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Regions
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Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity organizes its chapters according to their regions in the United States and abroad. The seven regions are each led by a regional director and a regional board. A comprehensive list of regions is shown below:[1]
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-- Main article: List of Kappa Kappa Psi chapters District map of Kappa Kappa Psi
By 2011 there were 210 active chapters out of 314 chapters chartered since 1919, and 7 colonies.[23] Colonies are probationary chapters at universities that have not historically had a chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi or whose chapter has gone inactive.[76] Chapters and colonies of Kappa Kappa Psi are organized into seven districts, six of which are named for the geographical region of the United States that they represent. These are the North Central, Northeast, Midwest, Southeast, Southwest, and Western Districts.[77] Although an International District is provided for, it has no chapters.[77]
After the establishment of 32 graduate and undergraduate chapters in 1924, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority organized chapters according to their regions in the United States and abroad. The Boulé determines the boundaries of the regions.[97] The ten regions are each led by a regional director, where she serves a member of the sorority's Board of Directors. In addition to serving on the sorority's Board of Directors, the regional director also follows guidelines, program targets set by the International President, as well as procedures.[97] Almost two-thirds of the sorority's regional directors have been elected international presidents.[97] A comprehensive list of regions is shown below:
* Far-Western * Mid-Western * South Central * Central * South Eastern
* South Atlantic * Mid-Atlantic * North Atlantic * Great Lakes * International
Other Symbols
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The Fraternity Hymn was written by brother Ivorite L. Scruggs in 1914.[2] At the time of its creation, the fraternity hymn was sung to the popular tune Auld Lang Synebut later was given an original melody.[3] Blue and white are the fraternity's official colors.[3] The fraternity flower is a white carnation, so chosen because it is a January flower, the month in which the fraternity was founded.[3]
"Each one, was different in temperament,in ability,in appearance;but that was why they were chosen by the three founders. We felt that a fraternity composed of men who were all alike in habits, interest and abilities would be a pretty dull organization."
Sigma Co-Founder Leonard F. Morse
(On The First Initiated Brothers of Phi Beta Sigma)[4]
The creation of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority
editIn the spring of 1919, Sigma Brother, Charles Robert Samuel Taylor shared with Arizona Cleaver his idea for a sister organization to the fraternity. Cleaver then presented this idea to fourteen other Howard Women; and with the help of Charles Taylor and Sigma Founder A. Langston Taylor, work began to establish the new sorority.[5] With permission from the Howard University administration, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority held its first official meeting on January 16, 1920. The founders and charter members of the Sorority consisted of Arizona Cleaver (Stemons), Viola Tyler (Goings), Myrtle Tyler (Faithful), Pearl Anna Neal, and Fannie Pettie (Watts). The five founders chose the name Zeta Phi Beta. The similar names of both Sigma and Zeta are intentional in nature as the ladies adopted the greek letters 'Phi' and 'Beta' to “seal and signify the relationship between the two organizations”.</ref name=Torchbearers></ref>
"Arizona Cleaver was the chief builder and she asked fourteen others to join her. I shall never forget the first meetings held in dormitory rooms of Miner Hall. Miss Hardwick, the matron, never knew I was about until I was escorted out by Arizona, who was her assistant. I was Miss Hardwick's favorite boy."
Sigma Brother Charles R. Taylor
(On Arizona Cleaver & the organization of Zeta Phi Beta)Cite error: The <ref> tag has too many names (see the help page).
The newly-established Zeta Phi Beta Sorority was given a formal introduction at the Whitelaw Hotel by their Sigma Counterparts, Charles and A. Langston Taylor. The Taylor brothers had been a source of advice and encouragement during the establishment, and throughout the early days. of Zeta Phi Beta[5] As National Executive Secretary of Phi Beta Sigma, Charles Taylor wrote to all Sigma Chapters requesting they establish Zeta chapters at their respective institutions. With the efforts of Taylor, Zeta added several chapters in areas as far west as Kansas City State College; as far south as Morris Brown College in Atlanta, Georgia; and as far north as New York City. [6]
Leonard F. Morse
editLeonard F. Morse | |
|---|---|
| Born | January 12, 1891 |
| Died | May 22, 1961 (aged 70) |
| Occupation | Pastor |
Leonard F. Morse (January 12, 1891 – May 22, 1961) was one of the three founders of Phi Beta Sigma fraternity at Howard University in 1914. Morse was the First president of The Fraternity's Alpha Chapter, responsible for Writing Sigma's first constitution and later President of Edward Waters College.
Early Life & Education
editLeonard F. Morse, Son of Mr. & Mrs. Frederick Morse, was born in 1891. Born into distinguished New England family, Morse received his elementary and secondary education in schools of New Bedford, Massachusetts. Morse was the valedictorian of his integrated high school and entered Howard University. In 1915, he graduated from Howard University and was the first person to graduate in 3 years with an A.B and a B.Ed degree.[7]
After graduation from Howard, Morse received his Bachelor of Divinity degree from the Payne School of Divinity, at Wilberforce University. Morse also went on to receive his Master’s degree from Northwestern University and the degrees of Doctor of Metaphysics and Doctor of Psychology from the College of Metaphysics in Indianapolis, Indiana. Morse also received Honorary Degrees from Allen University and Edward Waters College.[7]
Works in Sigma
editMorse is credited for naming Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity. Described by many as shy, thin, dark, and very much the New Englander,In addition, he is responsible for creating the fraternity's first constitution and was the first president of Alpha Chapter, the fraternity's flagship chapter. Morse has been awarded the Fraternity's Distinguished Service Key, and held the position of President of the Distinguished Service Chapter.[8] Morse also held the position of State Director of Florida and was involved in the founding and chartering of numerous Sigma Chapters in Florida, and other states.[8]
In the 1915 Howard University yearbook entitled “The Mirror”, Founder Morse had listed by his name the following: Director of Social Service, YMCA, 1913-1914; Organizer and President of Phi Beta Sigma, 1914-15; President, Young Men’s Progressive Club, 1914-15; tutor of languages and history.
Works Outside of Sigma
editMorse chose education and ministry as his life's calling, where he served in many institutions and areas of both fields. Morse served as President of Edward Waters College. In addition to that, he also held the positions of Dean of Theology and Head of the Department of Religious Studies at the institution.[7] Morse was also served as Dean at Paine College & Bethel College as well.[8]
Family Life
editFounder Morse was married and had five children. of his decedents, Two sons and one grandson are also members of the Phi Beta Sigma.[8]
A.Langston Taylor
editA. Langston Taylor | |
|---|---|
| Born | January 29, 1890 |
| Died | August 8, 1953 (aged 63) |
| Resting place | Lincoln Memorial Cemetery in Suitland, Maryland |
| Occupation | Businessman |
Abram Langston Taylor (January 29, 1890 – August 8, 1953) was one of the three founders of Phi Beta Sigma fraternity at Howard University in 1914. Considered the greatest name in Sigma, Taylor was responsible for the early growth and development of fraternity.[9]
Early Life & Education
editA. Langston Taylor was born in Memphis, Tennessee. He received his formal education, in 1909, from the Howe Institute (now Lemoyne-Owen College) in Memphis. Taylor went on to receive his college and professional training at Howard and Frelinghuysen Universities, both in Washington, D.C.
The Creation of Phi Beta Sigma
editIn the summer of 1910, after a conversation with a recent Howard University graduate, A. Langston Taylor formed the idea to establish a fraternity and soon after, enrolled into Howard University in Washington, D.C. Once there, Taylor began to set his vision of a brotherhood into action. In October 1913, Taylor and Leonard F. Morse had their initial conversation about starting a fraternity. As a result, Charles I. Brown was named as the third member of the founding group. By November 1913, a committee was established to begin to lay the foundation of what was to become Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity. Soon after the first committee meeting, Taylor, Morse, and Brown chose 9 associates to assist them with the creation of the fraternity. Those men were the first charter members of the organization.
On January 9, 1914, the permanent organization of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity was established in the Bowen Room of the 12th Street Y.M.C.A Building in Washington, D.C. On April 15, 1914, the Board of Deans at Howard University officially recognized Phi Beta Sigma and the following week The University Reporter, Howard University's student publication, made known the news.
Works in Sigma
editTaylor, who is responsible for coining the Fraternity's motto of “Culture for Service, Service for Humanity,” was described by fellow fraternity members as distinguished, poised and truly a hard worker. Members of the fraternity's first alumni chapter (Alpha Sigma chapter) referred to Taylor as “Prof”, short for professor, because he was always carrying a book, files or reading. His dedication and work ethic is no more evident than the twelve consecutive years of service to Phi Beta Sigma as a National Officer. In addition to serving as the organization's first National President, Taylor also held the positions of National Treasurer, National Secretary, Field Secretary and also President of the Distinguished Service Chapter. In addition to his work as a national officer, Taylor served on the fraternity's history committee and provided numerous forms of notes, minutes and oral history to those who served with him.[7]
Ventures Outside of Sigma
editTaylor chose business for his life’s career. From 1917 to 1926 Taylor explored many business ventures; including a real estate and insurance business. He also held the position of Secretary-Treasurer of the Potomac Investment Company, Director of the Federal Life Insurance Company and President of the Taylor Tobacco Company.[7] In addition to being a founding father of Phi Beta Sigma, The Elks and being a 33rd Degree Mason[10]; Taylor held offices and was instrumental in The Washington Art Society, The Derby Club, The Banneker Research Society, The Mu-So-Lit Club and the Tennessee State Club.[7]
Death
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A, Langston Taylor is buried at Lincoln Memorial Cemetery in Suitland, Maryland which is located outside of Washington, D.C.[7]
- ^ Regional Contacts[dead link]
- ^ Savage, William S., Our Cause Speeds On, p. 37.
- ^ a b c Savage, William S., Our Cause Speeds On, p. 23.
- ^ Savage, William S., Our Cause Speeds On, p. 18.
- ^ a b Harrison, Lullelia W. "Lovers' Stroll – A Legacy Begins". Torchbearers of a Legacy: A History of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. 1920 – 1997. p. 2-4.
- ^ "In The Beginning", by Charles Robert Taylor, reprint from The Crescent, Fall, 1959, Page 72 of The Sigma Light (1980)
- ^ a b c d e f g "Our Founders". Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity. Retrieved 2013-04-09.
- ^ a b c d Ross,Lawrence C. The divine nine:the history of African American fraternities and sororities. Kensington Publishing Corp., 2002, p. 107.
- ^ Rawls, John. A Theory of Justice. Harvard University Press, 1971, p. 1.
- ^ Cite error: The named reference
J.Rawlswas invoked but never defined (see the help page).