
tering Virtual
struction BY: BROTHER TRAE D. JOHNSON
As someone who has been working in higher education for 10 years and 7 years at my current institution, one thing that is guaranteed is that change will always occur. Regardless if you like it, or don’t; if you’re comfortable, or not, change will come. In 2020, the entire world felt an unexpected change due to COVID-19. Because of the pandemic, higher education institutions made drastic changes in the way they operate and educate their students. One of the biggest changes was Virtual Learning and Assignments. Working with various faculty and staff, I would like to share the following tips with the collegiate members about Virtual Learning and Assignments to assist in the current and upcoming semesters. WINTER 2021 • 9
• Create a schedule to identify tasks to be completed for each day.
• Identify each task with a time to ensure that you are staying on track throughout the day and holding yourself
resources are in your course, they are there for a reason.
• Communication is the key. If you don’t know your
Professor other than what he/she says to the class, I’m sure he or she doesn’t know you at all.
accountable for completing the task.
• Create a routine for yourself and be consistent.
mind, recharge your battery, and unplug (brisk walks,
• Know your Professor’s Virtual Check-In Hours (Instead
• Create meaningful breaks to allow time to clear your yoga, run, watch TV).
• Make sure to participate in any WebEx meetings. Your
• Don’t be ashamed to reach out for help. of Office Hours).
professor can answer your questions and address any challenges you may be experiencing. It goes a long way
to show that you are invested in your education and not just logging in from the comfort of your bed.
• Identify the resources available to you, to aid your efforts in achieving your academic goals (Ex: Online tutoring,
Academic Coach, Library Resources, Peer Coaches, Counselors).
• Make others aware of your schedules to allow them
the opportunity to respect your time and hold you accountable for achieving your goals.
• Learn to say NO!!! Minimize distractions and remain focused -- you must learn to say NO!
• Avoid procrastination. Learn to start the day with the right mindset--a growth mindset that will welcome positive thoughts and turn down the volume on negative
thoughts. What you think, you believe, what you believe, you feel, what you feel normally proceeds your actions. A simple thought can predict and shape the outcome of your day. Learn to entertain positive thoughts.
• Make sure that you completed your 2021-2022 FAFSA early and do not wait until the last minute to see if you have financial aid or if you were selected for verification.
• If you do not have financial aid, research the payment plan and learn when the deadline for payment is due.
• Please read and understand the rules of the college. For
example, many departments are not allowing face-to-
face meetings. Departments are requiring students to set up an appointment for a virtual meeting.
• Create ways to interact with your classmates outside of class time to complete assignments in a timely manner.
• Read everything that is presented to you. Whatever
10 • THE CRESENT : ON THE YARD
Speaking with several students, I hear the complaints
about virtual learning. Please take note, that just as
you are not a fan, neither are many Professors. Most
Professors miss face-to-face communication. For those Professors required to teach a subject that requires
face-to-face interaction (ex: Nursing classes), they are adhering to the CDC guidelines by wearing a mask, washing their hands frequently, and socially distancing
as much as possible. Hopefully, these tips will help you during this semester and prepare for the Fall 2021 semester. Best of luck!
Brother Trae D. Johnson is the Student Financial Aid Counselor at Georgia State University and a self-published author at Campania Publishing, LLC. He is a member of the Sigma Eta Sigma Chapter, Southern Region
12 • THE CRESENT : ON THE YARD
USING ONLINE EDUCATION TO MEET LEARNERS WHERE THEY’RE AT A CONVERSATION WITH PHI BETA SIGMA FRATERNITY, INC. Plaid is an organizational management firm, based in Louisville, KY, that partners with communities to develop and elevate people and organizations. This is a reprint from the Plaid’s online blog “being. better.” featured February 4, 2021.
Online learning is a value add for organizations that want to meet membership and stakeholders where they’re at. It puts the agency into the hands of the learner by allowing them to review content as many times as they want, and within their own busy schedule. Whether out of necessity or desire, implementing online education creates flexibility for the learner, and ensures important information is effectively delivered by the organization. Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. is an international fraternity and one organization of nine that are a part of the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) which is a collaborative umbrella organization composed of historically African-American Greekletter organizations. Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., through its mission, aims to provide meaningful
WINTER 2021 • 13
education and training for its members that align with its motto “Culture for Service and Service for Humanity”. Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., partnered with Plaid to create five courses for their Collegiate Advisor University (CAU) program, an online program centered around training for advisors to learn about Phi Beta Sigma’s policies, and the skills necessary to support collegiate chapters and members. In this project, Plaid helped in tailoring four existing courses part of Plaid’s signature Chapter Advisor Training Program and developing one additional custom interactive course to create a custom training experience that meets the needs of Phi Beta Sigma. B R OT H E R R A FA E L M ATO S
In for
In this interview, Rafael Matos, Director of Membership and Training Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. shares about Phi Beta Sigma’s CAU program and how Plaid has helped develop the five courses in this initiative.
14 • THE CRESENT : ON THE YARD
Plaid: What motivated Phi Beta Sigma, Inc. to consider online education? Rafael: Phi Beta Sigma’s members live in the United States, Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, and Europe. Part of our value proposition as a Fraternity is to provide quality education and with a membership living across the world, we recognized the need to offer training and educational opportunities that meet our members where they are in a manner that works with their geography and schedule. This shift aligned with trends in higher education showing an increase in distance learning, with some institutions offering fully online degrees. The challenges caused by the Coronavirus pandemic further strengthened the decision to offer online education to our members. The limit of mass inperson gatherings prevented our members from completing the trainings required to serve in some volunteer roles, such as collegiate advisors. The timing was right for us to introduce our learning management system (LMS) and convert our Collegiate Advisors University (CAU) to an e-course. Our collegiate advisors are essential to the success of our undergraduate members and managing risk
at the local level. Online education represents a tangible outcome of our value proposition for our key stakeholders. Plaid: In what ways does pursuing online learning and education help Phi Beta Sigma, Inc. achieve its mission and organizational goals? Rafael: As A Brotherhood of Conscious Men Actively Serving Our Communities, Phi Beta Sigma understands its position as a global catalyst for social change. Our mission of Culture for Service and Service for Humanity is carried out by our Brothers in their respective communities. For this reason, the organization has to actively provide our members the tools they need to put our values into action. Online education helps Phi Beta Sigma provide our members practical knowledge to enhance their skills and prepare them for lives as conscious leaders dedicated to serving the people around them. Online education offers us a platform we can update regularly and provide our members immediate access to our most current content, even after completion. These factors keep our members engaged with our mission and prepared to carry our programs in their communities. Plaid: What immediate benefits of online learning and education do you see for Phi Beta Sigma, Inc. and its users? Rafael: Two challenges Phi Beta Sigma faced with our training and development are providing consistent training experiences across our regions and members’ accessibility to the necessary trainings and certifications. We noticed inconsistencies in content delivery across our regions. Moving our training into an LMS meant we could monitor the content of our courses and the progress and completion rate of our members
participating in our modules. Our members can login to the LMS and complete the courses during times that work best with their schedules. With our CAU now offered as an e-course through our LMS, we know everyone taking the certification will receive the same information regardless of location and will no longer have to travel to another state for one day to complete the certification. They can login from a convenience location and go finish the program. Plaid: How does Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. plan to use online education now, and in the future with the organization’s membership? Rafael: Currently, we are converting our key training and development programs to online courses. CAU and our new member education program are two of the first standard fraternity programs to move to a virtual format. In the future, we want to offer our members certifications they can use as part of their career advancement. This is part of our value proposition and our commitment to enhancing our most value resource, our members. Plaid has enjoyed working with Rafael and the team at Phi Beta Sigma in developing their online education for chapter advisors over the last six months. Plaid’s partnership with Phi Beta Sigma has encouraged thoughtful design and collaboration on how advisors can best interact with online education at their pace to gain the skills and knowledge they need to effectively support collegiate chapters. Plaid’s team of instructional designers brings a set of skills integral to the online education experience, from curriculum design to learning theories. To learn more about how Plaid can support your organization’s online learning efforts and needs, please email info@ beingplaid.com.
WINTER 2021 • 15
SIGMA WELLNESS Mental Health is Serious
top
5
Things that will help with your Wellness & Self-Care
BY BROTHER DR. COREY HICKS
#1 Mental:
Ways to identify Internal Stressors.
• Lifestyle choices: caffeine, not enough sleep, overloaded schedule. • Negative self-talk: pessimistic thinking, selfcriticism, over-analyzing. • Mind traps: unrealistic expectations, taking things personally, all-or-nothing, exaggerating, rigid thinking. • Stressful personality traits: Type A, perfectionist, workaholic, people pleaser.
#2 Physical: Physical Wellness
Things to know about
Sigma Wellness is Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity’s health initiative to educate and inform our membership and the
community about key health issues facing men of color. This initiative is fulfilled by engaging our communities through dialogue about the overall quality of health and
offering solutions to improve our well-being as men by addressing:
• Living Healthy: Diet and Nutrition • Living Fit: Obesity and Weight Control • Living Responsible: Reducing your Cancer Risk • Living Risk Free: Sexual Health • Living Balanced: Spiritual and Mental Health
What are the key characteristics of positive Wellness? • High self-esteem and a positive outlook. • A foundational philosophy and a sense of purpose. • A strong sense of personal responsibility. • A good sense of humor and plenty of fun in life. • A concern for others and respect for the environment. • A conscious commitment to personal excellence. • A sense of balance and integrated lifestyle. • Freedom from addictive behaviors of a negative or health inhibiting nature. • Highly conditioned and physically fit. • A capacity to manage life demands and communicate effectively. 18 • THE CRESENT : ON THE YARD
• The World Health Organization (WHO, 2011), for example, recommends 150 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity, such as brisk walking, jogging, cycling or swimming. • Regular physical activity helps reduce several cardiovascular risk factors including obesity, hypertension and diabetes. • Physical exercise is a natural and effective anti-anxiety treatment. It relieves tension and stress, boosts physical and mental energy, and enhances well-being through the release of endorphins.
#3 Emotional: Emotional Wellness
Things to know about
• Identify and work on healing areas of your life that are painful. • Learn to protect yourself from others emotional pain. • Schedule time to simply relax and enjoy yourself. • Learn that that strong emotion can be tolerated and need not be avoided. • Treat yourself to laughter.
#4 Personal Wellness Management Strategies • Proper nutrition to energize yourself. • Exercise to strengthen and sustain. • Rest for renewal and rejuvenation. • Self- Awareness makes us wiser. • Treat life skills as tools for living saner. • Establish social connections for mutual support. • Participate in random acts of kindness.
#5 Words of Encouragement Perseverance isn’t just a word stated or described, but a commitment to a purpose greater than your desire to give up.
BROTHER DR. COREY HICKS
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Brother Dr. Corey Hicks is a speaker, Corporate Trainer, Author, and a 20+ year Pharmaceutical Professional. As a former All-American Decathlon athlete turned biotech Medical Doctor, with over 23 years
as a successful motivational speaker, Brother Hicks has inspired thousands, nationally and internationally. He provides a range of
training services, from Health and Wellness, Leadership, Stress Management, Emotional Intelligence and Self Empowerment.
Brother Hicks holds a BA in Education from Kentucky State University, an MA in Health Science from Concordia University, Irvine, CA, and Ph.D. in Health and Human Performance from Concordia
University Chicago, River Forest, IL. He is the Founder and CEO of the Three V’s LLC. Visit his website at www.coachcoreyhicks.com.
WINTER 2021 • 19
Lilly salutes Phi Beta Sigma for its commitment to brotherhood, scholarship and service.
www.lilly.com
2019 CA Approved for External Use PRINTED IN USA ©2019, Eli Lilly and Company. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
LIVES L I L L Y
F O R
B E T T E R
Our work extends beyond the medicines we create. Together, we’re working to improve health and access to life-saving medicines in our local communities and around the globe. Through partnerships and our signature volunteer programs, we aim to identify and promote successful solutions to health issues that can be scaled and replicated to make life better for people here at home and around the world. Learn more about our commitment to local communities and people everywhere at lilly.com.
2019 CA Approved for External Use PRINTED IN USA ©2019, Eli Lilly and Company. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
GETTING READY JOB WORLD FOR THE
BY BROTHER ANTHONY R. WILLIAMS
Now that the spring semester has begun and the spring
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity and The Crescent on The
preparing for career fair season. However, the process
are well prepared to transition right into a post-graduate
season just around the corner, senior-level collegians are
in which many campuses develop career-oriented goals differ greatly.
Many colleges and universities that house a business career center works mainly with undergraduate business
students, trying to assure that students are prepared for the workforce and that there are jobs waiting for them on the other side. Other campuses encourage students to engage with their university’s general career center which gives every student access to all jobs.
22 • THE CRESENT : ON THE YARD
Yard wants to ensure that Sigma collegiate brothers internship or entry-level job. We sought the advice from one of corporate America’s leading human resource executives and Sigma Man, Anthony R. Williams, Senior
Vice
President,
Global
Human
Resources, Transformation Enablement & Regions for The Estée Lauder Companies. Bro. Williams shares valuable tips on career readiness and job preparedness with a focus on one’s overall mindset, networking and personal brand.
WINTER 2021 • 23
GENERAL TIPS USE YOUR CULTURAL UPBRINGING AS AN
ASSET. Your unique cultural background is one of your most valuable assets. By embracing your heritage, you bring a unique asset to use in the workforce. Allowing the attributes of your culture to manifest through your work, offers a different and fresh approach to your service.
BE OPEN TO INTERNSHIPS OR VOLUNTEERING. Both provide excellent ways to get to know the
organizations and potential job opportunities. It is also a great way for employers to assess your skills and motivations
NETWORKING TIPS As you begin to transition into your professional career,
here are some networking tips to stay connected whilst working remotely:
REENGAGE WITH PAST CONNECTIONS. Ensure that you are leveraging individuals through direct
message or social media that you haven’t connected
with in some time. These connections are valuable so that you can continue to build authentic relationships and can also be a leeway to new job opportunities.
PARTICIPATE IN PROFESSIONAL CONFERENCES. Virtual learning opportunities provide invaluable
networking opportunities to those who may sit inside an industry or organization you are interested in.
Join remote Employee Resource groups. Employee
resource groups are a great way to build and sustain relationships. These relationships are invaluable throughout your entire professional career.
24 • THE CRESENT : ON THE YARD
PERSONAL BRANDING TIPS Creating and maintain a personal brand is extremely important as you begin to navigate the job market. Your personal brand identity is your calling card which helps to define your attraction to an employer.
5.Make your brand identity real
a.Be intentional in what you say and do
i.Explicitly share your goals with your manager
ii.Engage peers and partners to provide feedback
iii.Think about what if someone googled your name
b.Be Disciplined about investing time
Steps to creating a personal brand:
i.Calendar it
1.Determine the results you want to achieve.
ii.Formalize 360 feedback
a.What are the major results I want to deliver?
c.Be thoughtful about networking
2.Decide what you wish to be known for a.What am I passionate about?
b.What attributes do I want to be known for?
i.Stay in touch without being a nuisance
6.Create an elevator pitch
c.What skills/talents are your strengths?
d.What is your purpose? What does your future look like if you’re living your purpose?
3.Define your identity
a.What makes you most unique?
b.Combine strengths and attributes into phrases
a.Keep it short and simple b.Don’t try to tell it all c.Find the hook
•What is your value proposition? •What makes you unique
d.Make it easy to understand
c.Your personality: the core positive attributes that define
•Avid acronyms or highly technical terms that may be
d.Your values: the non-negotiable principles that drive
•Ensure it is appropriate for a wide audience
who you are
industry specific
the way you do things (at work)
4.Construct your brand statement
a.“I want to be known for being___ so that I can deliver___”
BROTHER ANTHONY R. WILLIAMS
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Brother Anthony (Tony) R. Williams, Senior Vice President, Global Human Resources, Transformation Enablement & Regions joined The Estée Lauder Companies in 2014 based in New York City. Tony is responsible for enabling the successful implementation of ELC’s Global Transformation initiatives throughout ELC key international regions including North America, LATAM, EMEA, UK & Ireland and APAC by linking design and execution between global and the rest of the world with a focus on organization effectiveness, culture, talent and leadership. A critical part of Tony’s role is enabling ELC’s global HR leadership in China and with the APAC region in support of the establishment of this key geography as a second home market.
Tony also serves as the Global HR lead for critical Global Supply Chain, R&D, Corporate Innovation and Product Development transformation initiatives in APAC as part of the Gravity pillar. Prior to joining ELC, Tony spent six years in roles increasing responsibility within Global HR at Tyco International, Inc. including Vice President, Global Human Resources and Growth Strategies. Tony holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Resources and Labor Relations from Indiana University’s School of Public & Environmental Affairs in Bloomington, Indiana, is a graduate of the Human Resources Management Executive Education Program at University of Michigan’s Stephen M. Ross School of Business and most recently a graduate of Cornell University’s Modern CHRO program. He was initiated into Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity in 1983 through the Epsilon Iota Chapter at Indiana University. He is currently a member of the Kappa Upsilon Sigma Chapter and serves on the Sigma Executive Leadership Council.
WINTER 2021 • 25
Check Blu Print for more opportunities like this. Click on Sigma Link on the on the main menu in Blu Print.
Check Blu Print for more opportunities like this. Click on Sigma Link on the