THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE EASTERN REGION OF PHI BETA SIGMA FRATERNITY, INC. VOL. 3 ISSUE 1
Student-Athletes Balancing Academics and Athletics WINTER 2016
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The Brothers of Gamma Chapter Would Like To Extend Thanks to All Those Who Supported Our Centennial Celebration The Mighty Gamma Chapter has a unique inception process. As documented in the 1986 issue of The Crescent, during an interview with Gamma Chapter Charter Member, Bro. Douglass Camper, Sr.: Gamma Chapter was founded in 1915. Two brothers from Howard University, Bros. Dr. Bernard Harris and Dr. John E. T Camper, member of the first line of Alpha Chapter and biological brother of Douglas Camper, came over to Morgan College and brought in the first line at Gamma Chapter. The Charter Line was brought into Sigma without ritual or ceremony.
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Gamma Chapter was officially chartered on November 10, 1916 on the campus of Morgan College, now Morgan State University (MSU). Our Mighty band was created by three honored and revered Charter Members: Bros. Dr. Bernard Harris, Dr. John E. T. Camper, and Dr. William S. Savage, and organized by Dr. Ivorite L. Scruggs. Gamma Chapter is the first Black Greek Letter Organization established in the state of Maryland, as well as the first established organization of any type on MSU’s campus. In the year 1916-1917 there were only 46 college students attending
Morgan College. 12 were members of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.: Bros. E. Everett Lane served as President of the Freshman Class, Joseph Grant served as President of Sophomore Class; and James Webb served as Vice President of the Sophomore Class. Now, 100 years later, Gamma Chapter is blossoming and being receptive to the MSU, Baltimore, and greater Maryland communities. As a chapter, we continue to set ourselves apart from other organizations by being innovators and understanding the value of taking initiative and striving for excellence in our work.
WINTER 2016
Contents Student-Athletes Balancing Academics and Athletics
2016 EASTERN REGIONAL BOARD Devon Henry - Regional Director J.R. Reeves - Vice Regional Director Christian Clarke - Associate Regional Director Wayne Allen - Treasurer Eugene Cox - Secretary Roberto Peguero- Director of Social Action Ra Alim Shabazz - Director of Education Nigel Coehlo - Director of BBB N. Scott Phillips - Legal Counsel Marcus Daly - Director of Publicity Leonard Lockhart - Immediate Past ERD
OUR CAUSE STAFF Todd D. LeBon - Editor-In-Chief Craig Arthur Brandon Brown Kevin Christian Willard Hutt J. Artel Smith
Will Your Campus Survive? Moving Forward
Bro. Rafael Matos............................................................................................Page 6
Looking Back: 2016 Eastern Regional Conference
Bro. Todd LeBon............................................................................................ Page 12
The Reactivation of Beta Beta Iota Chapter
Bro. Denzell Thomas.................................................................................... Page 15
Student-Athletes: Balancing Academics and Athletics
Bro. Kevin Christian..................................................................................... Page 16
Sigma Beta Club Strategic Planning Retreat
Bro. Brandon Brown..................................................................................... Page 19
Reaching Our Youth
COVER IMAGES (Top) Bros. on the Coastal Carolina University football team: (L-R) Bros. Richard Johnson (Howard University), Brandin House (Lincoln University./PA) and Cary White (Bethune -Cookman University)
LAYOUT & DESIGN Bro. Ron Lewis Lewis Design Group www.ldgcreative.com
Bro. Ken Pires............................................................................................... Page 20
Pi Phi Sigma: New Graduate Chapter in Danville, VA
Bro. Michael Ferby........................................................................................ Page 21 OUR CAUSE MAGAZINE is published by the Publicity Committee of the Eastern Region of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. Any use of the stories, pictures or articles without the expressed or implied consent of the Publicity Committee and the Eastern Region of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. is strictly prohibited. © 2016
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Gr e e t i ngs , Brothers of the Eastern Region, I would like to thank you once again for electing me to serve as your 26th Regional Director of the Mighty Eastern Region in Boston. My vision for the Region embodies being agents of change in the community, while ELEVATING the professional and personal profiles of our regional membership. While we prepare our membership for greatness, we must also prepare our chapters moving forward. We are asking all chapters to begin preparing now for Conclave Detroit. All Chapters should have a registered delegate present in Detroit to ensure your voice is heard. Take a moment to visit the Fraternity website for registration and hotel information. Share this information with your membership and prepare to be in Detroit July 1823, 2017. I want to take a moment to thank Bro. Todd D. Le Bon and his team for their superior work and unbridled dedication as they continue to serve this Region. Under their direction this publication has been a shining example of all that is good in the East. They have set the bar high, and I am confident that he will continue to take The Crescent to the next level, just as he has done with the OUR CAUSE. The next Editor doesn’t have big shoes to fill, but a template on how to take this publication to the next level. Where complacency lives, change can be difficult to embrace. It is my goal to use the resources of this Region in the most efficient manner. The elected and appointed members of the Eastern Regional Board have been charged with providing superior customer service, training and development. Plan 26 is here to assist all of the undergraduate and graduate chapters to ensure that we continue to be the flagship region of the Fraternity. We ask for your continued support as we work hard to better serve the brothers and chapters of the Mighty Eastern Region.
BRO. DEVON HENRY 26th Eastern Regional Director
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RETRACTION: G REETIN G S , I am honored to have the opportunity serve as your Eastern Regional Director of Publicity, and look forward to serving the Brotherhood. The OUR CAUSE Magazine is a critical component of our region and this office. This publication will continue to be one of the tools we use to share information about the outstanding events and programs being implemented by the chapters and brothers in the Eastern Region. I ask for your continued support as I work to deliver the same level of excellence as my predecessor Bro. Occasio Gee. I look forward to bringing you timely information that will help impact your programing, stimulate ideas and conversations within our region, and educate each other on the history of our great fraternity. As Sigma moves towards the next milestone in time lets be agents of change in the communities we serve. Proverbs 19:17 states, “Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.” This magazine could not be possible without the diligent work of our Editor Bro. Todd D. Le Bon and his team, who I wish to recognize for their commitment to excellence and thank for agreeing to continue to serve. We ask that you continue to send in your submissions as we work to improve on our efforts to continue producing this magazine and our regional newsletter. Let’s continue to give our gifts and resources to lift our communities up, so our cause can speed nobly on its way. Fraternally,
BRO. MARCUS A. DALY, SR. Eastern Regional Director of Publicity
To Our Readers Last year OUR CAUSE published a story entitled “Will Your Campus Survive the Changing Campus Culture?”, the first in a series of articles sharing information to assist our chapters as they adjust to the new rules on today’s college campus. The article addressed the changing environment on the college campus and higher standards campus organizations must measure up to in order to remain on campus. A portion of the article included a brief interview with Bro. Kenneth L. Jones. At the time of the interview Jones was employed by the University of Pennsylvania in the Office of Student Affairs/Fraternity and Sorority Life, a position he no longer holds. During the time of the interview Jones claimed to have earned a PhD. However, recent developments have confirmed that Jones falsified his academic credentials. The OUR CAUSE attempted to reach out to Jones to extend an opportunity for him to address the issue, without any success. Our goal is to always publish material that is accurate. The integrity of our publication is and will always be a priority. We apologize to our readers for this error and will work diligently to ensure it is not repeated in the future. We appreciate the continued support and feedback we receive from our readers and look forward to taking this publication to higher heights moving forward. BRO. TODD D. LE BON OUR CAUSE MAGAZINE | 5 Editor-in-Chief
Will Your Campus Survive? . . . Moving Forward: Best Practices to Ensure the Success of Our Undergraduate Chapters BY BRO. RAFAEL MATOS CEO of BELEADIT Educational Creative Solutions International Project Manager for the Phi Beta Sigma MIP Revision Team
I crossed into our wondrous band in the spring of 1999, through the Alpha Upsilon Chapter, then (and still in my heart) the Los Angeles Citywide Chapter, while attending the University of Southern California (USC). I joined fraternity and sorority life at an interesting time. During my undergraduate days, the organizations under the USC Chapter of the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) existed under few rules. The school did not require a minimum number 6 | OUR CAUSE MAGAZINE
of members to exist as chapters on campus. I had full recognition as a one-person chapter through the NPHC. There was no minimum chapter GPA requirement, and short of breaking the student code, we had minimal, if any, accountability to the University in general. Back then, our NPHC Chapter was under the Center for Black Cultural and Student Affairs and our only interaction with the Office for Residential and Greek Life (now Fraternity and Sorority
Leadership Development) came during our weekly council meeting. For one hour every week the Associate Director for Residential and Greek Life, a woman in a historically White sorority, served as our NPHC advisor. We did not connect with her and this added to the marginalization we felt, particularly when we were excluded from the fraternity/sorority community, dominated by the historically White organizations of the Interfraternity Council (IFC) and Panhellenic Council. We felt like an after-thought to most university officials and generally did not engage in most campus-wide events as organizations. My experience at USC is not too different from other NPHCs at non-HBCUs during that era. Times have changed, and colleges and universities have become more aware of the needs of NPHC organizations, and are devoting more resources to support our chapters. The increased awareness brought about greater accountability from institutions towards our groups. This shift has transformed the way colleges and universities engage with NPHC members. Over the past ten years I have seen more attention devoted to the NPHC organizations by college personnel. Campuses are more intentional about hiring full-time staff with experience to support the NPHC. This, in turn, has generated greater interest from university officials not affiliated with the NPHC to learn our culture, codes and processes. The increased attention has resulted in NPHC chapters being held to expectations that previously were not applied to our groups. As the fraternity and sorority movement goes forward, we need to understand these changes and implement strategies to help our chapters adjust to the ever shifting fraternal landscape.
and sororities. There are also colleagues in the field who, though they are not members of the Divine 9, attended a school with an active NPHC and this provided them with exposure to our community. The increased awareness of the NPHC created a need to provide the chapters with support. With that support came an expectation that the organizations would be held to a standard that was previously not enforced on the community. Some of these expectations include attendance at specific meetings, maintaining minimum chapter GPAs and minimum number of members in a chapter to remain active status on campuses. Some fraternity/sorority life offices have done a thorough job of communicating these changes to the local, regional and inter/national body. In other cases, the information has not made it past the chapter, and when it does, the communication may be missing vital context that provides appropriate clarity. While some schools could make more effective outreach to educate the regional and inter/national bodies of the organizations on their campus, there is a level or ownership we must take to remain up-to-date with current trends, policies and procedures that affect our collegiate chapters.
What Can We Do To Effectively Assist Our Chapters?
As a college administrator working in fraternity and sorority life, I recognize dealing with the administration can be frustrating at times; I certainly felt that way during my tenure as advisor to Alpha Upsilon and Nu Upsilon chapters. One of the most valuable lessons I learned as an graduate advisor is to always take the initiative and seek the information directly from the source. This practice proved most beneficial to develop a productive relationship with the school and to assist the chapter in their growth and development. I think a lot of things have changed over the Below is a list of strategies to empower our last 16 years in terms of the way staff at non- brothers, particularly our graduate advisors, to HBCUs deal with NPHC organizations, and they help our undergraduates manage and succeed are best summarized by an increased awareness in an ever changing fraternity/sorority world. of the NPHC and their unique needs. Many of Realize times have changed. This seems our members have gone into careers in higher very obvious, but I cannot stress enough the education, particularly working with fraternities importance of graduate brothers understanding
What Has Changed?
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and accepting the fact that the campus climates of their undergraduate chapters’ home institutions are not the same as they remember. I have lost count at the number of graduate members from all my previous institutions who complain about new university procedures, citing, “That’s not the way things were done when I was here,” as the basis for their negative feedback. Well, of course it is not the same, just like it is no longer 1997, Jordan retired and we no longer use two-way pagers! This mentality is sometimes passed on to new members, and as a result, the current chapter members develop a resistance to the new expectations and may feel the rules do not apply to them and they do not need to comply with requests from the administration, because “they never asked us for that in the past.” Establish a working relationship with the fraternity/sorority life office. Do you remember the fraternity/sorority professional from your college days? Who is the current fraternity/ sorority life advisor at your undergraduate institution? Why is this important? The answer is simple: The best way to realize that times have changed is to keep open lines of communication with your fraternity/sorority life advisor. Call to set up an appointment or just show up to meet in person, call his/her direct line, have regularly scheduled meetings, send follow-up emails, chat over Facebook, exchange text messages, tweet, or snapchat. Whatever the method of communication brothers, particularly graduate advisors, must ensure they are building purposeful partnerships with the fraternity/sorority life office. I remember receiving a phone call from one of the campus-based fraternity/sorority advisors for Alpha Upsilon Chapter because the brothers missed a simple step in a procedure. I was bothered by the fact that she waited until after the deadline passed to call me and share the information. It was then that I realized as much as she should have contacted me, I could have picked up the phone and obtained the same information. From that point forward I made it a priority to meet with her in person at least once a semester and get updates on the Chapter’s status and school policies, procedures
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and expectations that impacted Sigma on campus. Understand institutional policies, procedures, and expectations. Knowing how to navigate institutional rules and regulations will always prove useful to speeding our cause on each campus where we operate. There are three traps brothers, particularly graduate members, tend to fall into: 1. Assume all campuses operate the same way as their respective undergraduate institution (or at the very least, should operate the same way); 2. Not making themselves aware of updates to policies and procedures and assuming rules are still the same as when they were undergraduates; and 3. Assuming their past practices were accurate and therefore the correct ways of the institution. Our fraternity’s policies have changed over the years to adjust to changing times, and I think most of us who have experienced the business side of Sigma can attest to these shifts. The same is true of fraternity and sorority life offices and their respective institutions. Issues arise every year that may pose questions never before asked, and these lead administrators to develop policies to address concerns. Brothers should familiarize themselves with the rules and regulations of their respective campuses in order to understand expectations and how to meet them. Some schools have more requirements than others, and comparing them will not help the chapter meet expectations. Collect academic information for the chapter and members. I have had conversations recently with graduate advisors and undergraduate brothers about this subject. While there is no specific written policy in Sigma that specifically speak to an advisor’s ability to check the GPAs of the current chapter members, it is important to keep in perspective that scholarship is one of our founding principles and as such we must make sure brothers are upholding this value. Additionally, some schools have minimum GPA requirements for chapters and members to maintain in order to be considered active on campus. Graduate advisors should collaborate with the fraternity/sorority life office to provide assistance to brothers who are struggling academically. Additionally, graduate
advisors should limit the activities individual chapter members, or in some cases the chapter, participate in until they improve their grades. Encourage, challenge, and support our undergraduate brothers. One of the pitfalls of graduate advisors (and older brothers in general) is agreeing with undergraduate brothers’ perspectives without digging deeper into the root of their positions. Many brothers empathize with the undergraduate struggle, as they share some similarities. I think it is important for us to recognize the challenges our undergraduates face today, which we must do while recognizing that as older brothers who are no longer on campus, we may not have all the facts. Unlike 15-20 years ago, there are more resources available for students to utilize, and sometimes our undergraduates simply do not take advantage of those resources. These resources include on-campus funding boards, cosponsorships with other organizations (especially outside of the Divine 9), and on-campus advisors. Older Brothers must help our undergraduate brothers explore all options available to them. Advisors must push our undergraduate brothers to step outside of their comfort zones. Help undergraduate brothers develop beneficial relationships with school administration. Being in a fraternity is more than developing our inner network; it’s also building meaningful connections outside of Sigma. At non-HBCUs, NPHC organizations tend to struggle to connect with key administrators. These relationships are crucial to the survival of our chapters, for the right connection with the pertinent staff person can make the difference between a Chapter’s continuous existence on a campus or being asked to take time off from the school and return at a later time. Some key administrators are: the fraternity/sorority advisor; his/her supervisor (which, depending on the campus could be the director of student activities/campus activities); the Dean of Students; the Vice President of Student Affairs; financial aid counselors; cultural offices; campus police; and residence life staff. Work with undergraduate chapters to develop
recruitment plans. Once upon a time all we had to do was show up on campus and men came to us to join our wondrous band. Once upon a time our only fraternal competition was the four fraternities in the NPHC. This is no longer the case, and now we are in competition with every fraternity across the country for new members. With more than 100 options for students to join, we have to be prepared to actively go after the men we believe are Sigma material. Undergraduates must develop recruitment plans to help their Chapters identify, attract and initiate quality men into the Fraternity. Share Your Story. One lesson I learned from our Centennial year that I share with fraternities and sororities is the importance of intentionally and strategically informing the general public of the organization’s great works. Our leadership made sure the Fraternity was featured on key communication platforms to raise awareness of our efforts. Likewise, brothers must be deliberate in promoting Sigma on their various campuses. Chapters should apply for awards, submit articles to the school newspaper highlighting their accomplishments, invite key administrators and community members to attend, and where appropriate, participate in programs and activities sponsored by the Chapter, recognize faculty members who exemplify our principles, and participate in campus-wide events. For example, when I was at USC, Nu Upsilon Chapter produced a one page chapter newsletter we sent to key campus administrators, including the president of the University. As a fraternity started by students on a college campus, it is important we preserve the collegiate campus culture. The aforementioned is not an all-encompassing list, and it is meant to serve as a guide to frame support for our undergraduate chapters. Each situation may be influenced by specific nuances of that institution and time period, and as long as we refresh our approach and update our practices we will keep the fraternity and undergraduate chapters moving forward.
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“What of the Day: Celebrating A Century of Service” Screened at the Pan African Film Festival in Los Angeles
On Saturday, February 6, 2016, "WHAT OF THE DAY" made its World Premiere at The Pan African Film Festival. Festival attendees gathered with the men of Sigma, ladies of Zeta Phi Beta, family and friends at the Rave Cinemas Baldwin Hills in Los Angeles, CA. They were there to witness history, one hundred years in the making.
"This is an opportunity for the greater society to understand the prestige, power and relevance of the black fraternity movement, by chronicling one fraternity, Phi Beta Sigma, during its Centennial Celebration. Its members have left an indelible footprint on American society," remarked Honorable Bro. Anthony A. Samad, Ph.D. The feature length documentary, written and directed by Bro. Anthony A. Samad, Ph.D. and narrated by Bro. Malik Yoba, was produced in association with Grace Productions. The film traces the history of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. and gives viewers a glimpse of the role Phi Beta Sigma has played in every social change movement of the last one hundred years. The film also shares an inside look at those activities leading up to the Fraternity’s Centennial Celebration in 2014. "This documentary is a keepsake for every living 'Sigma Man,'" enthused Jonathan A. Mason, Sr., President of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. "We are elated to premiere this documentary at The Pan African Film Festival, one of the most prestigious festivals in the film industry," Bro. Mason added. The premiere was an overwhelming success. Those in attendance were impressed with the quality of the film and the story. They went away with a better knowledge of the depth at which Phi Beta Sigma and the black fraternity movement is linked in with the history of social change in America.
IN MEMORIUM | Bro. Franklin Beaird Member of the Renowned Montford Point Marines Called Home Bro. Franklin Beaird (Zeta Sigma Chapter / Baltimore, MD), passed away on March 14, 2016. Bro. Beaird was initiated into the Gamma Chapter (Morgan College) in 1949. He was a Marine in the Pacific Theater during World War II. He was also a member of the Montford Point Marines, the Corps’ first Black unit. Recently, he was awarded the nation’s highest civilian award, the Congressional Gold Medal, along with 430 other members of the historic Montford Point Marines. Bro. Beaird was an outstanding member of Gamma Chapter and dedicated member of the Morgan State University Alumni Association. To view a few videos of Bro. Beaird and some of his fellow Montford Pont Marines, follow these links: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MEWCYYkYT1w and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RbO5P8LZ6oY 10 | OUR CAUSE MAGAZINE
“What of the Day: Celebrating A Century of Service” Philly Sigmas Host Premier on the East Coast On Thursday, February 25, 2016 the brothers of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, were joined by our sisters of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, members of the Divine Nine, members of the Darryl L. Coates’ Sigma Beta Club of Philadelphia, students from Spruance Elementary, family and friends to view history. We were gathered in Auditorium 13 of the UA Riverview 17 for a screening of “What of the Day,” sponsored by the Nu Sigma Chapter (Philadelphia, PA). The doors opened at 6:30 PM and the event started with a mini march around the theater making it known that the night, like hosting Conclaves or Regional Conferences, was yet another special night for Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., in Philadelphia. “This documentary deserves a theater atmosphere,” stated Bro. Howard Sid Lucas, Event Chair. “It belongs on the big screen,” Bro. Earl McNeil, Jr. simply remarked. The screening began with opening remarks by Bro. Lucas, followed by a welcome by Nu Sigma’s Chapter President, Bro. Ross Hamilton.
Bros. Derek Bowmer, Hon. Daniel J. Tann, Esq (DSC#163), and Jonathan A. Mason, Sr. (Phi Beta Sigma President) gave very brief remarks building the anticipation for the documentary. At the conclusion of the viewing, Auditorium 13 erupted in applause. Bro. Rashon Howard, Nu Sigma Chapter Vice President, concluded this moment by thanking everyone for coming out to support not just Nu Sigma Chapter, but the Fraternity. At the conclusion of the screening Mr. Gary Dale (Theater Manager) stated, “This was a great event and United Artist Theater was happy to be a part.” Congratulations and a special Thanks to all members of the Event Committee, Well done!
Some Reflections: “I found it poignant how the documentary introduced the history of the Fraternity and intertwined it with the Civil Rights’ Movement and the impact Sigma had on that movement.” . . . Soror Janet Y. Bivans (Atlantic Regional Director of Zeta Phi Beta) “This was amazing and informative. I sat in awe. This was a serious motion picture.” . . . Soror Valerie G. C. Villines Curry “Every Sigma Beta should watch this.” . . . Mr. Jameer Wilson “It was a blessing to close out Black History Month with Phi Beta Sigma and fellowship.” . . . Bro. Ross Hamilton (Nu Sigma Chapter President) BY BRANDON BROWN
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LOOKING BACK
2016 Eastern Regional Conference Boston, Ma
On April 21 – April 24, 2016 the brothers of the Eastern Region gathered in Beantown (Boston, MA) to take care of the business of Sigma. The Sheraton Boston Hotel would serve as the base of operations for the 102nd Anniversary Eastern Regional Conference. This would be a weekend of spirited debate and fellowship and the opportunity to elect the men who will guide the Region through the next two years. The Conference kicked off on Thursday afternoon with committee meetings and the Pre-Conference Eastern Regional Board Meeting. This meeting would be the last Eastern Regional Board Meeting presided over by our 25th Eastern Regional Director, Bro. Leonard O. Lockhart. It was a time to briefly reflect on the last four years and give the brothers their marching orders for the Conference. After the meeting it was
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time for brothers to prepare for the evening’s signature event, the Opening Ceremony, which was open to the public. The men of Sigma would be joined by the ladies of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., young men of the Sigma Beta Club, friends and family to celebrate the rich history of service to the Greater Boston area. Mr. Michael Curry, President of the Boston Chapter of the NAACP, gave an inspired address to those in attendance helping to set the tone for the evening. The Opening Ceremony was a time to not only officially begin the 102nd Anniversary Eastern Regional Conference, but also an opportunity to honor our 25th Eastern Regional Director for his unyielding service. Our sisters of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority seized the moment to honor and thank Bro. Lockhart for embracing and strengthening the bond between Zeta
and Sigma during his time in office. At the conclusion of the Opening Ceremony all attendees were invited to the Regional Director’s Reception. During the Reception Bro. Lockhart was presented with several gifts by the State Directors on the behalf of the chapters in their respective states. The final presentation came from the Eastern Regional Board as they presented Bro. Lockhart with a personalized Regional Director’s ring. Friday’s schedule started early as the 25th Eastern Regional Director, Bro. Leonard O. Lockhart, opened the official business of the 2016 Eastern Regional Conference at the 1st Plenary Session. The Nomination Committee reported during this session and presentation their slate of candidates for the regional board positions. Following the presentation of their slate a single vote was cast for each uncontested position. With that action the new board began to take shape and brothers congratulated Bros. Devon Henry (26th Eastern Regional Director), Christian Clarke (Associate Regional Director), Nigel Coelho (Director of Bigger and Better Business), Roberto Peguero (Director of Social Action) and Marcus Daley (Director of Publicity) as newly elected members of the 20162018 Eastern Regional Board. We also heard from the Distinguished Service Chapter (DSC) Committee during this session. After carefully reviewing all citations submitted, they came forth with one name to present to the DSC Committee at Conclave Detroit, Hon. Jonathan A. Mason, Sr. (34th International President). The Sigma Betas started off the day engaged in workshops as they kicked off their conference programming. Later that afternoon the Sigma Betas had an opportunity to tour Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox, and attend a STEM program at Pfizer, one of the corporate sponsors for the conference. Following the first business session brothers honored those that have passed on to the Omega Chapter. This is our opportunity to remember those that have made the sacrifices to deliver us to this point in our history. This solemn ceremony is always followed by the Rededication Ceremony. It is a time for Sigma men to rededicate ourselves to the oath we took as members, promise to build on the vision of our Founders and re-commit to serving our communities. After lunch the brothers participated in a Heath Initiative Panel sponsored by Pfizer. The panel
discussion was on Meningitis with a focus towards our undergraduate brothers and the college campus. Andy Marso was on the panel and shared his story about fighting the disease, which he contracted while a student at the University of Kansas. He is the author of “Worth the Pain: How Meningitis Nearly Killed Me - Then Changed My Life for the Better”, and travels across the country sharing his story and raising awareness about this disease. Moving forward the Fraternity will work with our undergraduate chapters to share information about the disease with campus administrations across the country. The goal will be to get our campuses to be proactive and not reactive concerning this and other health issues on the campus. The remainder of the afternoon was filled with committee meetings followed by the Candidates Forum. The Candidates Forum, moderated by Bro. Kevin Christian, was an opportunity for candidates, for the contested positions, to share their platform with the membership and address any questions the membership might have before the voting on Saturday. After all of the day’s business was complete it was on to the Step Show and After Party to finish out the day’s events. Saturday would be a busy day filled with business meetings, the Grand Orchid Ball and the Sigma Beta Club/Collegiate Luncheon. We began the morning with the Sigma Awards Breakfast. This was a time to recognize those brothers and chapters for their hard work and commitment both on campus and in the community. Following the breakfast it was on to the 2nd Plenary Session. During this session Hon. Jonathan A. Mason, Sr., (34th International President,) shared an update with the members as to the state of the Fraternity,
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and a glimpse into what to expect over the remainder of his term in office. The address was well received and brothers were ready to return to their communities, newly energized, to serve and address the issues at hand. The Sigma Beta Club/Collegiate Luncheon was the next stop before the last Plenary Session, later in the afternoon. It was time to place our focus on the wonderful work of our undegraduate members and the young men of the SBC. Their hard work on the campuses throughout the region and within the communities we serve was honored and recognized. The State of the Eastern Region address from our 25th Eastern Regional Director, Leonard O. Lockhart, would be the highlight of the 3rd Plenary Session. The room was packed with brothers eager to hear his final address to the Region as he closed out his last term in office. Bro. Lockhart used this opportunity to recap his time in office by highlighting the progress made, while also addressing some of the issues we were not able to address. He thanked all those who played a role in the success of his time in office. That show of gratitude was expressed to both those who revered and reviled him, as he noted that all played a role in making him a better regional director. As he closed out his address he urged the membership to continue to serve their communities and support the newly elected board as they take office and work to take this region to new heights. After the State of the Region it was time to announce the newly appointed members of the Prominent Brothers Service Award (PBS). This year’s class included Bros. Leonard O. Lockhart, Milton Savage, Esq., Nigel Coelho, Chris Wilson, Van Rosebrough, James JR Reeves and John Leak. The newly appointed brothers were presented to the Body and received a standing ovation.
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The Elections Committee report was the next order of business on the schedule. This would be the last order of business for this session and the conference. After giving the delegates instructions for the election process it was time to vote on all contested positions for the 2016-2018 Eastern Regional Board. After all delegates cast their votes and the votes were tallied the Committee announced the winners of the contested positions. The following Bros. were elected to the 20162018 Eastern Regional Board: Bros. James JR Reeves (Vice Regional Director), Wayne F. Allen (Treasurer), Eugene Cox (Secretary) and Ra Alim Shabazz (Director of Education). The newly elected Eastern Regional Board was then asked to come to the front of the room to be presented to the Region. After a few items of Good & Welfare the 3rd Plenary Session was adjourned. Keeping with tradition the brothers came forward to congratulate the 2016-2018 Eastern Regional Board, show them support and wish them well moving forward.
With the business of the conference complete it was time for the men of Sigma to don their tuxedos and gather with our sisters of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., family and friends to fellowship and enjoy each other’s company. The evening would come to a spectacular close with the Blue Carpet Grand Orchid Ball. Those in attendance witnessed the pinning of the PBS Class of 2016 and the swearing in of the 2016-2018 Eastern Regional Board. Then it was time to relax, enjoy and close out the day in style. Congratulations to the host chapter for a job well done with the conference. All roads lead to Conclave Detroit, MI in 2017 and Baltimore, MD for the 2018 Eastern Regional Conference.
BY BRO. TODD LEBON
The Reactivation of Beta Beta Iota Chapter On Friday, October 22, 2004 six noble and talented young men: Brian O. Johnson, Taurean T. Davis, Antonio L. Pee, Craig Harris, Deon J. Glenn, and Brett C. Porterfield founded the Beta Beta Iota Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma on the Campus of Coastal Carolina University (Conway, SC). From 2004 - 2007 the Beta Beta Iota Chapter was going strong until the chapter hit a major speed bump due to graduation and lack of interest in Phi Beta Sigma on the campus at the time. After deciding to commit to Coastal Carolina to play football
graduate chapter being inactive, we needed the help of the Sumter or Georgetown graduate chapter to start the process. For two years, it seemed like Sigma and the Beta Beta Iota Chapter would not make a successful return to the campus. However, in the fall of 2014, Hon. Bro. Larry Blanding and Bro. Tyrone Frasier stepped up to the plate to help get Beta Beta Iota reactivated. During the two year process of laying the groundwork for the return of Sigma on Coastal Carolina’s campus, I was also recruiting and looking for potential candidates to
Beta Beta Iota chapter brothers
in 2012, my next commitment was continuing the legacy of my father, Bro. Kobina Thomas (Xi Tau/ SPR86), to become a man of Sigma. My dad contacted the South Eastern Regional Director, Bro. William Frasier, seeking help in getting the reactivation process started. It took two long years for everything to get started. Our biggest obstacle was finding a graduate chapter and graduate brothers willing to commit to advise the reactivation process. With the Horry County
join me in this effort. I have been around the Blue and White Family since I was born. I was also a member of the Sigma Beta Club growing up. This interaction afforded me some inside knowledge as to the kind of men Sigma was looking for, and the balance of talent necessary to build a successful chapter on campus. Being a member of Coastal Carolina’s football team, most of my good friends were my teammates. So, I started my recruiting efforts with members of the football team. I was
BY BRO. DENZELL THOMAS able to get two of my teammates Bros. Franklyn Richardson and Rodney Mitchell to commit to joining me on this journey. Both Franklin and Rodney are also Sigma Legacies. We were also joined on this journey by two more students eager to commit to Sigma, Bros. Kenneth Jamal Huggins and Ja’Keon Green. After a long wait, a great deal of commitment and hard work the Beta Beta Iota Chapter returned to the Coastal Carolina University campus in the Fall of 2014. With five brothers in the chapter, and being considered the “new kids on the block” on campus, our focus turned towards the continued growth of Beta Beta Iota Chapter. Coastal Carolina had just ended the football season with the best record in school history. Our team made it to the second round of the FBS playoffs. The leading topic of conversation on campus was “football players being Sigmas” or “Sigmas are on the football team.” With a stellar probate show, promoting Sigma around campus, and being well known students around campus, interest in Sigma started to increase. We knew recruiting for the upcoming spring 2015 semester would be critical. Bros. Richardson and Mitchell started recruiting in the locker room and then expanded their efforts to the campus community. We set out to recruit leaders within the campus community who were positive influences on campus. We had over thirty interested candidates at our first interest meeting, fifteen of which were athletes. In the spring of 2015, we initiated six men, the largest Continued on page 19 OUR CAUSE MAGAZINE | 15
Student-Athletes Balancing Academics and Athletics BY BRO. KEVIN CHRISTIAN
he Student-Athlete has been an essential part of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., since its beginning. Charter Member Joseph A. Franklin was a star running back on Howard University's 1914 Football Team. Our Cause Reporter, Bro. Kevin Christian recently caught up with some Sigma Brothers today who are excelling at all levels of their undergraduate experience. These young men all hold the dual role of serving as a student-athlete and as members of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., at their respective institutions.
T
Andre V. Chapman, Jr. University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) I decided to become a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity to expand my network, knowledge and horizon because constantly limiting my friendship to athletes was unbeneficial. Phi Beta Sigma always encourages me to step outside of my comfort zone and grow as an individual in ways I would have never imagined. Membership has afforded me the opportunity to establishing
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meaningful and lasting relationships while also gaining personal mentors. In my position as Nu Delta Chapter President I have become a prominent leader in the African-American community on campus. It has allowed me to engage with non-athletes and actually build true friendships. Growing up around the Blue & White Family, my father is a Sigma and my mother is a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, I witnessed firsthand the benefits of being a part of the Family. That strong feeling of family is something I wanted to bring to my campus.
Bro. AndrĂŠ Chapman Nu Delta Chapter University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Joel Marcos Bruno Suny Oneonta and Suny Ulster Hometown: Bronx, New York Phi Beta Sigma has given me the tools to better myself as a student - by teaching me how to balance my classes with work and athletics. I have also obtained the necessary tools to assist me with my presentation skills, public speaking skills and
communication skills. Sigma has helped me to better manage my leadership role both in the classroom and on the court, and to realize that we ALL have a role to play in the team’s success.
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Martavis Moore Univ. of Central Arkansas
Brandin House Lincoln University (PA)
Cary White II Bethune-Cookman University
Dominique Walker Catawba College
Phi Beta Sigma has played a key role in me being a student and an athlete. In the classroom it has motivated me to become a better student in line with our commitment to education. On the field I have the support of my chapter brothers at every home game. Their support motivates me to be all that I can be both on and off the field.
Phi Beta Sigma has equipped me with confidence to realize that anything I set out to achieve in life is obtainable. I just have to have faith and believe in myself. That is not just something that I have only implemented in my life on the track, but most importantly
Since joining Sigma I have gained valuable knowledge to help me not only in athletics but in life. At least one part of the 12 Inch Rule is applied every day. There is a clear understanding that I must hold myself and my peers to a higher standard. The leadership traits have translated tremendously on the field allowing me to understand that no matter what your role is it is your duty to perform it to the best of your ability.
Becoming a Sigma has impacted me on and off the field. As a student I am more focused on my schoolwork. Prior to becoming a member of Sigma I was always on top of my schoolwork but not doing all I could do to reach my full potential. Phi Beta Sigma places an emphasis on scholarship and I knew I could do better in the classroom, and I am. On campus I am not viewed as an athlete, but also as a Sigma.
Ed’Ricus Williams Bethune-Cookman University
Montravius Evans Catawba College
Since becoming a member of Phi Beta Sigma I have become a better student-athlete. Sigma supplied me with the necessary tools to assist me as I move forward on campus and beyond. One of the major lessons learned has been the ability to deal with adversity and adjust to any situation. The ability to adjust is invaluable because such situations can arise, both in the classroom and on the track.
Being a member of this wondrous band has helped me academically by encouraging me to be more organized, consistent and using time value to be a better student. On the field it has taught me to be a better leader and follower, depending on what the situation requires. In the past I have often found myself in leadership roles, through Sigma I have learned the importance of the worth of example and the importance of being a positive example when in any leadership role.
in the classroom.
Lenier W. Tucker, Jr. Morgan State University
Richard Johnson Howard University
Phi Beta Sigma has been instrumental in my role as a student-athlete. Sigma has taught me to always be a seeker of knowledge. The Membership Intake Process helped to change my perspective on the importance of my academics. It helped me to realize how much my GPA not only represents me, but my team and chapter as well. Going through that process set me on a mission to raise my cumulative GPA. Distance running involves a great deal of mental toughness. After becoming a Sigma my mental toughness increased through the implementation of tools gained during the MIP.
My affiliation with Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity began as a freshman in high school when I joined the Gamma Alpha Sigma Chapter (Cleveland, OH) Sigma Beta Club. Phi Beta Sigma has always played a role in my life, more specifically my life as a student and as an athlete. The importance of becoming a man with morals, ethics and integrity was passed down to me by my parents, and later reinforced by the men of Sigma. One skill I value highly and have garnered from being under the men of Phi Beta Sigma is time management.
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2016 National Sigma Beta Club Strategic Planning Retreat Fort Lauderdale, FL - On Saturday, February 20, 2016, Regional Sigma Beta Club Coordinators convened at Sole on the Ocean in North Miami Beach to brainstorm and develop an action plan to move the Sigma Beta Club conversation forward. The retreat was co-facilitated by Bros. Dr. Mario Brown (International SBC Director) and Brandon R. Brown (Special Assistant to the SBC Director and Eastern Region SBC Coordinator). Highlights of the retreat included: • The Development of action plans in the following four areas: 1-Rise & Thunder, 2-Merchandise Development, 3- National Partnership Development and 4- Intracommunications • Updates on the 2017 National Sigma Beta Club Leadership Conference (NSBCLC) in Detroit, MI • President Jonathan A. Mason, Sr., shared his thoughts with the group via Skype • Hon. Arthur Thomas, Esq., President of the National Sigma Beta Club Foundation, shared insight via teleconference • Preliminary and authentic discussions around the 2015 NSBCLC (Little Rock, AR), risk management, liability, fundraising, national database and training opportunities for SBC Advisors
NSBCLC (Little Rock, AR), risk management, liability, fundraising, national database and training opportunities for SBC Advisors. After a long day of planning and spirited discussion the retreat ended with a viewing of “What of The Day”. Following the retreat the Team will now meet bi-monthly to share updates and continue planning to ensure the clubs, advisors and members are being heard and serviced. “I am continuously grateful for the hard work of our many volunteers, from Regional Coordinators to local program advisers. I am also cognizant that what got us here will not get us to our desired organizational state of the future. The Sigma Beta program cannot be considered optional for graduate chapters; if we are to embrace avenues that will continuously distinguish us from other organizations. It is my hope that our efforts today will help to contribute and move us, even closer, to the dream of using our culture to actively serve our communities in an even more robust ways,” stated Bro. Brandon Brown. We want to take a moment to extend thanks to Bro. Ray Smith for the hospitality extended to the entire team while in Florida, and to Mr. Eric Alboher (Black History Tours) for assisting with room rate negotiations for the Retreat.
Preliminary and authentic discussions around the 2015
BY BRANDON BROWN
Beta Beta Iota continued from page 15 intake class in the history of Beta Beta Iota. Five of the six men were Coastal Carolina football teammates; Bros. Craig Thompson Jr., Bruce Mapp Jr., Kerron Johnson, Marcus Williamson and Voghens Larrieux. With most of the chapter members being on the football team managing academics, football and chapter programming duties presented a challenge. As a chapter we’ve committed ourselves to excelling both in the classroom and on the football field. Bros. Bruce
Mapp Jr. and Voghens Larriuex are both 1st team Big South AllConference players at wide receiver and offensive tackle respectively. All eight brothers on the football team are on athletic scholarship and hold over a 3.0 GPA in their respective majors. Our chapter has the most active Division 1 Football players in Sigma with eight brothers. The Beta Beta Iota Chapter currently holds the highest GPA out of all NPHC fraternities and sororities on campus.
Bro. Kerron Johnson is one of the 2015 National Scholarship Winners with a 3.5 GPA in Psychology. We recently welcomed five new members into our wondrous band. Beta Beta Iota Chapter is committed to the growth of our chapter and a long lasting presence on the Coastal Carolina campus. We extend sincere thanks to all that assisted us in our reactivation efforts and continue to support us as we help move our cause on its way. OUR CAUSE MAGAZINE | 19
Bro. Ken Pires
Reaching Our Youth Today’s world seems to be filled with endless distraction. These distractions result in many being unable to focus on even the simplest of tasks. This phenomenon can be even more devastating for our youth as they try to navigate through life and plan for the future. Smartphones and other electronic devices have become an addiction that many can’t seem to shake. Ironically, the increased use of social media and need to be “plugged in” has resulted in many being more isolated than ever. As our youth become more and more “connected” it often exposes them to more harm than good.
While the internet can be a useful tool, it can also be harmful to young developing minds. How do we counteract the issues and distractions of today and guide our youth in the right direction? What can we do to keep them focused on their future? Bro. Ken Pires, a West Springfield, Massachusetts Police Officer, was asked to speak to students at several schools in the city of Boston regarding making good choices in life, being upstanding citizens and leading by positive example. When he has an opportunity to speak to our youth he makes a point to speak about community service and the need to pay a good deed forward as much as possible! “It is such a joy to speak to our youth whenever I can. Whether it's speaking to school aged kids about their futures or troubled youths/gang members about making better choices. I make sure I stress my love for them.” Another focus of my presentation is the acceptance of God in their lives along with a strong emphasis on the importance of FAMILY! This is my passion and I have no plans of slowing down with regards to reaching out to this younger generation. My goal is to make a positive impact on as many lives as I can! That's what SIGMA MEN DO!
IN MEMORIUM | Hon. Bro. Dr. Gilbert “Gil” Francis Hon. Bro. Dr. Gilbert Francis was inducted into Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. through the Kappa Beta Sigma Chapter (Brooklyn, NY) in 1960. A native of Brooklyn, he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and Pre Law from St. John’s University. He later joined the U. S. Army and served as a Military Intelligence Specialist during the Korean War. Bro. Francis was awarded the Army Service Medal for his outstanding performance in the military. Bro. Francis served in a variety of capacities during his 56 years of membership in the Fraternity, including: Eastern Regional Director, Editor of the Crescent, International Director of Social Action, President of the DSC, President of Life Members, Director of the National Education Foundation, and Chapter President of Kappa Beta Sigma Chapter. He is a member of the Distinguished Service Chapter (#74) and Platinum Life Member (#1). We extend thoughts and prayers to his wife Soror Dr. Edith V. Francis, Past Grand Basileus of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Bro. Dwayne Francis and the Francis family.
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Pi Phi Sigma Chapter Danville, VA
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. Charters New Graduate Chapter In Danville, Virginia Bros. Edward Hairston, Fred Johnson, Curtis Strader, Patrick Ratliff, Roger Gunter, Leslie Waller and Donald Smith became the Charter Members of the Pi Phi Sigma Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. (Danville, VA). The official charter was presented to the new chapter by the Virginia State Director, Bro. Michael Ferby. The presentation took place during a ceremony on the Virginia State University campus. Brothers from the Alpha Kappa Sigma Chapter (Petersburg, VA), Zeta Eta Chapter (University of Virginia), Lambda Chapter (Virginia Union University), Delta Upsilon Chapter (Virginia Commonwealth University) and Omicron Rho Chapter (Longwood
University) were in attendance to welcome the new chapter to the fold and wish them well. Roger Gunter, Chapter President, expressed thanks to God and all the members who supported the establishment of the Chapter and worked tirelessly to make it a realization. The Pi Phi Sigma Chapter has become the principal graduate chapter in the southwestern area of Virginia. The Chapter is looking forward to executing its community service initiatives to the communities in the southwest corridor as well as eventually serving as the advisor and sponsors of the undergraduate members at Virginia Tech (Mu Nu) and Radford University (Rho Zeta).
BRO. MICHAEL FERBY
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SigmaProfiles
Ross Hamilton Continuing a Long Tradition of Service Bro. Ross Hamilton (pictured left in the above photo) is a native of New Rochelle, N.Y. The awardwinning educator now resides in Glenside with his wife, Imani, and their two daughters, Anaya and Azaria. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Mass Media Arts from Clark Atlanta University and a Master’s Degree in Adolescent Education from St. John’s University. Bro. Hamilton uses his history classroom as a vehicle to be a positive influence to his students at Mastery Charter Schools’ Simon Gratz High School. In 2011 Bro. Hamilton received the Distinguished Teaching Award from the Lindback Foundation, and was named Teacher of the Year by Martin Luther King High School. Both institutions recognized the positive impact he continues to have on his students both inside and outside of the classroom. When he is not mentoring our youth he uses the Nu Sigma Chapter (Philadelphia, PA) as a vehicle to serve the community. He currently serves as Chapter President. The Chapter has been serving the communities of Philadelphia since 1922. Hamilton plans to continue the Chapter’s long tradition of service through the implementation of the Fraternity’s three national programs and national initiatives. A major focus of his first term will be to provide the communities with tools and information on financial management and homeownership, through the Sigma Economic Empowerment Development Project (Project SEED). He is a member of Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church, and coaches his daughter’s soccer team during his spare time.
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Samuel Gardner III Bro. Samuel Gardner III, M.A. was born and raised in Los Angeles, CA. He now resides in Cherry Hill, NJ with his wife and two sons. Bro. Gardner earned a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Morris Brown College and Master of Arts in Strategic Communications and Leadership from Seton Hall University. Bro. Gardner is currently an Assignment Manager on the CBS3 (KYW-TV) in Philadelphia. He came to KYW-TV in 2014 with a wealth of experience in the media and journalism profession. Prior to joining CBS, he served as Assignment Editor/Futures Coverage Planner at the NFL Network, and as a National Assignment Editor for CNN. While at CNN, he received two Peabody Awards as part of the news team that produced the Presidential Debates and campaign coverage in 2008. He also held positions at ABC NewsOne, WSB-TV (Atlanta, GA) and WSOC-TV (Charlotte, NC). He is currently serving his first term as a member of the Seton Hall University Alumni Board of Directors. Bro. Gardner is a member of the Zeta Rho Sigma Chapter (Camden County, NJ) and the Philadelphia Association of Black Journalist. The avid runner is the veteran if three marathons and numerous 10 and 15K races. In his spare time he loves to travel and attend sporting events with his family.
Wayne Witherspoon Receives Proclamation Bro. Wayne Witherspoon is a native of New York City. In 1980, Wayne’s family moved to Paterson, NJ. He attended John F. Kennedy High School (KHS) where he served two years as student government president. After graduation from KHS he attended William Paterson University in Wayne, NJ where he received a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. Bro. Witherspoon has held many positions in the public arena including serving as an aide to Congressman Herb Klein from 1993-1995. He has works in the special education department at Kennedy High School since 2004. In 2015 he was sworn in as a Class One Special Police Officer for the Paterson Police Department. Bro. Witherspoon is a strong advocate for community service and belongs to several organizations, including: Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. (Chi Sigma Chapter), Knights of Columbus, Free and Accepted Masons Prince Hall Affiliated (Integrity Lodge No. 51) and the Improved Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks of the World (Lodge No. 333) in Paterson NJ. Bro. Witherspoon recently received a proclamation from the Passaic County Board of Chosen Freeholders. Mr. Witherspoon currently resides in Paterson, N.J.
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Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. Eastern Region Publicity Committee 200 Nutmeg Lane #219 East Hartford, CT 06118