Crescent FALL/WINTER 2014

F A L L / W I N T E R

C E N T E N N I A L

E D I T I O N

A YEAR TO REMEMBER

FALL/WINTER 2014

POSTMASTER Please send address changes to: The Crescent Magazine Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. 145 Kennedy Street, NW Washington, DC 20011-5294 FOUNDERS Honorable A. Langston Taylor Honorable Leonard F. Morse Honorable Charles I. Brown

The Crescent Magazine is published twice annually by Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. Jonathan A. Mason, Sr. International President

FOUNDING DATE January 9, 1914 Howard University Washington, DC

8 A Year To Remember.

Celebrating 100 Years of Culture for Service and Service for Humanity.

EDITORS Todd D. LeBon, Editor-In-Chief Al Elam, Sr. Managing Editor STAFF WRITERS Kenneth ‘Rico’ Abrantes Craig Arthur Brandon Brown Kevin Christian Reuben D’Silva Williard Hutt Byron Keys Martin Ricard David McGinnis Chris Rice Torian A. Richardson J. Artel Smith Anthony Springer Tyrone Williams LAYOUT & DESIGN Bro. Ron Lewis Lewis Design Group www.ldgcreative.com

Cont

14 Bro. Flex Alexander

greets the crowd during the Centennial Celebration’s Opening Ceremony.

BY BRO. STEVE E. BALLARD

CONTRIBUTORS Steve E. Ballard Quentin Goodwin Rafael Matos Steven Richie Derek Smith Jenabu Williams Brand 1914 PHOTOGRAPHERS Kaine Nicholas Lance Curry Adedayo Kosoko

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32 Black Sociology

Scholar Dr. J. Herman Blake Lifting New Generations.

BY BRO. anthony A. samad, phd.

COVER PHOTOS: BRO. LANCE CURRY AND BRO. KAINE NICHOLAS

Centennial Celebration

tents 36 Long Journey

Home: 60 Years To A Final Resting Place.

BY BRO. TODD LE BON

38 Going Green in The Bahamas: Taking A Proactive Conservation

Approach Towards the Environment.

BY BRO. DEREK W. SMITH, JR.

46 There’s Something

Special Going On In Phi Beta Sigma. The New HQ.

BY BRO. STEVE BALLARD

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The Crescent Magazine | Fall/Winter 2014 3

Greetings to My Sigma Brothers and welcome to this special edition of The Crescent Magazine!

Bro. Jonathan A. Mason, Sr. 34th International President Look at all we have done in our 100th year! 2014 was an amazing year for Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity! As your 34th International President, I never imagined what incredible heights our organization would achieve in the 100th year of our existence. I thank God for His phenomenal blessings and each member of this great Brotherhood for your support and encouragement throughout the year.

The year of 2014 represents a series of recordbreaking accomplishments, thanks to your commitment. To God be the Glory for the things He has done!

This issue of The Crescent is a keepsake that captures the historic commemoration of our Centennial Year. I encourage you to read this publication from cover to cover. You’ll discover some incredible gems: never-before seen photographs,

personal reflections from members, and informative articles with interesting details. Thanks to Brother Todd LeBon, Editor-in-Chief and his team for another awesome issue.

We look forward to seeing each of you at Conclave 2015, Destination Little Rock, July 15th through 19th.

If you have not already registered, make sure you register before the June 15, 2015 deadline. Every day there’s a Sigma Brother proclaiming I Am My Brother’s Keeper. With each proclamation, I hear in loud refrain, “Phi Beta is the life.” I pledge to continue this claim and transformation, for this is the manifestation of the Founders’ vision.

Enjoy your reading and welcome to the next 100 years!

Here are just a few milestones the organization experienced: • Inducted renown actor, singer and Civil Rights icon Harry Belafonte • Achieved the largest financial membership in the history of the Fraternity • Achieved the highest registration to any event in the history of the Fraternity • Unveiled the Phi Beta Sigma Memorial Monument at the birthplace of Sigma • Unveiled the Sigma History Museum at the International Headquarters • Established a historic partnership with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service • Developed a national initiative that’s on the pulse of the nation: I Am My Brother’s Keeper, in association with President

Barack Obama’s My Brother’s Keeper • Generated the highest revenue in the history of the Fraternity • Deposited over $5,000,000 of revenue in the City of Washington, DC in July • Endowed a $500,000 scholarship to Howard University • Elevated the Fraternity’s exposure and participation in the Congressional Black Caucus’ Annual Legislative Conference as a sponsor, moderators and facilitators • Sponsored REAL TALK, a major braintrust/symposium featuring some of the nation’s top thought-leaders on the topic of securing the future of boys and young men of color

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• Participated with significant presence in the official burial of the late, Brother Dr. Alaine Leroy Locke, the nation’s first African American Rhodes Scholar • Renovated our house at 145 Kennedy Street, NW, Washington, DC • Implemented the Fraternity’s Education initiatives Adopt-A-School and Sigma Read-In internationally at Oaks Field Primary School in Nassau, Bahamas • Sponsored the ACTION NOW! Prayer Vigil and Youth Summit and an Adopt-ABusiness Relief Fund in Ferguson, MO in response to the grand jury decision in the Michael Brown case

Centennial Celebration

Hon. Bro. Daryl A. Anderson International Executive Director

Centennial!!!

This word is defined as the celebration of the 100th anniversary of a union, an entity or an event. In 2014, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. celebrated its Centennial year, marking one hundred years of promoting Brotherhood, Scholarship and Service!

The essence of this celebration is that Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity made it to its 100th anniversary, as a result of the willingness of three principal Founders to do something different. The vision started in Memphis, TN and 100 years later, the legacy was celebrated! The vision was spoken and repeated to line after line, brother after brother, and carried out in ways that not even Honorable Founders Taylor, Morse and Brown could have imagined. The vision was about being inclusive, rather than exclusive; it was about being willing to serve and uplift a community which needs to know that there are men who believe in the larger vision!

Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. has been on full display this past year, more than ever before.

We shared with the world our story; we showed up in ways that would have amazed our Founders. We reached documented milestones as a collective unit, operating under the banner of what is so purely white and so royally blue! We touched Brothers, their families and the larger community worldwide. Our Centennial Celebration provided us the opportunity to tell our story!

Ultimately, it was Sigma. It was about Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity operating as a Brotherhood.

As we approached our 101st year, it is likely that many are thinking “What would the Founders say to us 100 years later?” What might they encourage us to do? How might they provide wise words as to how the Fraternity can be even better? If you imagine that they might be pleased with our work, you’d be partially correct. I suspect they would encourage us to stay on target, to continue to promote the high ideals upon which we were founded, and most of all, to continue to be the “Wondrous Band” of men which they envisioned! And they would remind us that whatever we do is always about the Fraternity!

Those who truly love Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity and our loyalty to its principles know that we have more work to do, more service to complete. We have to be a credit to the organization and to its Founders. We have a responsibility to represent Phi Beta Sigma to the best of our ability.

Congratulations Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.! We have completed 100 years of hard work!

Now, we start what will hopefully be the beginning of a second Centennial, and the celebration of another 100 years!

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The Crescent Magazine | Fall/Winter 2014 5

Bro. Profit Idowu International 2nd Vice President

Greetings Brothers in Sigma,

I bring greetings to you all in the New Year. “March On, March On” brothers in each region and continue to carry the cause of our organization to greater heights. I wish you peace in your respective homes and with each and every family.

101 years marks our entrance into the next century of service. Although, many of us may never see that next 100 years, I hope we can safeguard and do our duties to progress our organization forward. Congratulations to all of our new initiates – both undergraduate and graduate. As we countdown to Conclave 2015: I Am My Brother’s Keeper, I implore my undergraduate members to prepare to complete and submit the Alain Leroy Locke Honors Chapter Application. The purpose of the Alain Leroy Locke Honors Chapter is to recognize our high achieving undergraduate brothers who exemplify our principle of scholarship to its purest extent. This chapter is the highest distinction an undergraduate member can obtain. At Conclave 2015, we will accept the next cohort of inductees into the Chapter. Will you be counted in that number?

I wish you all sincere breakthrough in all facets of life in 2015. Over the past couple of years, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. has made remarkable leaps and bounds to remain one of the premiere organizations in the ranks of the Divine Nine. We are just scratching the surface of what we can accomplish as a collective.

As we approach the regional conference season, I look forward to the fellowship we will share across the country as Our Cause Speeds On to Little Rock for Conclave 2015.

In hoc signo vinces.

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Centennial Celebration

Since the first issue of our national organ was published as the Phi Beta Sigma Journal, this publication has been a collective effort of dedicated brothers. These brothers have given of their time and talents to produce an organ worthy of our wondrous band. As we prepare every issue we strive to maintain the high standards passed down by those who came before us. Please join me in extending thanks to all the members of the staff, past and present, for their continued support and hard work.

Over the years brothers from every region have served on the staff of this publication. And now, the Crescent Magazine has evolved into a truly international publication. Today, advances in technology have allowed us to expand that national team into a global entity. The Crescent Team currently includes brothers who reside outside of the United States. Bros. Albert Elam (Vamdrup, Denmark) and Torian Richardson (Beijing, China) are an invaluable part of our team, and have played a vital role in the production of each issue. They continue to be there when I call to assist when and where the need arises. For this I am forever grateful. With this in mind I asked Bro. Elam to pen the greetings on behalf of the Crescent Team for this Centennial issue. I give you Bro. Albert G. Elam II . . .

Bro. Todd D. LeBon Editor-In-Chief

GREETINGS MY SIGMA BROTHERS: I am honored to greet you in this Centennial Issue of our national organ. I am filled with a sense of the noble heritage of Phi Beta Sigma.

This edition documents in a minor way, the activities of members and chapters throughout the centennial year.

The constant is the historical look, reflecting on the past to understand how we arrived to the present. Reflection is good, but only to reflect on success is incomplete reflection. We must also reflect upon our failures if we are to remain relevant. In what endeavors did we fail in brotherhood, scholarship and service? Why did we fail? What will we do differently when we face these situations again? We must have that discussion to exist for another 100 years.

Recent violent attacks in our communities for racial, ethnic, and religious reasons; the soaring cost of higher education; restricted access to quality jobs; and other continuing social ills that trap not only African Americans but all minority groups in a cycle of poverty and crime, organizations that serve these communities are needed now just as in the past. For these reasons, our Centennial Celebration takes on a deeper meaning with a challenge to all of us that have “crossed the sands” into Sigmadom.

“Culture for Service and Service for Humanity” must continue to be our standard for personal living, our guide for putting our ideals into action. So as you read, reflect and celebrate, I encourage all to: “March on, march on ye mighty host, Nor think the journey done, Nor of future deeds to boast, Till we’ve the victory won.

Then when we hear, from time to time, “Sigma, what of the day?”

We’ll thunder back along the line: “Our cause speeds on its way.””

Bro. Albert G. Elam II Senior Managing Editor

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Centennial Celebration

T

The Fraternity kicked off a yearlong celebration in January 2014 with a media blitz which included the TODAY Show, Politics Nation, a host of radio interviews and a huge presence on social media. From coast to coast and across the globe, there was no doubt that Phi Beta Sigma was celebrating a milestone. The celebration began as brothers gathered with our sisters of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. on the campus of Howard University on Wednesday evening January 8, 2014. They were there to start the next century of Sigma were it all began 100 years ago. Simultaneously there were gatherings of Sigma men all over the globe awaiting the midnight hour to mark the beginning of the next century of Sigma.

Over the next 4 days (January 9-12, 2014) there were events and service program in all seven regions of the Fraternity. It would all lead up to The Centennial Founders’ Day Gala, which was simulcast from the Renaissance Hotel Downtown in Washington, DC to the other six regions. This historic event would end the four day celebration in grand style, but it was only the beginning. Celebrations and service programs continued across the globe as brothers took time to reflect and honor our rich history while also setting the tone for the future.

In July 2014, Washington, DC would serve as the epicenter for a monumental occasion. Sigma men from around the globe were summoned to the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel to celebrate 100 years of service to humanity. This Centennial Celebration would be a once in a lifetime experience, and one that surely would not soon be forgotten.

Eager to continue where they left off in January; brothers came to DC to fellowship and enjoy all that is our wondrous band. It was a time to reflect, reconnect and recommit to the vision of Founders. July 16-20th, 2014 would be a celebration like no other. To add to the excitement of the moment our sisters of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. were also in town at the Washington Hilton for their 2014 Grand Boule. It was definitely a Blue & White Family Celebration, and we would not have it any other way.

Brothers and guests were treated to a host of entertainment options over the course of the Celebration.

On Wednesday evening gospel great Shirley Caesar was the

featured entertainment at the Opening Ceremony. Those in attendance were spiritually moved by her performance.

“The Best Is Yet to Come” An Evening Celebrating 100 Years of Service, was hosted by Bro. Flex Alexander. On Thursday R&B recording artist Soror Syleena Johnson was a crowd favorite at the Centennial Day Party, hosted by comedian Bro. Joey Wells. Soror Johnson’s soulful performance was well received, and the Blue & White Family showed their appreciation and love for one of our own. Thursday evening local Hip Hop artist Wale was the featured artist at The Centennial Step Show Competition. Friday’s Day Party featured Rap artists Doug E. Fresh and Slick Rick. These rap icons took the crowd on a journey back to the early days of rap and the beatbox. On Friday evening Bro. J. Anthony Brown served as host for the Maze featuring Frankie Beverly concert. As usual they did not disappoint and gave the crowd a top notch energy-driven performance.

The crowd was on their feet as they listened to hit after hit from the legendary band.

The concert was a fitting conclusion to a full schedule of entertainment for the Centennial Celebration.

The entertainment portion of the Celebration was only the tip of the iceberg. There was a full agenda including the Demetrius C. Newton, Sr. Memorial Golf Classic, Centennial Collegiate Summit, Bigger & Better Business Networking Breakfast, Sigma Beta Club activities, Family & Legacy Breakfast, Emerging Leaders Forum, service projects and more.

One of the highlights of the Centennial Celebration took place Saturday on the campus of Howard University. The campus was a sea of Blue & White as the men of Sigma were joined by the ladies of Zeta Phi Beta for the unveiling of the Centennial Memorial Monument. The atmosphere on campus on that day was overflowing with brotherhood.

It was a fitting tribute to our beloved Founders and all the men that made the sacrifices allowing us to reach such a milestone in our history. The Centennial Celebration would culminate with the Grand Orchid Blue Tie Ball on Saturday evening.

On the following pages we will provide our readers with an inside glimpse of the Centennial Celebration and all it entailed. It was after all – A YEAR TO REMEMBER.

A YEAR TO REMEMBER

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Bro. Todd D. Le Bon

The Crescent Magazine | Fall/Winter 2014 9

DAY ONE WED

Collegiate Summit The Centennial Collegiate Summit, which took place during the Centennial Celebration, was an amazing experience and one for the history books!

Collegiate brothers, alongside alumni brothers, from across the globe assembled in one room to share in discussions designed to help them expand their Sigma IQ and lead their respective chapters and the Fraternity into our second century. The summit included presentations by Bro. Mark Pacich, International Historian, Bro. Rafael Matos, International Co-Chair of the Collegiate Advisors University, Soror Michelle Guobadia, and Reverend Jeff Obafemi Carr. Each session built on the previous, and when combined, provided brothers present with a foundation to move Sigma forward.

The Collegiate Summit began with Deciphering the Sigma Code: Understanding the Role Our Fraternity Rituals Play in Our Everyday Lives. During this interactive workshop, Bro. Rafael Matos delved deeper into Phi Beta Sigma’s symbolism by exploring key components contained in the Fraternity’s ritual. Prior to the start of the workshop, every brother in attendance, international officers included, were asked to present the grip and password in order to remain in the room. As Bro. Matos explained, these features were created to provide levels of protection and recognition for the members and organizational

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secrets. He expanded on core Sigma elements, including the name of the fraternity, the figures on the fraternity’s coat of arms and some of the technical components of our ritual. He provided contextual information that provided brothers with insight into the selection of specific symbols and their

Bro. Rafael Matos Co-Chair, Collegiate Advisors University

meaning. His presentation left a profound impact on the brothers present and woke up a desire in them to become reacquainted with the rituals.

Soror Michelle Guobadia’s session, What We Are vs. What They See: Branding, Recruitment & Retention, exposed the gaps that exist between Phi Beta Sigma’s stated purpose and the various ways brothers present themselves on college campuses.

Soror Guobadia addressed inconsistencies with brothers’ behaviors and the Fraternity’s ideals, and the way brothers portray these in the public.

She presented data through a survey completed by fraternity and sorority advisors at various schools throughout the country with active Sigma chapters. The results provided brothers with a reality check: Sigma men on these campuses are falling short of meeting fraternity standards.

Despite some of the feedback, Soror Guobadia urged brothers to take an active role in the marketing of the Fraternity on their respective campuses. Her message was clear: a positive branding will attract productive men who are aligned with the Fraternity’s principles and as a result, remain engaged in all the best aspects of Sigma life.

Truth or Fiction – Sigma History Lesson, by Bro. Mark Pacich, was informative and uplifting. Bro. Pacich and his team of historians have done an incredible job of documenting Phi Beta Sigma’s real history.

Bro. Pacich covered a wide range of Sigma historical questions, including the whereabouts of Founder Charles I. Brown, the Founders’ involvement in the Fraternity, the infamous list of fraternity firsts, unofficial symbols, and the Crescent Club.

Bro. Pacich featured the profiles of some lesser known Sigma men who have made significant contributions to the Fraternity, such as Bro. Theophilus Steward Langston, who designed our fraternity badge (pin). He shared with the brothers that Sigma was designed to be uncomplicated with “very simple, but profound

Centennial Celebration

principles, a wide view of your community, of being a servant and not a leader,” a message that was outlined by Founder A. Langston Taylor in a letter to the Crescent Club. Bro. Pacich urged brothers to guard the Fraternity and refrain from publicly airing our Sigma business. As he said, “it is so easy to strengthen the organization, but it is so much easier to weaken it.”

The Summit concluded with a screening of the film “He Ain’t Heavy,” by Reverend Jeff Obafemi Carr. The film chronicles five college students going through a pledge process for a prestigious African-American fraternity.

Weeks into the process, one of the pledges is found dead on a high school football field. The discussion that followed the screening was thought provoking. Brothers present engaged in a dialogue about the potential risks and dangers associated with underground pledging and psychology that supports those behaviors.

The Centennial Collegiate Summit was a complete success. The sessions were educational, useful, practical, and a great investment in the future of our fraternity.

Bro. Rafael Matos

“Rise and Thunder” While the majority of the Brothers assembled in Washington D.C. were enjoying the Centennial Celebration, members of the National Sigma Beta Club Foundation’s Board of Directors convened in the Rachel Carson Room of the U. S. Department of the Interior.

This would be a day of hard work and planning for the Board and the Regional Sigma Beta Club Coordinators.

They were there to address the new curriculum for the

Left: Back Row: Bro. Dr. Patrick Hardy (NSBCF Education Committee Chair), Bro. Philip Harris (Southern SBC Coordinator), Bro. Quentin Goodwin (International Director of Bigger & Better Business), Bro. James Lewter (SE SBC Coordinator), James Mirth (NWRS) and Bro. Ian Hessler (Western SBC Coordinator) Front Row: Michael Johnson (Migratory Birds Program), Bro. Brandon R. Brown (Eastern SBC Coordinator), Bro. Melvin Patrick (NSBCF Secretary), Cynthia Martinez, Bro. William Thorndike (GL SBC Coordinator), Bro. Garfield Peart (NSBCF Board Member), Jeffery Underwood (Fisheries and Aquatics) and Bro. Dr. Mario Brown (International SBC Director) Seated: Honorable Bro. Arthur Thomas, Esq. (Chair, NSBCF), Steve Guertin (USFW Deputy Director), and Betty Hildebrandt Right: Brother Dr. Patrick Hardy, Curriculum Committee Chair, gives overview of the curriculum framework (All photos by Brother Brandon R. Brown)

Sigma Beta Clubs (SBC) and to meet with the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

“Rise and Thunder”, the approved educational framework for our Sigma Beta Clubs, has five benchmarks; Member, Rise, Command, Lightning and Thunder. The curriculum consists of nine competencies; leadership, teamwork, vision, service, learning, culture, advocacy, equity and ethics, organized in three areas; abilities, application and character. At all times, SBC members are considered “thriving” and they will continue to be actively engaged during and after completion. The Rise and Thunder Handbook notes, “His presence should be noticeable and his voice should speak loudly and productively. He has established himself as an individual committed to serving his community and he is an advocate against injustice in any form.” To graduate from a benchmark, each member will have to complete a set of activities. While matriculating, each graduation is to be celebrated by the Chapter, Club and the community.

After the curriculum portion of the agenda was completed, officials from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFW) joined the meeting to have an introductory discussion about the new partnership. Steve Guertin, USFW Deputy Director, gave an overview of USFW. Cynthia Martinez, Deputy Chief of the National Wildlife Refuge System (NWRS), spoke about the Urban Refuge Initiative and the 562 refuges across the country. NWRS Continued on Page 45

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The Crescent Magazine | Fall/Winter 2014 11

DAY ONE

Opening of the Sigma Museum

WED

In numbers though were 3…

At the turn of the 20th Century three young men had a vision.

Bros. Mark “Mallet” Pacich, Louis W. Lubin, Jr. and Ahab El’Askeni had a desire to share the rich history of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. with the membership and the public at large. It was not only important to share this information, but just as important to dispel some of the discrepancies existing over the years and set the record straight. Out of this commitment to the history of our beloved Fraternity the Sigma Historical Society was born. The Sigma Historical Society would be a vehicle to research, collect and share our history. These

men could not have known at the time the impact they would have on brothers and the Fraternity. That positive impact has continued to grow over the years.

The Museum started out as a traveling exhibit, which was first displayed in Orlando in 2000. Over the years it has been displayed at conclaves, regional conferences, state meetings and other gatherings of the Fraternity. The Museum has visited many cities including; Orlando, Philadelphia, Detroit, Memphis, and Las Vegas.

Since 2001, with the help of

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countless members of Sigma, families and friends of Sigmas, some impressive Fraternity artifacts have been discovered. As the Museum has grown there was always the hope that there would one day be a space at the International Headquarters to house a permanent Sigma Museum. While the idea has been visited on several occasions

Centennial Celebration

a permanent location that was suitable to house the Museum’s items was not found.

In 2014 as we celebrate 100 years of service to humanity our rich history should be at the forefront of all

that we do. With that in mind the idea to have a permanent Sigma Museum at the International Headquarters was once again a topic of discussion. Bro. Mark Pacich, now the Fraternity’s International Historian, was at the center of those discussions.

The decision to house some of the rare artifacts collected over the years at a permanent location was a decision that could not be taken lightly.

After several conversations with the History Team and some professionals on the subject Bro. Pacich approached the General Board with a few concerns. The need to address these concerns would play a major role in the final decision to make a permanent Museum at the Headquarters a reality. While the permanent museum was a long awaited goal the situation had to be right for the short and long term.

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With the General Board on board and willing to address all concerns the History Team was ready to make the permanent Sigma Museum a reality. The Centennial Celebration was the perfect opportunity to unveil the permanent Sigma Museum to the membership.

It was announced that the opening of the Sigma Museum at the William E. Doar, Jr. Headquarters Building would be a part of the official Centennial Celebration agenda.

In the months leading up to the official opening the Fraternity made preparations to ensure the Headquarters was ready to showcase some of the rare artifacts. As the day approached there was great anticipation and a sense of accomplishment by Bro. Pacich and his team. The Museum was always a highlight of any event at which it was displayed. The Museum was always informative and a rare chance for members to visit and touch our history. The permanent location meant brothers no longer had to wait until conclave or a regional conference to view our history.

On Wednesday, July 16, 2014 brothers and guests gathered at the Headquarters for the official Sigma Museum Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony. It was the beginning of a new era for the Museum. After a few words from President Jonathan A. Mason, Sr. and Historian Mark

Pacich the ribbon was cut and a long awaited dream was now a reality.

The permanent Sigma Museum was now open for all to enjoy. Brothers and guests were excited and awestruck as they viewed the items in the display cases. The event was an overwhelming success.

We encourage everyone to visit the Headquarters and take a journey back in time at the Sigma Museum.

The items currently on display are only a small portion of the items collected over the years. Under the direction of Bro. Pacich, the items on display will rotate on a quarterly basis. Updates to the display will be shared on the international website.

Bro. Pacich and his team extend sincere thanks to all those who have made donations, given of their time and took a moment to visit the Museum as it has traveled the country over the years. Your support played a role in making this dream a reality. We look forward to your continued support as we work to continue the research and collection of our history in an effort to improve the Museum.

BRO. TODD D. LE BON

PREVIOUS PAGE TOP: President Mason and International Historian Mark Pacich prepare to officially open the Sigma Museum.

PREVIOUS PAGE BOTTOM: International Historian Bro. Mark “Mallet” Pacich speaks to those attending the Opening of the Sigma Museum

THIS PAGE: L - R: Wives of past presidents attend the Sigma Museum Opening: Christine Ballard (Hon. Richard Ballard), Maxine Westberry (Hon. John Westberry), Grace McClendon (Hon. Moses McClendon), Ella McNeil (Hon. Alvin J. McNeil)

The Crescent Magazine | Fall/Winter 2014 13

DAY ONE

Opening Ceremony

WED

with a rousing rendition The Washington Marriott of “The Best Is Yet to Wardman Park Hotel was brimCome” by Donald Lawming with excitement as long rence and the Tri-City lines of celebrants formed in Singers, joined by the the Grand Ballroom lobby, anxliturgical dancers of the iously waiting to grab a seat at First Glenarden Baptist the official opening program for Church, and supported Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity’s Cenby a live band. As the tennial Celebration. music lifted the audiOn Wednesday, July 16th ence to their feet, 100 “The Best Is Yet to Come” An EveSigma Steppers took to ning of Celebration opened to the stage and lined the an over-flow audience of nearly isles. Under the leader5,000. Phi Beta Sigma brothship of Soul in Motion, ers, Zeta Phi Beta sisters, fellow African drummers and Greeks and families turned out, dancers, 100 Sigma for what was, a stellar salute to Steppers performed 100 years of service. The nation’s “The African Step”, a sigcapital’s top brass and congresnature Sigma routine. sional leaders turned out to welFrom the very beginning, the Actor and comedian, Brother come Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity’s evening of celebration had the Flex Alexander, best known return its birthplace and joined audience on their feet. 100 Sigma for his leading role in the WB in the great celebration.

Voices opened the celebration

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Centennial Celebration

Network sitcom “One on One” served as Master of Ceremony for the evening.

Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity was showcased in high quality and style. The dramatic stage setting served as a beautiful backdrop to moving video tributes honoring the three visionary Founders that launched a new movement in African American fraternities 100 years ago, as well as the Centennial Year in Review.

President Barack Obama provided a special video tribute welcoming and congratulating the Fraternity on its century milestone. Likewise, all nine leaders of the National Pan Hellenic Council, Inc. affiliate organizations presented video greetings congratulating Phi Beta Sigma.

The Centennial Celebration’s opening event was sponsored by AARP based in Washington, DC. Natalie Graves Tucker, Multicultural Markets Manager, AARP welcomed the audience and unveiled a life-size replica of the new Phi Beta Sigma AARP Membership Card.

Several rousing speakers took to the podium to make the opening event an occasion to remember. Mary Breaux Wright, International Grand Basileus of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. provided greetings on behalf of the Fraternity’s sister organization. Reverend Brother Al Sharpton received a standing ovation after presenting the Centennial Challenge to the membership. And Centennial President Jonathan A. Mason, Sr. recognized the seven living past national presidents, as each approached the stage. Also recognized were Brothers Micheal Cristal, Centennial First Vice President and Profit Idowu, Centennial Second Vice President.

A special tribute honoring the legacy of gospel recording artist

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PREVIOUS PAGE TOP: The stage is set for the official kickoff of the Centennial Celebration PREVIOUS PAGE BOTTOM: The Honorable Brother Jonathan A. Mason, Sr., 34th International President of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. THIS PAGE: Mary Breaux Wright, International Grand Basileus of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. provided greetings on behalf of the Fraternity’s sister organization.

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DAY ONE

Opening Ceremony (cont.)

WED

Brother Dr. Bobby Jones was a highlight of the evening. Brother Jones is the host of “Bobby Jones Gospel”, BET’s longest running television show. Charles Butler & Trinity, a local Washington, DC gospel group, performed several of Jones’ hit recordings before him being presented with the Fraternity’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

The night’s opening event transformed into an evening of praise and worship as Dr. Jones introduced his longtime friend, the legendary gospel songstress Pastor Shirley Caesar in concert. For 90 minutes, Pastor Caesar delivered a spirit-filled performance incorporating her long list of memorable and moving recordings. Throughout the night, Caesar engaged the audience with high-level participation, capping off a big start to an eventful Centennial Celebration.

BRO. STEVE E. BALLARD

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Centennial Celebration

PREVIOUS PAGE TOP: Stage of the main ballroom proudly displays the official Phi Beta Sigma Centennial logo PREVIOUS PAGE BOTTOM: Actor and comedian, Brother Flex Alexander, best known for his leading role in the WB Network sitcom “One on One” served as Master of Ceremony for the evening.

THIS PAGE: President Mason presents Bro. Dr. Bobby Jones with a special award honoring his contributions to gospel music.

Legendary gospel great Pastor Shirley Caesar delivered a 90 minute spirit-filled performance of her long list of gospel classics.

100 Sigma Voices opened the celebration with a rousing rendition of “The Best Is Yet to Come” by Donald Lawrence and the Tri-City Singers,

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The Crescent Magazine | Fall/Winter 2014 17

DAY TWO

Sigma Business Networking Breakfast

THURS

$ ¥

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SBN

SIGMA BUSINESS NETWORK

The Sigma Business Network held its inaugural Business Networking Breakfast on Thursday, July 17, 2014 in the Harding Room of the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel, Washington, DC. This networking event Keynote Speaker: Bro. Nate Miles was held as part of Phi SVP for Strategic Initiatives Beta Sigma’s Centennial Eli Lilly Corp.

Celebration.

Highlighting the breakfast program was Bro. Nate Miles, Sr. Vice President for Strategic Initiatives at Eli Lilly Corp. Eli Lilly, who provided sponsorship for Sigma’s Centennial Celebration, is a major corporate player in minority business development and procurement. Bro. Miles presented very useful information on using technology and innovative resources to enhance business and ensure success.

After Bro. Miles’ presentation, the audience engaged in provocative discussion related to—but not limited to—business start-up, venture capital opportunities, STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) Education and business partnerships.

Bro. Quentin Goodwin, International Director of Bigger and Better Business, observed: “It was very exciting to see approximately 30 Sigma business owners convened in one setting to engage in serious

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business discussion. The Bigger and Better Business program was started in 1925 with the purpose of empowering and building our minority and community businesses; I am proud to see the Sigma Business Network continuing our program’s vision 89 years later, and I look forward to the network’s continued growth and success.”

The Sigma Business Network is part of Bigger and Better Business’ Project S.E.E.D. initiative, as approved by the 2013 Conclave. The Network’s purpose is to provide networking, educational, wealth building and advocacy support to Phi Beta Sigma men who are business owners. Within Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity is a wealth of talented and innovative businessmen in various industries throughout the world. This network focuses on pooling these resources together to create a collaborative force in improving the quality of life in our communities through wealth creation and economic empowerment. The Sigma Business Network currently consists of 103 member businesses in various industries. For more information, or if you would like to become a member, please visit www.sigmabusiness.org.

By Bro. Quentin Goodwin International Director Better Business

of

Bigger

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Centennial Celebration

DAY THREE

The Omega & Rededication Ceremony

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Hon. William E. Stanley, Jr. Hon. James T. Floyd Hon. Jonathan A. Mason, Sr.

a

Hon. Carter D. Womack

“An amazing sight to behold!” exclaimed International President Jonathan A. Mason, Sr., as he camped out at the top the Marriott’s Grand Ballroom watching the processional of Sigma men entering the Omega & Rededication Ceremonies. He went on further to say, “The emotions were real and the Brotherhood was true. Phi Beta Sigma’s Got Soul!”

Hundreds upon hundreds of Phi Beta Sigma men donned their dark suits, white shirts and royal blue ties to pay homage to those historical greats that have paved the way for 100 years and rededicate themselves to “Culture for Service and Service for Humanity”. Their processional, followed by the entrance of the past international presidents, was one for the history books.

The solemn ceremony featured the organization’s Centennial and Past Presidents: Hon. James T. Floyd, 25th International President,

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Hon. Arthur R. Thomas, Esq.

Hon. Peter M. Adams, Esq.

Hon. Jimmy Hammock Hon. Paul L. Griffin, Jr.

Hon. Carter D. Womack, 27th & 29th International President, Hon. William E. Stanley, Jr., 28th International President, Hon. Peter M. Adams, Esq., 30th International President, Hon. Arthur R. Thomas, Esq., 31st International President, Hon. Paul L. Griffin, Jr., 32nd International President, and Hon. Jimmy Hammock, 33rd International President with Hon. Jonathan A. Mason, Sr., 34th International President, providing the charge to the membership.

Adding inspirational flavor to the service were the musical offerings of Brother Lester Smith and the 100 Sigma Voices.

After the burning candles were extinguished and the charge rendered by President Mason, the leadership and members recessed row by row, departing in a spirit of brotherly love.

BRO. STEVE E. BALLARD

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DAY THREE

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Legends Roundtable There is nothing more important to the future of Phi Beta Sigma than understanding the past. If Phi Beta Sigma wishes to be relevant, maintain world-class standards when compared to its four peers, and be able to hold brothers accountable to those standards anywhere on earth, then unyielding self-conscious dialogue is paramount. Such dialogue was exemplified during our Centennial Celebration in Washington DC on July 18, 2014. The Legends Roundtable featured leaders of industry, civil rights and the past presidents of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. The Master of Ceremonies was none other than Bro. Mark "Mallet" Pacich our International Historian and eternal Step master. The conversation was shaped around the core elements of Sigmadom; the “inclusive” we, service and most important fraternal excellence.

Part of the dialogue was a reaffirmation from past presidents and our current president Bro. Jonathan A. Mason, Sr. on Phi Beta Sigma’s roll in the international community as an “inclusive” organization. Their reiterations rooted that Phi Beta Sigma’s foundation is to build upon the principle that humanity is better served when our organization truly represents the socioeconomic injustices of the world. Those injustices supersede race, background, and social class and bring us to the core of what Phi Beta Sigma should evaluate potential members on; strong integrity, character,

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Centennial Celebration

and leadership. These are the characteristics that make our past great, and that needs to be further exemplified going forward in order for the next 100 years of Sigmadom to be great.

The panel brought to the forefront the importance of “service” to Phi Beta Sigma. “How can we service with excellence if we do not attract, recruit, and retain a membership that exemplifies excellence in their daily lives,” stated one panel member. This is a question that truly should be at the forefront of every Sigma man in evaluating themselves and holding other brothers accountable to our High Ideals. Soror Elaine Doar, wife of the late Hon. Bro. William E. Doar, Jr., captivated the audience with her stories of perseverance and integrity during some of the most challenging times. The Doar family’s legacy and commitment to the broader vision of Phi Beta Sigma further solidified that “service” is and always shall be at the core of Sigmadom.

Finally, the common thread of the panel discussion from that of the past presidents to community leaders was the importance of who associates with and who makes up the membership of Phi Beta Sigma. “Who Phi Beta Sigma attracts as members, is who Phi Beta Sigma really is,” stated one panel member. Another, Bobby Seal co-founder of the Black Panther Party, talked about the influence that Bro. Huey P. Newton had on his association with Phi Beta Sigma. Bro. Dr. Georg Iggers expressed his deep regard for Sigma and the influence that members had on him becoming involved in the fight against racism and inequality in America because it resembled that which he experienced in Nazi-Germany. The panel’s discussion of “fraternal excellence" seemed to reign as the over arching theme to surpass the achievement of Phi Beta Sigma for the next 100 years and beyond.

(L to R) Bobby Seale, Rev. C.T. Vivian, Bro. Dr. George Iggers, Bro. Benjamin Chavis and Bro. Dr. Virgil T. Woods PREVIOUS PAGE TOP: BACK ROW Past International Executive Director Donald Jemison, Soror Elaine Doar (widow of Past International Executive Director Hon. William E. Doar, Jr.) and Gerald Smith, Past International Executive Director.

SEATED L-R: Past International Presidents: Hon. Jimmy Hammock, Hon. Paul L. Griffin, Jr., Hon. Arthur R. Thomas, Esq., Hon. James T. Floyd, President Jonathan A. Mason, Sr., Hon. Carter D. Womack, Hon. William E. Stanley, Jr. PREVIOUS PAGE BOTTOM: Bro. Anthony A. Samad, Ph.D. prepares to introduce the panelists for the Legends Rountable.

THIS PAGE TOP: International Historian Bro. Mark “Mallet” Pacich greets the audience attending the Legends Rountable.

Bro. Torian A. Richardson

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DAY FOUR

Family & Legacy Breakfast … We Are Sigmas

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The Family and Legacy Breakfast nearly filled the room with brothers and guests eager to meet and witness history. The program was presided over by Bros. David Walcott (Gamma Alpha Sigma) and his Brother-in-Law David Walcott (Lambda Theta). It opened with a welcome by the Father-Son combination of the Honorable Bro. Greville French (Epsilon Sigma) and Douglas French (Delta Xi). Bros. Randy L. Thomas and Brother James A. Jones, both from Phi Beta Sigma Sigma, gave the invocation. The Father-Son combination of Bros. Gregory Wynder (Alpha Lambda Sigma) and Jeremy Wynder (Zeta Theta Sigma) gave extended greetings.

Finally, Mr. Rueben A. Minor, Nationwide Insurance, brought greeting and congratulations to Sigma on its Centennial Celebration.

Dr. Adrienne Walker Hoard, granddaughter of Bro. Abraham McCarthy Walker, Sigma’s first initiate, shared her family’s amazement and pleasure of the rich legacy her grandfather played a role in. She indicated, based on her family history, that Bro. Walker could have been

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a Charter member, but wanted to be a member of what he felt would be a lasting impact on society. Bro. Decatur Morse, son of Honorable Founder Leonard Francis Morse, quickly became emotional with his reflection simply wishing his Father could see what his dream has become. Attendees were also treated to a rendition of “Jesus Is Love”, by Bro. Richard Boone (Kappa Sigma), who received an extended applause from those assembled.

Then, it was time for the featured speaker, Bro. George Fraser, to share his story of becoming a Sigma, his critical insights on the current state of Black American leadership and his recommendations for a new collective mindset.

Bro. Fraser is Chairman and CEL of FraserNet, Inc., a company he founded with the vision to lead a global networking movement that brings together diverse human resources to increase opportunities for people of African descent. He is considered by many to be a new voice of African Americans and one of the foremost authorities on economic development, networking and

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building effective relationships. Black Enterprise Magazine considers him to be the #1 Networker and he is in the Minority Hall of Fame. His remarks, in the tradition of call and response, were entitled, “We Are Sigmas.”

Bro. Fraser, a fair light-skinned man, brought a sincere lightheartedness to the room by opening his remarks with one statement: “For those of you wondering, I AM BLACK.” He also wanted to be crystal clear that anything he said was to be kept in its proper context. “I am not being negative. I am being critical.”

He then went on to share why he made the decision to accept the invitation for honorary membership into the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity. “I believe in servant leadership…..I also believe in the quality of friendship, in other words, who is that person friends with and do I want to be associated them.” He went on to share that a couple of other fraternities and a sorority extended him invitations to join. However, based on those crite-

ria, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. was the perfect fit for him. In his opinion, Phi Beta Sigma, in particular, is the actualization of Dubois’ notion of the “Talented Tenth,” and, moreover, that Black Americans are the beacon of hope for all people of African descent throughout the globe. Phi Beta Sigma, he contends, is charged with the responsibility of bringing our people to the Promised Land.

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Bro. Fraser rooted his remarks in Proverbs 27:17, Genesis 128 and John 5:30 to illustrate the following points: 1. Don’t spend major time with minor people, and 2.

Nothing can happen in a vacuum. We are born to network, to connect and be a part of an interdependent culture which allows people, not the individual, to succeed.

Leadership in the 21st Century Bro. Fraser reminded the audience that we won’t change things we tolerate. He explained the boiling frog syndrome to illustrate how America has been turning up the heat on Black Americans. As an obvious consequence of this, it is imperative that a new consciousness, or mindset, be developed and nurtured for Black Americans to be globally and culturally relevant. He discouraged plans because they gather dust, but encouraged the development of new habits.

A New Mindset According to Bro. Fraser, the new mindset for Black Americans entails the following: To develop a narrower cultural vision. This means the understanding in the scientific fact that Black people were great first.

To socially isolate those of means that don’t give back. Using other races, he illustrated simply that those that can but do not give back to their people are not held in high esteem internally or externally.

To root the new mindset in a vision, not in pain.

To connect the dots regarding our intellectual capital. In other words, Black Americans should be leveraging all forms of resources as a major strategy for global competiveness.

Bro. Brandon Brown PREVIOUS PAGE: Keynote speaker Bro. George Fraser gives and impassioned speech.

THIS PAGE L-R: Dr. Adrienne Walker Hoard (Grandaughter of A.M. Walker, the first initiate of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.), Jo Ann Davis (wife of Hon. Sylvester Davis), and the wives of past presidents: Maxine Westberry (Hon. John Westberry), Ella McNeil (Hon. Alvin J. McNeil), Christine Ballard (Hon. Richard Ballard), Grace McClendon (Hon. Moses McClendon), Joan Adams (Hon. Peter Adams).

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DAY FOUR

Centennial Monument Unveiling

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Chronicling a once in a lifetime moments is challenging. Oftentimes, one witnesses history and does not realize it until after the fact. But sometimes, when we are lucky, we get to witness history and we know we are witnessing something great.

Something so magical that it only happens once in a lifetime and will never be duplicated again.

The most iconic picture in Phi Beta Sigma history is unquestionably the old black and white photo of our founders, charter members and first initiates on the steps at Howard University. On the surface, there’s nothing remarkable about this photo – as most chapters in our fraternity history have similar black and white photos of well-dressed brothers, clad in suits and ties, wearing looks that say “we mean business.” In 1914, there was no way the Founders of our wondrous band – Taylor, Morse and Brown – could have known their likeness on that day would be forever tied to Phi Beta Sigma. What was just a picture then is iconic now.

Unlike that day in 1914, thousands of brothers, sorors, family and friends gathered in the valley at Howard one hundred years later and knew something special was happening. It was not just because Bro. President Jonathan A. Mason, Sr. told us at every turn that “There Is Something Special Going On In Phi Beta Sigma.” The words birthed action.

On July 19, 2014, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. had its greatest moment to date: the unveiling of the Memorial Monument at Howard University.

What’s on the Monument – the likeness of our Founders, members of the Distinguished Service Chapter (DSC), past presidents, the names of hundreds of brothers and chapters – isn’t as important as what led up to the unveiling.

Hours before the big reveal, old and new school alike converged on Howard’s campus for a day of food and festivities. Younger brothers and sorors strolled, line brothers reunited and some members of the

family, who had known each other primarily through the internet’s changing social networks – Zeta Phi Beta Sigma Times, Bluphi.com and Blu ’Nuff Said to name a few – met for the first time.

As we made our way to the valley, the energy amongst the sea of Blue and White was palpable. Clusters of chants along with “Blue Phi” and the obligatory “You Know” response broke out at random.

With limited seating, brothers could be seen giving up their chairs for older sorors. It was a party at times, solemn and serious at others. It was a family reunion in every sense.

The official program proved to be a fitting tribute to the diverse tapestry that is Sigma. Zeta Phi Beta’s Grand Basileus, Soror Mary Breaux Wright’s speech brought a jolt of dove love to the crowd, recalling the history of our brother-sister bond that started with a “lover’s stroll.”

Prayer, poetry and speeches from past presidents helped build up the anticipation for the big reveal.

The centennial monument Continued on page 34

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Centennial Celebration

DAY FOUR

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Centennial Grand Orchid Blue Tie Ball

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housands of Phi Beta Sigma men, in white tuxedo jackets paired with blue bow-ties and draped in orchid leis, gathered on three levels of the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel. The Grand Orchid Blue Tie Ball served as the official closing to a milestone celebration of a century of service.

Brother Malik Yoba, actor and youth activist, served as host for the evening’s gala. Throughout the night, Brother Yoba with microphone and cameraman in tow, roved around the rooms capturing well wishes from the guests.

At the stroke of midnight, Phi Beta Sigma men rose to their feet and linked arms, as the 100 Sigma Voices, directed by Brother Garrett Jackson, led the endless circles of men in the fraternity hymn “Our Cause Speeds On.” A surprise highlight of the evening was the “Proposal of the Century”. Brother Jeremy Prince Speaks of Beaufort, SC and member of Beta Lambda Sigma Chapter, Tallahassee, FL, approached the stage and proposed marriage to his fiancé Maria Culver.

Food stations were conveniently placed throughout the rooms, as the band took to the stage and kept the party going until the late night hours. Sigma brothers and guests danced, socialized and reflected on the phenomenal memories of the past four days.

STEVE E. BALLARD

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Centennial Monument Unveiling Photo Gallery

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Centennial Celebration

PHOTOS BY ADEDAYO KOSOKO

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It Was A Year To Remember

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Donations presented at the A. Philip Randolph Unity Rally.

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Soror Mary Breaux Wright, International Grand Basileus of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. addresses the crowd of over 12,000 at the Memorial Monument Unveiling on the campus of Howard University.

3.

President Mason and Grand Wright enjoy the spirit of Pastor Shirley Ceasar’s music with brothers and guests.

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President Mason with brothers from the Eastern Region at the Grand Orchid Blue-Tie Ball.

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Brother Decatur Morse, son of Honorable Founder Leonard F. Morse, leads the processional of the International Presidents during the Omega & Rededication Ceremony.

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The Memorial Monument on the Howard University campus at dusk.

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Zetas and Sigmas come together to lift their voices in song as part of the Omega & Rededication Ceremony choir

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President Mason and Grand Wright read together as part of the Omega & Redeication Ceremony

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President Mason is joined at the I Am My Brother’s Keeper Press Conference by New York Giants defensive end Bro. George Selvie, and Bro. Al Sharpton.

10. Nearly 100 Sigma Steppers lined the stage and isles during the Opening Ceremony.

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11. Centennial Founders Bust presented by Centennial Sponsor, Eli Lilly and Company during the A. Philip Randolph Unity Rally.

The presentation was made by Bro. Nathan Miles, Vice President, Strategic Initiatives for State Government Affairs.

12. R&B Songstress Soror Syleena Johnson headlines a Day Party.

13. The MAZE featuring Frankie Beverly concert had the audience dancing in the isles.

14. Hip Hop Legend Slick Rick performs to a standing-room-only crowd during the Hip Hop Day Party.

15. Walé pumps the crowd at the Hip Hop Concert following the Centennial Celebration Step Show.

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16. Hip Hop Legend Doug E. Fresh raises the roof at the Hip Hop Day Party.

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The Centennial Celebration Step Show crowned the Step Team of the Century

18. Comedian, actor and entrepreneur Bro. J. Anthony Brown served as special host of the MAZE concert.

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Legend Watch: Black Sociology Scholar Dr. J. Herman Blake Lifting New Generations The importance of documenting the lives of those who came before us is critical to understanding the survival and progress of Americans of African descent in America.

2015 represents the 150th Anniversary of the passing of the Thirteenth Amendment, which prohibited slavery in the United States of America. Understand that slavery was never abolished; it was just prohibited to be imposed on anybody who lived within the law.

Slavery still applies to those who are imprisoned after being convicted by a court for breaking the law. Next year is also the 50th anniversary of the 20th Century’s “Prophet of Rage,” and an architect of modern day ProBlack radicalism, Minister el Hajj Malik el-Shabazz, best known in American history and popular culture, as Malcolm X The study of African Americans’ struggle for equality has included the study of black life and culture, and has been sustained by those who have advanced scholarship of black cultural movements in America.

One such distinguished scholar is Dr. J. Herman Blake, the first Humanities Scholar In Residence at the Medical University of South Carolina.

Dr. Blake’s sociology scholarship has distinguished itself by examining black sub-cultures, including urban poverty, social protest, Black militancy movements and is considered a leading authority on Southern Gullah culture. Dr. Blake has published numerous projects, and his signature work is the autobiography of Black Panther Co-Founder, and Phi Beta Sigma member, Huey P. Newton, Revolutionary Suicide. He has held numerous academic and administrative positions, at Oaks College, the University of Santa Cruz, Swarthmore College, Indiana University, Iowa State University, and the University of South Carolina-Beaufort and served 32 The Crescent Magazine | Fall/Winter 2014

as President of Tougaloo College. Born in Mount Vernon, New York in 1934, Dr. Blake earned his B.A. in Sociology from New York University in 1960, and his M.A. and Ph.D. from University of California at Berkeley. Among his many honors, Professor Blake was Iowa Professor of the year in 2002 and received an honorary degree from Indiana University. J. Herman Blake is indeed a living legend.

In an interview with Dr. Blake, he shared his insights on black culture, black protest movements and his revelations on the definitive “black militant” of the 20th Century, Minister el Hajj Malik el-Shabazz, known to the world as Malcolm X, whom inspired his own scholarship.

“I first met Minister Malcolm in 1961. I was 26 years old and the President of the UC Berkeley NAACP. There were 101 black students total at Berkeley, including the

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African students. I, and a brother named Bernard X. Kushmir, invited Minister Malcolm to speak and the University denied him the right to speak, so we took the event to the YMCA across the street from the college,” said Dr. Blake. The event is etched in his memory over 50 years later, as it was a defining moment in his academic career.

“About 60 or 70 people attended, made up of international students, Muslims and white people who tried to tear him apart. He handled them like toys. He was simply stellar. I was overwhelmed—we all were.

Minister Malcolm was like nobody we had ever seen.

We were all lost at Berkeley, naïve and insecure. We simply wanted to learn about ourselves and there was nobody to teach ‘Negro History.’ He lifted us up in our own eyes.” Dr. Blake says he was so inspired by Minister Malcolm that he resolved himself to seek the highest level of scholarship in his own work. He then took a scholastic interest in the black protest movement, later meeting and documenting the life of one of the “new generation” architects of what later would be called “the Pro-Black Radical Movement,” Huey P. Newton.

Dr. Blake stated that he also invited Minister Malcolm back to speak again in 1963 as part of a course he was teaching, “Introduction to Sociology.” It was during this visit that Minister Malcolm displayed the brilliance that would be his legacy—one entrenched in the annuals of time among social change agents that inspired generations of young people of the 20th Century. Dr. Blake recalls it well.

This event was videotaped October 11, 1963 for archival purposes as part of a continuing dialog series, under the title, “Discussion of Minority Groups, and can be viewed at: http://www.c-span.org/video/?318826-1/ reel-america-1963-interview-malcolm-x or at CSPAN. org. It is considered one of the most definitive interviews of Malcolm X, and his insights of America’s most volatile social change period, ever recorded.

Dr. Blake was a teaching assistant at UC Berkeley, and was the prime interviewer along with the host of the show. This interview is used in college classrooms 50 years later, as a premier teaching tool on the legacy of Malcolm X and his impact on the formation of black militancy in America, in allowing future generations to see “vintage Malcolm.” In this interview, Malcolm X espouses one of his most famous quotes on what 1914-2014

Oct. 11, 1963. Malcolm X is interviewed as part of Lecture #22, Sociology 1-A, University of California by. Hosts J. Herman Blake and Professor John Leggett

he perceived as the fallacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s direct action “non-violent protest” philosophy at the turning point of the 20th Century Civil Rights Integration Movement, largely acknowledged by black history scholars as the Birmingham protests, when he says: “If a dog is sicked on a black man, when all that black man is doing is nothing but trying to take advantage of what the government says is supposed to be his—then the black man should kill that dog, or any two legged dog who sics the dog on him.”

The Nation of Islam’s “self-defense” manta resonated with many blacks in the Northern and Western parts of the United States, and Malcolm X’s voice became the most visible alternative voice to that of Dr. King’s. This would be one of Malcolm’s last televised appearances.

Malcolm would be censured six weeks later—for comments made in the aftermath of the Kennedy assassination—and he would never publicly speak for the Nation of Islam again, subsequently leaving the Nation, pursuing Orthodox Islam in the last year of his life before his own assassination on February 21, 1965.

The Black Power movement would explode a year later with Malcolm X as its martyr and ideological philosopher. Dr. Blake sees himself as one of the “Children of Malcolm,” one of the thousands of students and activists who were affected personally by Malcolm.

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“The more I learned from Minister Malcolm, the more profound my respect for him became, a respect that has only gotten more intense as time has gone by,” Dr. Blake surmised.

He recalled that weekend in October of 1963 with vivid memory, as well as his parting words with Minister Malcolm. “I was with Minister Malcolm the entire time that weekend, and he was trying to get a red-eye flight back to New York. I asked him, ‘Brother Minister, why don’t you stay over until the morning?’ to which Minister Malcolm answered, “I’d rather stay in an alley in Harlem, than a night on the boulevard in San Francisco.’ I remember that like it was yesterday, Dr. Blake chuckled of his reflection. “That was deepness of Minister Malcolm.”

In the years since Minister el Hajj Malik el-Shabazz was taken from us, Dr. Blake says we have never seen anybody with the depth of knowledge about the black experience and social race conflict that Minister el Hajj Malik el-Shabazz had. “There have been many that have had the rhetoric and the charisma, but nobody with the depth.”

In sharing how his own academic career shaped out after his indoctrination to Minister Malcolm, Dr. Blake credits having a conscious mentor that pushed him to reach out to future generations of scholars. His mentor was named, Ms. Septima Clark, oftentimes referred to as the Queen Mother of the Civil Rights Movement.

Dr. King often referred to her as “the mother of the movement,” as she was one of the first to develop literacy and citizenship workshops to educate the masses on how to change their lives. Ms. Clark believed her role in the movement was to educate, and she often said,

“Knowledge could empower marginalized groups in ways that formal legal equality couldn’t.”

Dr. Blake said that she taught him that he had to lift the next two generations, and required him to be specific by asking him, “Herman, who are you lifting?

Give me two names.” He always remembered that.

Ms. Clark died in 1987, and J. Herman Blake has never stopped lifting—even today.

Dr. Blake says he saw his life’s task was, not to re-create Minister el Hajj Malik el-Shabazz but to create a thousand more Malcolms. “So if they kill one, there’s a thousand to step in the gap.”

Dr. Blake believes that time of a singular leader is gone and doesn’t serve black America’s needs in the 21st Century. “The day of the charismatic leader is gone for me.”

Dr. Blake believes that the role of today’s academics is to lift others in their knowledge so future leaders can lead and change the society. Though he has been in academia over 50 years now, Dr. Blake believes we can never stop lifting, never stop mentoring others.

Dr. Blake ended our interview with this concluding comment, “We have a responsibility to lift others with the knowledge we have been given. That is what Minister el Hajj Malik el-Shabazz did for me. And Septima Clark made sure I gave what I knew to others. That’s what our task is.”

Brother Anthony A. Samad, Ph.D., is a Professor of Political Science and African American Studies at East Los Angeles College, a national columnist and author of, REAL EYEZ: Race, Reality and Politics in 21st Century Popular Culture.

He can be reached at www.AnthonySamad.com and on Twitter at @DrAnthonySamad.

Continued from Page 24

unveiling proved a powerful catalyst for the a link from the first members of the Fraternity to the personification of a piece of our Fraternity Hymn, “And newest initiates of Spring ’14. when we hear from time to time, oh Sigma what of the day? We’ll thunder back along the line…” …Our Cause Speeds On Its Way! On that day, our wondrous band was indeed one line.

Founder Morse’s son and grandson attended, providing Bros. Anthony Springer Jr. and Chris Rice

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The Harvest (A poem for my Sigmas & Zetas, Deltas, Omegas, Alphas, AKAs, Gamma Rhos, Iotas and Nupes) we were planted deep by one-with-God agriculturalist who looked to heavens for truth before any such thing as an almanac we are the seeds of Osiris and Isis we know what the harvest will bring we never claim to be Greek for we know that the fraternal order that was the model for our predominantly black Greek letter institutions was itself a poor imitation of an African mystery school system that turned out ancient scholars priests, rulers, and public servants having survived the horrific middle passage we planted ourselves in the soil of this new world harvesting the fruit by moonlight saving the seeds and passing them

from generation to generation seeds that produced the Harlem renaissance anti-lynching campaigns and civil rights movements bearing fruit as ripe as underground railroad conductors buffalo soldiers and black panthers in full bloom we have access to a spirit that manifest itself in what we discover as purpose in our lives planting our seeds and using these Greek letters as tools we do the work that must be done for we know what the harvest will bring and we honor the wisdom and courage of our founders by proactively selecting our battles and living the African axiom --when spider webs unite they can tie up a lion.

Bro. Frank X. Walker Multidisciplinary artist and Kentucky Poet Laureate, Frank X Walker is a Full Professor in the departments of English and African American and Africana Studies at the University of Kentucky and the founding editor of Pluck! The Journal of Affrilachian Arts & Culture. A Cave Canem Fellow and co-founder of the Affrilachian Poets, he is the author of six collections of poetry including, Turn Me Loose: The Unghosting of Medgar Evers, winner of the 2014 NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Poetry; and Buffalo Dance: The Journey of York, winner of the Lillian Smith Book Award. Voted one of the most creative professors in the south, he is the originator of the word, Affrilachia, and is dedicated to deconstructing and forcing a new definition of what it means to be Appalachian. The Lannan Poetry Fellowship Award recipient has degrees from the University of Kentucky and Spalding University as well as two honorary doctorates from the University of Kentucky and Transylvania University.Â

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LONG JOURNEY HOME Sixty Years to a Final Resting Place

Bro. Dr. Alain LeRoy Locke was born in Philadelphia, PA on September 13, 1885, passed away in New York City on June 9, 1954 . . . and was laid to rest on September 13, 2014 on the 129th Anniversary of his birthday.

This sixty year long journey to his final resting place in Washington, D.C.’s Congressional Cemetery began after his passing and cremation back in 1954. Following the cremation his ashes were given to a close friend, educator and Civil Rights activist Arthur Huff Fauset.

The- ashes stayed in Fauset’s care until his death in 1983. Upon his

death Fauset’s niece, Conchita Porter Morison arranged for the ashes to be given to Howard University.

Once they arrived at Howard the ashes stayed in the MoorlandSpingarn Research Center on the campus. The ashes of the Father of the Harlem Renaissance sat inside a tin container within a paper bag until 2007. At that time Rhodes Scholars Jack Zoellar and George Keys were visiting the Moorland-Spingarn archives researching Bro. Locke. The year 2007 was the 100th Anniversary of Bro. Locke’s selection as the

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first African-American Rhodes Scholar. Finding his ashes among the numerous boxes of Locke’s personal papers was a complete surprise to them.

Recognizing the importance of Bro. Locke and his life’s work they started the process of locating a suitable place to lay his ashes to rest. Several options were explored before a suitable site was chosen.

Through efforts led by African American Rhodes Scholars, a fundraising campaign was launched and the Congressional Cemetery on Capitol Hill was chosen as Bro. Locke’s final resting place.

On September 13, 2014 the interment ceremony for Alain LeRoy Locke was held in his honor at the Congressional Cemetery.

Fellow Rhodes Scholars were joined by the Kuumba Singers of Harvard College (the oldest existing Black organization at Harvard College), representatives from the Baha’i Faith of which Locke was a member, representatives of Howard University and the brothers of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity to honor one of their favorite sons.

After a short program in the cemetery chapel, attendees gathered at the gravesite where a polished granite gravestone marked the final resting place of Bro. Dr. Alain LeRoy Locke. On the gravestone is this quote, “Teneo te, Africa” (“I hold you, my Africa”).

On the 129th Anniversary of his birth the long journey was now complete.

BRO. TODD D. LE BON

Centennial Celebration

ROLL CALL 100+ Alain Locke’s headstone (back) (Photo

by Takur Buck)

Alain Locke’s headstone (front) (Photo

by Taraz Buck)

The following graduate chapters with membership of 100+ members and undergraduate chapters with membership of 51+ members received awards presented at the Family & Legacy Breakfast: • Tau Iota Sigma (Memphis, TN) 205 • Mu Beta Sigma (Little Rock, AK) 201

The container that held Locke’s ashes for almost 60 years. It was kept in a paper bag.

(Astrid Riecken/For The Washington Post)

The urn that was interred at Congressional Cemetery

• Sigma Sigma Sigma (Montgomery Cty, MD) 155 • Beta Epsilon Sigma (Huntsville, AL) 138 • Chi Sigma (Newark, NJ) 127

MANAGE YOUR MEMBERSHIP PROFILE USING thE blu print The Blu Print is a membership information portal designed to help the brotherhood self-manage its membership information.

Brothers are strongly encouraged to create and setup their own profile. An updated membership database insures timely delivery of fraternity-related correspondence including an accuate mailing list for the Crescent Magazine. It’s easy and takes less than 5 minutes to activate.

Let’s Get Started!

STEP 1: Click the Blue Print button on the fraternity’s website www. phibetasigma1914.org STEP 2: Choose “Membership Portal”. Choose Sign In at the top of the page. If you haven’t already setup your account choose “Sign Up” to setup your account

• Beta Rho Sigma (Charlotte, NC) 115 • Zeta Sigma (Baltimore, MD) 111 • Alpha Sigma (Washington, D.C.) 110 • Eta Rho Sigma (Huntsville, TX) 110 • Omicron Sigma (Lewisville, TX) 105 • Kappa Sigma (St. Louis, MO) 104 • Kappa Beta Sigma (Brooklyn, NY) 103 • Nu Sigma (Philadelphia, PA) 102 • Zeta Alpha (Tennessee State University) 51 *the only undergraduate chapter on the list

STEP 3: Enter your Username and Password and click “Sign In” STEP 4: Once you are logged in you will see your basic account information which includes your name, chapter affiliation and your dues status. Click on “My Accounts” to customize your profile STEP 5: Three tabs are now available for you to customize your profile. Click on the tab you want to edit. Add as much or as little information as you would like to share. To edit click the small pencil icon on the top right of each section. Click “Save & Close” or “Save” when done editing OPTIONAL: If you want to pay your dues select the “Renew Now” button. If you are current with your dues this button will be grayed out

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The Crescent Magazine | Fall/Winter 2014 37

DELTA EPSILON SIGMA CHAPTER

Taking a proactive conservation approach towards the environment countries most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, including loss of coastal lands due to sea level rise and the Chapter is hoping to preserve as much of the coast as possible.

The Chapter, through a memorandum of understanding, partnered with the Bahamas Reef Environment Educational Foundation (BREEF) to provide new opportunities for inner city youth to experience the natural world and promote interest in conservation and the marine sciences. The Chapter also sponsored several young people to attend a sea camp.

As a part of the relationship with BREEF, Bro. Christopher Saunders (Chapter 2nd Vice President) lent his twenty year communication and media expertise in The Delta Epsilon Sigma Chapter (Nassau, Bahamas) assisting Eco-School coordinators and embraced the environment during our centennial year by teachers on “Creating an Effective Communication Strategy diving into swamps and partnering with key environmental – The Message & the Media Mix”. Bro. Saunders lead the organizations and foundations to highlight the cause of annual workshop where Eco-School coordinator’s from conservation. institutions throughout the country met to enhance their In a country where the sea comprises about 95% of its knowledge and skills relative to several conservation themes geography, the Chapter dedicated a full year of programming from biodiversity, energy, waste and how to effectively get to save the environment. With the country having more their messages out in the local media. than 2200 miles of coastline the marine environment is not “Being able to help promote conservation though only important to the country but also a major part of the effective communication strategies was for me a great way to country’s heritage and integral to its survival. give back through Sigma and help literally save humanity,” “It was with all this in mind that the Chapter decided said Bro. Saunders. “The skills these educators took from to develop programming to help protect the environment the workshop will help in getting out the message of saving not just for now but for another 100 years,” said Chapter the environment not just for us President Brother Derek W. Smith, Jr. today but for the next centennial.”

The Chapter’s first service project of the year was held In November we played host to TOP: Presdient just hours after celebrating Founder’s Day in the heart of the Fraternity as the General Board Mason, General Board members along with the city—centered on safeguarding the coast of the country. Meeting was held in The Bahamas. members of Delta Epsilon Brothers hit the northern coast of New Providence in During the General Board Meeting Sigma Chapter and community leaders. a coastal cleanup effort. The Bahamas is in the top ten

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Centennial Celebration

BELOW: President Mason plants an indigenous tree with help from Delta Epsilon Sigma brothers and Lady Eugenie Nuttall (BREEF Co-Chair).

the environment again took center stage. The Chapter along with all the chapters in the state led the charge in saving the environment. Fraternity President Jonathan A. Mason, Sr., Bro. Ramon Pearson (Chapter Director of Social Action) and Lady Eugenie Nuttall (BREEF Co-chair) planted an indigenous tree at the Chapter’s adopted school Oakes Field Primary School.

“We are hoping that we not only planted a tree here but a seed for the students about the importance of preserving the environment,” said Bro. Pearson.

In the Chapter’s continued quest to protect the environment they joined forces with the Bahamas National Trust—an agency dedicated to preserving the natural beauty of the country—the Chapter teamed up to clear the

natural habitat for indigenous birds. Brothers were in waist deep swampy water at one of the country’s national parks to literally pull up invasive plants called cattails, which were threatening to take over one of the country’s parks.

After a full year dedicated to the environment, the Chapter is not done.

“This is just the beginning for us,” said Bro. Smith.

“We want to continue our service for humanity not only as a good catchphrase but by making a meaningful contribution to saving our community for today but for brothers who will stand here in another 100 years.”

Bro. Derek W. Smith Jr

ABOVE: Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. in the Bahamas (known as Sigma Bahamas) signed a historical memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Bahamas Reef Environmental Education Foundation. Pictured L-R: BREEF Outreach Manager, Marcia Musgrove, BREEF Executive Director, Casuarina Lambert, DES Chapter President, Derek W. Smith, Jr., Charter Member, William Dean, and DES Chapter Director of Education, Rashard Young.

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The Crescent Magazine | Fall/Winter 2014 39

ETA PSI SIGMA CHAPTER

Perpetuating A Legacy of Scholarship

The men of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. - Eta Psi Sigma Chapter (Springfield, IL) joined thousands of other Sigma men from around the world in July to celebrate the Centennial Anniversary of the Fraternity.

Washington D.C. became a sea of Blue and White as Sigma men from nearly every continent met to celebrate 100 years of “Culture for Service and Service for Humanity”.

Eta Psi Sigma Chapter began its Centennial year with a Founders’ Day observance at Union Baptist Church followed by a dinner at Chesapeake Seafood House, where chapter awards were presented to brothers displaying outstanding leadership and community service. Installation of chapter officers for the 2014 calendar year also took place.

Throughout the Centennial year Eta Psi Sigma Chapter served the Springfield community through its three core Fraternity initiatives: Brotherhood, Scholarship and Service.

Scholarship The Springfield Sigmas awarded six scholarships to

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graduating seniors: Fred Epting received $350.00 via an online Fund Me contribution toward his education. The Southeast High School graduate attends Drake University.

Christopher Crawford received a $500.00 scholarship named after Life Member Bro. Dr. James Edward Lanier. The Lanphier High School graduate attends Greenville College.

Hannah Norris received the Anthony L. Smith Memorial Scholarship in the amount of $500.00. The family of Bro. Smith partners with the Chapter to ensure Bro. Smith’s legacy continues. The Southeast High School graduate attends Grand Canyon State University Larry C. Austin, Jr. received a $500.00 scholarship named after Life Member Bro. Willis Bailey. The Lanphier High School graduate attends Xavier University.

Sigma Beta Scholarships were awarded to Sigma Beta Club members Kenny Beler, Jr. and Christopher Crawford. These two young men were recipients of $500.00 scholarships to use towards their college expenses.

Additional monetary donations were presented to the Union Baptist Church Scholarship Fund in the amount of $680.00. As part of the International Adopt-A-School program, Eta Psi Sigma Chapter also adopted George Washington Middle School. Plans are underway to implement lunch time mentoring sessions, replenishment of school supplies, as well as attendance and honor roll award incentives.

Centennial Celebration

LEFT: Members of Eta Psi Sigma Chapter pose for a chapter photo.

BELOW: Members of Eta Psi Sigma Chapter along with members of Mu Eta Chapter (University of IllinoisÂŹSpringfield).

Service The Springfield Sigmas have served the community in the area of social action by volunteering at the St. John’s Breadline, March of Dimes Walk for Babies Campaign and the Stop the Violence programs. The Chapter is also involved in the Cease Fire initiative, Anti-Bullying initiative, HIV/AIDS Awareness, Community response to Ferguson Missouri incident, MLK Breakfast, Juneteenth Parade/March, Real Men Read, Making the Grades, American Cancer Society and Voter Registration Drives

among others.

Eta Psi Sigma Chapter partnered with Carrollton Bank, the State Department of Revenue and the Springfield Housing Authority to facilitate several workshops on credit repair, smart money investing and the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.

Brotherhood Twelve new members were initiated collectively into the Springfield area chapters, Eta Psi Sigma Chapter and Mu Eta Chapter (University of Illinois-Springfield), for this Centennial Year. *For more information on the activities of The Springfield Sigmas, visit their website: www.springfieldsigmas.com

SIGMAS

ON THE

MOVE

As men of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. we enjoy a long, illustrious history of Culture for Service and Service for Humanity. With each issue of the Crescent Magazine will are pleased to spotlight just a few of the dynamic brothers making moves.

In this issue we profile Brothers Christopher R. Quintyne, Torian A. Richardson and Cassius Cash.

American University Welcomes New Alumni Board Members American University recently announced the newly appointed members of the AU Alumni Board.

The Board provides advice and insight to professional staff in their outreach to alumni. Board members advise the university on how to improve the student experience.

One of the newly appointed members is our own Bro. Christopher R. Quintyne. Bro. Quintyne is currently the Assistant Town Administrator for the town of Capitol Heights, MD. Bro. Quintyne previously served as a law clerk in the Louisiana House of Representatives for the Louisiana Legislative Black Caucus, where he worked with elected officials to assist in implementing policy initiatives. He has also worked with the National Institutes of Health, United States Department of Justice, and the District of Columbia Superior Court.

Bro. Quintyne became a member of Phi Beta Sigma through the Beta Beta Theta Chapter at American University. A Maryland native, Christopher holds a Bachelor of Arts from AU and a dual JD and MPA degree from Southern University Law Center in Baton Rouge, LA.

Bro. STEVEN RICHIE

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The Crescent Magazine | Fall/Winter 2014 41

CHI SIGMA CHAPTER

Closing Out Our Centennial Year in Service and Style!

On December 25, 1992 the Chi Sigma Chapter facilitated our 1st Christmas Day Community Service Program at the First AME Zion Church in Paterson, New Jersey. On this day the Chapter served a simple hot meal to 40-50 members of the community. A few significant others and members of the community volunteered to assist the 26 chapter brothers to surround the community with love and kindness during the holiday season.

Twenty-two years later Chi Sigma Chapter is still serving the community on Christmas Day. As the Chapter’s size and resources have grown over the years, so too has the program. This year the Chapter hosted two separate events. On Christmas Eve the Chapter served a holiday dinner, gave away new and gently used coats and clothing, along with over 500 toys to 65 families (284 total guests) at Stillman Elementary School in Plainfield, NJ. Chi Sigma Chapter continued our tradition of Service to Humanity less than 24 hours later at our 22nd Annual Christmas Day Community Service Program.

This would be our ninth consecutive year at South 17th Street School in Newark, NJ. Once again the Chapter served a holiday dinner, gave away new and gently used coats and clothing, along with over 700 toys to 85

42 The Crescent Magazine | Fall/Winter 2014

families (300 total guests) in the West Ward community of Newark, NJ.

The Newark Sigma Beta Club Members played a big role in the event this year. The Sigma Betas showed up bright and early to help set up toys, greet families, serve food, and clean up at the end of the day. For the third year in a row our International President, Jonathan A. Mason, Sr., attended with his family to bring greetings and help us serve the community. Chi Sigma Chapter’s primary goals for our Christmas Day service programs are simple; 1) to surround the community with kindness and love, 2) to address individuals physical needs of

Centennial Celebration

LEFT: Members of Chi Sigma Chapter pose for a photo with Presdient Mason.

BELOW LEFT: Chi Sigma and members of their Sigma Beta Club.

BELOW: President Mason and Chi Sigma members celebrate the gift of giving.

appropriate/ warm clothing and a hot meal, and 3) to ensure that every child from that respective community who attends the event receives a toy on Christmas Day. This year Chi Sigma Chapter is led by Chapter President, Brother Cedric Ashley, Esq. Bro. Ashley credits the success of this event to the rich history of the Chapter since its initial chartering back in 1923. He commends the ability of the Brotherhood to constantly challenge one another while thinking outside of the box. Chi Sigma Chapter has also mastered the art of networking and partnering with other organizations to bring this monumental event to fruition. We could not have done this by ourselves. The Sisters of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc., Gamma Omicron Zeta Chapter, have partnered with us and donated countless items to this day of service. Chi Sigma Chapter would also like to thank the faculty and staff of South 17th Street School in Newark, the faculty and staff of Stillman Elementary School in Plainfield, the Board of Directors of Sigma Community Enrichment Initiative, The MCJ Amelior Foundation, Up Rising Stars Inc., and the 300 volunteers who partnered with us to make both events an overwhelming success in Newark and Plainfield, NJ. “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Bro. Torian Richardson becomes the first member of the National Pan-Hellenic Council to graduate from Tsinghua University in Beijing, China Bro. Torian Richardson is a modest visionary who lives by Benjamin Franklin’s philosophy, “Well done is better than well said.”

Bro. Torian Richardson is a firm believer in lifelong learning through experience and immersion, and his own experiential path has led to him living and working on four continents and journeying to over 35 countries over the past 15 years. Torian believes in planting positive seeds of Attitude, Accountability and Action; and takes great delight in witnessing the growth and success of people he has worked with. He is especially proud of his achievements in Africa as Pearson’s Business Solutions Director where he successfully built educational technology and service based businesses. Currently he is embracing the challenges of being an African-American business builder in China, learning Mandarin, and quickly acclimating to the Chinese culture.

Along with his private sector endeavors, he has held positions in public and not-for-profit organizations. He is a life member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc., where he has served as an undergraduate chapter advisor, graduate chapter president, and Great Lakes Regional Director of Publicity. He was selected to the board of Benedictine University’s Alumni Association, where he completed his Bachelors of Business Administration in Finance. Torian also earned a certificate of completion from Harvard Business School’s - High Potentials Leadership Program, and holds a Masters Degree in International Development from Tsinghua University in Beijing, China.

Never one to be complacent Bro. Richardson believes in combining focused action, the right attitude, and taking ownership for outcomes in life. There is no denying that his track record demonstrates that he has done well, but Torian’s signature difference is that along the way, he has also done good.

To read more about Bro. Richardson’s journey, please read “A Sigma Studies in China” in the 2013 OUR CAUSE Magazine.

Bro. Jenabu C. Williams

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The Crescent Magazine | Fall/Winter 2014 43

Phi Beta Sigma Presents $500,000 Endowment to Howard University

In July 2014 the men of Sigma were called to our nation’s capitol to celebrate a rich legacy of service.

Sigma men from across the globe answered the call to return to city where it all began 100 years ago. The Washington Marriott Wardman Park would be our base of operations for our Centennial Celebration.

We were there to not only celebrate 100 years of service to our communities, but also to recommit ourselves to the vision of our beloved Founders. The Centennial Celebration schedule included a host of activities for all attendees to enjoy. Our sisters of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. were also sharing in this monumental occasion, as they were also in town for their 2014 Grand Boule at the Washington Hilton.

The Centennial Celebration was a once in a life time experience. While there were a number of memorable experiences the unveiling of the Memorial Monument on the campus of Howard University was definitely on the top of everyone’s list. On Saturday, July 19, the atmosphere on campus was euphoric as brothers

44 The Crescent Magazine | Fall/Winter 2014

gathered to reminisce about old times and forge new friendships.

You could almost envision the Founders looking down and smiling at this gathering, 100 years after they founded our wondrous band. The campus was a sea of Blue & White on that day. While the Memorial Monument was designed to honor our past, our commitment to the future would come in a different form.

On July 25, brothers gathered once again on the Howard University campus for another monumental occasion. The Fraternity was there to present a $500,000 endowment to the University. President Jonathan A. Mason, Sr. presented the gift to newly appointed Howard University President Wayne A. I. Frederick. The Fraternity called the gift, “a reflection on our glorious past and the enormous achievements we have attained to date.”

In 1914 three young men expressed an interest in founding an organization dedicated to serving humanity. Howard University made a commitment to those students by granting them an opportunity to make that vision a reality. In 2014 we are blessed to be in a position to return the favor. This endowment is our commitment to Howard University to work with them in assisting students to see their personal vision come to fruition.

Bro. Todd D. Le Bon

Centennial Celebration

Bro. Cassius Cash named Superintendent of Great Smoky Mountains National Park

OPPOSITE PAGE: Steve E. Ballard – Deputy Executive Director, Peter M. Adams, Esq. – 30th International President, Donald Jemison – Past National Executive Director, Howard University President Wayne A.I. Frederick, Daryl A. Anderson – International Executive Director, President Jonathan A. Mason, Sr. – International President of Phi Beta Sigma, Steve Taylor – Howard University Alumnus, Derrick Simmons – Howard University Alumnus / Immediate Past President of Alpha Chapter, Henry Thompson, Jarrell Blakemore – Howard Student /VP of Alpha Chapter.

THIS PAGE Howard University President Wayne A.I. Frederick, and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. President Jonathan A. Mason, Sr.

Thunder …continued from page 11

provides clean air and water and protects unusual and abundant wildlife on 150 million acres of land and water.

Mike Johnson, from the Migratory Bird Department (MBP), introduced the audience to the Urban Bird Treaty Cities. MBP is responsible for maintaining healthy bird populations across the country. Jeffrey Underwood, Fisheries and Aquatic Conservation, shared the many educational opportunities available like National Fishing Week, which takes place in June.

Betty Hildebrandt, External Affairs, spoke passionately about our partnership as organic and having the potential to create science career pathways. Deputy Director Guertin ended the day discussing the youth and diversity inclusion, recruitment and hiring, which could create a pipeline, pathways and opportunities for our Sigma Betas.

Throughout the discussion with USFW, the following statements were repeated: USFW needs to increase outreach efforts in urban settings USFW needs to create a new support base USFW believes this organic partnership’s potential seems infinite.

Bro. Brandon Brown

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ATLANTA -- National Park Service Southeast Regional Director Stan Austin named Cassius Cash, a native of Memphis, Tenn., as the new superintendent of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Cash, currently superintendent for Boston National Historical Park and Boston African American National Historic Site, will assume his new post in February.

“We are excited to have Cassius joining our Southeast Region leadership team,” Austin said. “He has a great reputation as a leader and has proven his ability to effectively work with partners, stakeholders and local communities. We know that he will be an excellent steward of the Smokies, one of the crown jewels of the Southeast Region.”

“Cash is an outstanding addition to the senior executive leadership at the National Park Service,” said National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis. “He brings a depth of land management experience with the National Park Service and the U.S. Forest Service, and his commitment to engaging local communities will support the great work that is happening at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.”

“I wholeheartedly look forward to rolling up my sleeves and working with and learning from a group of dedicated employees at the park who have the privilege of and responsibility for preserving and protecting some of the most precious natural and cultural resources in the country,” Cash said. “I also look forward to working with local communities, friends groups, and tribal communities on how the National Park Service can build on innovative ideas to create the next generation of stewards and supporters for this park. The timing for this is excellent because the park service will enter its second century of service to the nation when it observes its Centennial in 2016.”

Cash has served as superintendent at the Boston parks since 2010. While there, he worked with the City of Boston to open a new visitor center in historic Faneuil Hall. That facility now welcomes more than 5 million visitors a year.

Cash also worked with several park partners to secure $4 million to reopen the African Meeting House, the oldest black church still in its original location in the country.

The Crescent Magazine | Fall/Winter 2014 45

THE NEW HQ Throughout the year of 2014, callers to the international headquarters were greeted with the jubilant phrase “There’s Something Special Going on in Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity!” This was surely the atmosphere as the physical transformation of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity’s international headquarters building was taking place.

Purchased in 1975, under the leadership of the late Honorable John E. Westberry, 21st International President, the corporate offices, located at 145 Kennedy Street, NW in Washington, DC, are donning a brand new appearance generating reactions from everyone ranging from neighborhood citizens to local business owners, and from passers by to community councils. Over these next few pages brim with pride at THE NEW HQ!

BY STEVE E. BALLARD PHOTOS BY ADEDAYO KOSOKO

46 The Crescent Magazine | Fall/Winter 2014

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The Crescent Magazine | Fall/Winter 2014 47

The transitional design of Phi Beta Sigma’s home office feature floor to ceiling glass windows, offering a crisp, clean appearance. Entering the lobby, visitors are met with the organization’s bold royal blue and pure white signature colors. The Wall of Presidents greet you as you enter the lobby, followed by a circular collection of posted flags represented

the fraternity and its seven regions. Hanging above are three flags representing the United States of America, City of Washington, DC and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity.

A special memento from the Centennial Celebration stands in the lobby’s corner as a reminder of the fraternity’s 100 Year evolution.

48 The Crescent Magazine | Fall/Winter 2014

Centennial Celebration

Gone are the wood-paneled walls of yesteryear! The newly renovated Distinguished Service Chapter - General Board Room welcomes Phi Beta Sigma leaders into a space befitting the name and honor, for which it’s been dedicated.

Formerly called, the General Board Meeting Room, the transformed boardroom features a framed photo gallery of Sigma Men inducted into the fraternity’s highest honor chapter:

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the Distinguished Service Chapter. Famed photographs of the current and past International Executive Directors adorn the adjacent wall.

The focal point of this location is the massive boardroom wood table, specially designed for Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity and features two woodcrafted fraternity seals at either end of the table.

The table is surrounded by high-back brown leather chairs and topped with a glass cover for

protection.

The old checkered blue and white floor tile, has been replaced with hardwoods throughout.

Adding functionality to the boardroom is an electronic wide screen that lowers from the ceiling and a standing podium. Supporting the ambiance of the space is a life-size replica of the official seal that illuminates.

The Crescent Magazine | Fall/Winter 2014 49

The pride of the presidency is expressed in the creation and evolution of The President’s Office. The international leader’s office is handsomely designed and decorated with materials that exude a strong foundation.

Each leader who inhabits the space will experience the visual presence of his predecessors, as he sits at his desk and faces the Founding Fathers inspire his every thought. Archive images of previous presidents are featured on the walls surrounding a small conference table and chairs.

50 The Crescent Magazine | Fall/Winter 2014

Centennial Celebration

Walking the halls of the enhanced international headquarters, there is a definite understanding of where you are. On both levels, the previous brown woodpaneled walls have given way to clean white walls and blue carpet. There’s no mistaking which Greek-Lettered Organization is home to this establishment.

1914-2014

Upon their arrival, Sigma Brothers and visitors are honored with a walking tour of the 100-year history of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity. Commencing in the museum’s startingpoint, the tour proceeds through the lobby into the museum hall with glass cabinets displaying key archives of fraternity artifacts and documents.

The Crescent Magazine | Fall/Winter 2014 51

IN MEMORIAM

Bro. Joe Sample 1939 - 2014

Labeled by many in the music industry as innovative, a musical genius . . . Bro. Joseph Leslie “Joe” Sample was a major contributor to a new sound and new direction for jazz. Born in Houston, Texas on February 1, 1939, Bro. Joe Sample became one of the leaders in the Jazz revolution called Bebop, also known as Hard Bop. A renaissance which he help revolutionize in the 1950s. With high school friends Wilton Felder and “Stix” Hooper he started a group called the Swingers.

While students at Texas Southern University they added trombonist Wayne Henderson to form the group The Jazz Crusaders. He would also become a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. through the Beta Delta Chapter at Texas Southern

University. The group would leave Texas Southern before graduating to relocate to Los Angeles and follow their dreams.

This was the beginning of their journey as one of the leading Jazz groups in the industry. Playing the acoustic piano, which was the distinctive sound in the 1950s, he helped steer the group’s sound into a fusion between jazz and soul in the 1960s. Despite enjoying great success in the 50s and 60s, the group changed their name to The Crusaders in the 70s. The group made the adjustment to the name as they branched out and began playing more commercial music to appeal to the main stream. Often out spoken and controversial in his views, in 1985 Bro. Sample told the Los Angeles Times, “The Jazz people hate the blues, the blues people hate rock and the rock people hate jazz.

But how can anyone hate music?

We tend to not hate any form of music, so we blend it all together.

And consequently, we’re always finding ourselves in big trouble with everybody.”

In between the group’s success Bro. Sample began appearing on the recordings of industry giants such as; Joni Mitchell, Marvin Gaye (What’s Going On?), Tina Turner

52 The Crescent Magazine | Fall/Winter 2014

(Private Dancer), B. B. King, Minnie Riperton, Steely Dan (Gaucho) and Anita Baker. The electric keyboard was a fairly new instrument in the 1960s, and Bro. Sample became one of the instrument’s early pioneers.

The commercially successful song “Street Life”, featuring Randy Crawford, utilized the electric keyboard. This was the Crusaders’ most successful commercial collaboration.

The Crusaders disbanded in the late 80s, but Bro. Sample continued to be a part of the jazz scene, recording and producing other artist like the late George Duke, Lalah Hathaway and George Benson.

Bro. Sample’s influence and talents reach well beyond his time with the Crusaders and industry collaborations. When watching the Weather Channel pay close attention when they go to “Local on the 8s”, Bro. Sample’s composition is used for that segment. Hip Hop artist Tupac Shakur sampled Bro Sample’s song “In All My Widest Dreams” on his song “Dear Mama”.

Recently Bro. Sample had been battling some health issues. He suffered two heart attacks, but he continued to work until his passing on September 12, 2014 from complications from mesothelioma.

Centennial Celebration

Bro. Herman J. Russell 1930 - 2014 Today the H. J. Russell Company is one of the nation’s most profitable minority-owned businesses.

Aside from owning one of the largest construction companies in the nation Bro. Russell was also a civic leader and philanthropist. His commitment to the youth of Atlanta resulted in him founding the Herman J. Russell Entrepreneurial

Bro. Herman J. Russell was born on December 23, 1930, in Atlanta, one of seven children of Maggie and Rogers Russell. At the age of 12 he started working for his father in the plastering business. In 1946 at the age of 16 Bro. Russell purchased a small parcel of land for $125, on which he would later build a duplex.

After graduating from Tuskegee University he returned to Atlanta to work with his father. Bro. Russell would eventually grow his father’s plastering business into what is now the H. J. Russell Company. The H. J. Russell Company has expanded into general contracting, construction management, real estate development, asset management, airport concessions and other interests.

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Luther King.

Bro. Russell was well respected by those in the communities in which he worked. The H. J. Russell Company had a part in building much of Atlanta’s skyline, including; Georgia Pacific, Delta Airlines, The CocaCola Company, the Atlanta City Hall Complex, Turner Field, The Georgia Dome, Atlanta Symphony Hall and

“He shattered countless barriers and created greater opportunities for all, but especially for African-Americans. When history catches its breath, Mr. Russell’s life work will place him among the most significant heroes of the Civil Rights Movement because of his unwavering contributions and commitment to the progress of this city and nation. Few men have done more to make Atlanta a place where people of all races and backgrounds can bring and build their dreams.”

Scholarship Foundation and the Herman J. Russell Foundation, Inc., which is focused on stimulating the self-sufficiency of youth and the communities in which they live. He was the first Black member of the Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and served on the board of numerous civic organizations, including the Allen Temple, Butler Street YMCA and the Atlanta Chapter of the NAACP. In the 1960’s Russell worked closely with Rev. Martin

– Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed the Carter Presidential Center. It is also a partner in the new Atlanta Falcons stadium project, slated to open in 2017.

Bro. Russell has received many awards and honors, and is the recipient of honorary degrees from Morehouse College, Georgia State University, Morris Brown College and an honorary doctorate from Tuskegee University.

Herman Russell passed away on November 15, 2014, at the age of 83.

The Crescent Magazine | Fall/Winter 2014 53

Dr. Michael Eric Dyson

Congresswoman Frederica Wilson Rev. Al Sharpton

Dr. John H. Jackson

Marc Morial

Roy Austin

Steven W. Hawkins

Atty. Benjamin Crump

Dr. Marc Lamont Hill

R E A L On Wednesday, September 24, 2014 the Fraternity hosted REAL TALK, a serious conversation about the future of our young men of color. The event was a part of the Fraternity’s “I Am My Brother’s Keeper” initiative, and took place during the Congressional Black Caucus Annual Legislative Week.

As part of the initiative the Fraternity has committed to partner with the White House’s My Brother’s Keeper initiative.

Through this program the White House is focusing on connecting young people with mentors and support networks to help them gain the necessary skills to succeed.

REAL TALK was held at the Washington Marriott Wardman Park and included a diverse panel, including: Marc Morial, Dr. Marc Lamont Hill, Dr. Michael Eric Dyson, Rev. Al Sharpton, Dr. John H. Jackson, Attorney Benjamin Crump, Steven W. Hawkins, Congresswoman Frederica Wilson, Roy Austin and others. The focus of the discussion would be to address issues facing young men of color and come up with an action plan to help develop the next generation of Black leaders.

“The tree that our founders planted…is still bearing sweet fruit today. We called them our Moses generation because they were responsible for getting us to this point. But it is time for us, the Joshua generation, to see this mission through,” stated Jonathan A. Mason, Sr. 54 The Crescent Magazine | Fall/Winter 2014

T A L K (President of Phi Beta Sigma) As part of the Legislative Week of events the Fraternity also unveiled a 10 Point Plan that includes educating the Fraternity’s members to become mentors, offering $1 million in scholarships, adopting schools across the country and sponsoring a range of other programs to increase the potential of black males to succeed. The Fraternity would also debut its "Rise and Thunder" Curriculum for its Sigma Beta Club.

“That’s what ‘My Brother’s Keeper’ is all about, helping more of our young people stay on track. Providing the support they need to think more broadly about their future. Building on what works – when it works, in those critical life-changing moments.”

– President Barack Obama For more information on the White House’s My Brother’s Keeper initiative, please visit: http://www.whitehouse.gov/my-brothers-keeper For more information on The Fraternity’s I Am My Brother’s Keeper initiative, please visit http://www.phibetasigma1914.org/iambk/

PHOTOS BY BRO. LANCE CURRY

CENTENNIAL REFLECTIONS To be a part of the brotherhood and being able to experience the Centennial Celebration that brought us all together speaks volumes that we matter!

Bro. Thomas Green Chi Sigma Chapter, Northern NJ Inspiring would be just a hint to the feelings experienced during the Centennial Celebration. The opportunity to see brothers from across the country and span of decades was outstanding. It rekindled not only relationships but dedication to the Fraternity. Being a part of the 100 Voices, listening to thousands of brothers sing the Fraternity's Hymn and Sigma Got Soul, sitting on the campus of Howard University as the Memorial Monument was unveiled and locating my name on the wall, will be forever etched in my memories.

Bro. Derrick Smith Eta Beta Sigma Chapter, Nashville, TN It was breathtaking to see and meet Brothers from different parts of the world coming together in one accord. We weren't just members, we were all Brothers. When we gathered at Howard University for the Sigmafest, I thought to myself, "Our Founders came together and through their dedication and hard work their vision lives on through us." From seeing the unveiling of the Memorial Monument to seeing Bro. Decatur Morse, son of Founder Leonard F. Morse, I am still in awe. This was a once in a lifetime experience and Phi Beta Sigma has outdone itself in 2014. As I left Washington D.C., I walked away humbled and equipped with a better sense of purpose which is to serve our communities.

During the unveiling of the Memorial Monument, I was sitting with my chapter brothers just thinking how much has been accomplished in my 30+ years as a Sigma. Then, as I canvassed the grounds I began to reflect how much Sigma has done to improve the quality of life for generations of our people and communities. I was proud to be a Sigma man that day because of what Sigma has done. But I was even more proud of what lies before us as men bound in brotherhood with a common cause knowing what we can accomplish in the next 100 years. It was a great day to be a Sigma man and an awesome day to be the father of a Sigma man. Knowing our future rests with many who are standing before me at this moment in time was a proud yet calming experience for me.

Bro. Eric Davis Sigma Sigma Sigma Chapter, Montgomery County, MD I attended the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. Centennial held in Washington, D.C. July 16-20, 2014. I have been a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. for 35 years, and the Centennial was the best event I have ever experienced in Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. I felt the genuine love and brotherhood. As a photographer I got a chance to capture all the events for posterity, there was plenty to see and capture.

Bro. Willard Hutt Zeta Chi Sigma Chapter, Prince Georges County, MD

Bro. Alex Dorsey Epsilon Chi Sigma Chapter, Chicago, IL

I long looked forward to the Centennial Celebration. While it represented the 100th anniversary of the founding of Phi Beta Sigma, it also represented a personal milestone for me. I would be celebrating my 50th (Golden) anniversary as a Sigma man. It was also special because I had been able to attend the 50th Anniversary Conclave here in Washington in 1964, just 2 months after I was initiated into Alpha Beta Chapter at Jackson State University.

The collective wisdom of Bro. Decatur Morse (Founder's Son), Bro. Dr. Georg Iggers (Noted Civil Rights Legend and first white member made in the South, 1953), Bro. Decatur "Ward" Morse (Founder's Grandson), Soror Elaine Doar (Widow of the Hon. Bro. William E. Doar) and Dr. Adrian Walker Hoard (granddaughter of Bro. A.M. Walker), all being in the same place, at the same time, imparting history, reflection and wisdom as we move to the next 100 years.

The Centennial Celebration was everything I could hope for -- and more. The Centennial Gala in January, featuring newly inducted Brother Harry Belafonte, was the best Sigma event I have ever attended. The Centennial Celebration in July was absolutely fantastic, presenting a wide array of scheduled activities with something for everybody. Nobody would feel left out. Yes, the Centennial and my Golden Anniversary as a Sigma have a very special meaning to me.

Sharing in the history at Howard University with my collective group of brothers known as the SIGMA HISTORY TEAM.....All of us together --where our HISTORY began.....

Bro. Charles E. Pugh Alpha Sigma Chapter, Washington, DC

Bro. Kevin Christian Alpha Sigma Chapter, Washington, DC

The Sigma/Zeta Rededication was a heartfelt, teary-eyed event. The unveiling of the Memorial Monument was a dream come true. One of my greatest memories was the overhead view of all of the Blue and White at Howard University during the unveiling.

Bro. Ray Smith Rho Sigma Chapter, Miami, FL

HISTORY TEAM: L - R: Bros. Victor Cox, Todd Le Bon, Phil Eugenio. Mark “Mallet” Pacich, Willard Hutt, Kevin Christian, and Garry Gordon. Not Pictured: Bros. Linden Houston and Craig Arthur.

1914-2014

The Crescent Magazine | Fall/Winter 2014 55

The Crescent Magazine Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. 145 Kennedy Street NW Washington, DC 20011-5294

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