GrandBoulé
he Brothers of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. honored their commitment to support our sisters, the Finer Women of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. as they held their Grand Boulé 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
From July 23 - 28, 2024, Zeta Phi Beta elevated the Boulé experience to a whole new level! The theme alone set the stage for a phenomenal convention with “Finer
Women Amplifying the Extraordinary Power of S.H.E. through Legacy, Leadership & Impact.
From landing in the highly-visibly branded airport to the downtown thoroughfares blazed with Zeta banners, Sorors, Brothers, Amicae, Zeta Male Network and guests had no doubt that Zeta Phi Beta ruled the city. The sisterhood let the world know through local, national and social media that Zeta Phi Beta Sorority was in the Great Lakes
Region to expand the sisterhood’s footprint through impactful programs and initiatives.
Phi Beta Sigma represented in great numbers with our international leaders, local members, registered attendees and entertainers.
Monday, July 22nd
INTERNATIONAL EXECUTIVE BOARD DINNER
In keeping with tradition, Phi Beta Sigma sponsored and coordinated the International Executive Board Dinner at the JW Marriott Hotel Indianapolis. Brother Dr. Phillip “Flapp” Cockrell, International Executive Director served as Master of Ceremonies for the dinner, coordinated by Brother Steve E. Ballard, Director of Communications.
The dinner served as the fraternity’s expression of appreciation to the Zeta’s leadership from the Sigma’s leadership. Brother David A. Turner, International First Vice President, in the absence of International President Hon. Brother Chris V. Rey, J.D., delivered remarks and led a special presentation of gifts. Vocalist and musician Brother Ricky Gilliam of Indianapolis, IN performed a soulful medley of melodious songs surely to the liking of the sisters.
Soror Dr. Denisha Hendricks, Chair of the Board presented gifts and offered a response to the welcome from Brother Charles Jones, Great Lakes Regional Director and Soror Dr. Stacie NC Grant, International President & CEO shared kind remarks and also bestowed gifts to the Brothers present.
Tuesday, July 23rd
THE EXTRAORDINARY POWER OF S.H.E. OPENING PROGRAM & INSPIRATIONAL CONCERT
Undeniably a powerful evening of high spirit and praise, the Opening Program featured an up-on-your-feet show with exciting production. Phi Beta Sigma members were granted front stage seating to capture every moment hosted by comedian/ actress Soror Lexi Allen.
The surprise of the evening was the unexpected appearance of Hon. Brother Chris V. Rey, J.D., International President, who, due to a previous commitment, was not scheduled to arrive until the next day. After his video introduction seemed to “unexpectedly” freeze, he appeared from backstage and led the presentation of the fraternity’s “7 Gifts from Sigmas Around the World” to Madam Grand Grant.
The fraternity presented specially selected gifts from five international Sigma chapters representing The Bahamas, Seoul Korea, Ghana, Japan and Dominican Republic. Adding 26 white roses and a check for $25,000 for the “Elevate the Bond Social”, the seven gifts were a standout tribute to the Grand. Assisting with the gift presentation
were Bro. Victor Oditah, Jr. President, Xi Sigma Chapter, Bro. Karl Nichols, immediate past Indiana State Director, Bro. Samuel Jones, Sigma-Zeta Liaison, Bro. Dr.
Phillip “Flapp” Cockrell, International Executive Director, Bro. William Frasier, International Treasurer and Bro. David A. Turner, International First Vice President.
Sigma Men were among the program’s performers as well. Brother Richard Boone, Southeastern Regional Director and Bro. VaShawn Mitchell joined Zeta singers Anita Wilson and Ann Nesby for a full evening of amazing performances.
The Opening Program and entire week were produced by Brother Damon Ray.
Wednesday, July 24th
SOCIAL JUSTICE TOWNHALL & LUNCHEON
Phi Beta Sigma’s leadership was front and center as Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. was on the world stage. Media outlets were plentiful as U.S. Vice President and Presidential Candidate Kamala Harris opened the luncheon which a formal address to the sisterhood. Also speaking to the luncheon attendees was Soror Sydney Kamlager-Dove, U.S. Congresswoman, D-CA.
Another highlight of the afternoon was the Social Justice Townhall with featured panelists Rev. Shavon Arline Bradley, President & CEO, NCNW, Rev. Freddy Haynes, III, Former President, Rainbow PUSH, and Soror Karen Boykin-Towns, Vice Chair, NAACP.
ELEVATE THE BOND SOCIAL: FASCINATORS & FEDORAS – ODE TO FINER
Brothers donned their fedoras while sisters paraded in fascinators as The Family enjoyed an elegant throwback to the art-deco era – a space impeccably designed and created by Brother Hiram Smith.
Brother Curtiss Cook, famed actor most known from Showtime/ Paramount+, The Chi, served as the host for the evening. Zeta songstresses Sorors Wendy McIntyre, Syleena Johnson and Chrisette Michelle each provided great performances. A main feature of the program was a Q&A with International Presidents Rey and Grant on Elevating the Bond.
Thursday, July 25th
FOR THE CULTURE – ODE TO 50 YEARS OF HIP HOP CONCERT AND STEP SHOW
After the wrap up of The Walter M. Clarke Institute’s “Thursday Night Live: Kick Off”, Sigma Brothers raced to their reserved seating for the Zetas’ Hip Hop Concert and Step Show. Hosted by Zeta Soror DJ Shannell B, the evening’s show was high energy from start to finish. The collegiate Sigmas took every opportunity to hit the floor and break out with some strolls alongside the sisters.
Hip Hop royalty Big Daddy Kane and YoYo reminded the audience of the music’s flavor, history and culture.
Saturday, July 27th
TAYLOR-CLEAVER LEGACY CLUB CEREMONY
175 Family groups, representing nearly 500 Sigmas and Zetas were inducted into the Taylor-Cleaver Legacy Club during the Zeta Phi Beta Boulé. Led by Brother David A. Turner and Soror Gina MerrittEpps, International First Vice Presidents of Sigma and Zeta, the inaugural induction is sure to be an unforgettable experience for the brothers and sisters who were in attendance.
Brother Turner proposed the Taylor-Cleaver Legacy Club to the General Board in Fall 2022 and, after approval, immediately began working with Soror Merritt-Epps to formalize the vision and concept. In Spring 2023, the Zeta’s Executive Board approved their participation and at Conclave Houston, the Brotherhood approved a bylaws addition.
Taylor Cleaver Legacy Club language added to the bylaws in Houston, TX: A “Legacy” shall be defined as the brother, son (biological, adopted, or step), grandson, a great-grandson, legal ward, or immediate nephew of a brother of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. or a Soror of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
As the language clearly states and all agree: This initiative is rooted in love, family, and tradition, will enhance the membership experience, and encourage members to return to active membership.
