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HISTORY OF Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc.

Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. was founded on January 9, 1914 on the campus of Howard University in Washington D.C.. Three African-American male students, Honorable A. Langston Taylor, Honorable Leonard F. Morse, and Honorable Charles I. Brown, wanted to organize a Greek letter fraternity that would exemplify the principles of brotherhood, scholarship, and service. 

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Our founders wished to create a fraternity that would be "a part of" the general community rather than "a part from" the general community. They believed each potential member should be judged by his own merits, rather than family background or affluence, without regards to race, nationality, skin tone or texture of hair. Their desires for our illustrious fraternity was to exist as a part of a brotherhood devoted to the "inclusive we" rather than the "exclusive we".

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Our fraternity exceeded the prevailing models of Black Greek-Letter fraternal organizations by being the first to establish alumni chapters, to establish youth mentoring clubs, to establish a federal credit union, to establish chapters in Africa, and establish a collegiate chapter outside of the United States.

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Our fraternity is the only fraternity to hold a constitutional bond with a predominantly African-American sorority, Zeta Phi Beta, which was founded on January 16, 1920, at Howard University in Washington, D.C.,  through the efforts of members of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity.

OUR MISSION Statement

The brothers of Phi Beta Sigma are the Fraternity’s most valuable resource and strength. They are the primary means by which the Phi Beta Sigma objectives will be achieved. In order to accomplish the Fraternity’s objectives, it is essential that systems are instituted that effectively embody “Culture For Service and Service For Humanity” and promote brotherhood, scholarship and service.

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To optimize Phi Beta Sigma’s effectiveness, the Fraternity will:

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  • Strengthen and serve proactively the brotherhood, as a supportive resource that positively impacts the Fraternity’s growth and financial solvency.

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  • Reaffirm and maintain a strong commitment to brotherhood, scholarship and service.

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  • Ensure that the Fraternity programs are focused and committed to serving humanity.

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  • Create an environment that respects the dignity and worth of each brother.

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  • Exhibit integrity and ethical behavior in conducting the Fraternity’s business. serving as a model for all Greek-letter organizations.

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  • Maintain and improve the Fraternity’s technological literacy, in order to better service its members and the community at large.

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  • Foster and nurture our constitutional bond with
    Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.

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  • Encourage a closer and mutually beneficial working relationship with fellow Greek-letter organizations, other community service organizations, businesses and government.

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  • Select leaders who are committed and have demonstrated their ability to lead.

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