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Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.
Our History

Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity was founded at Howard University in Washington, D.C., Friday, January 9, 1914, by three young African-American male students. The Founders, Honorable Abram. Langston Taylor, Honorable Leonard Francis. Morse, and Honorable Charles Ignatius . Brown, wanted to organize a Greek letter fraternity that would truly exemplify the ideals of brotherhood, scholarship, and service.

 

The Founders deeply wished to create an organization that viewed itself as “a part of” the general community rather than “apart from” the general community. They believed that each potential member should be judged by his own merits, rather than his family background or affluence…without regard to race, nationality, skin tone or texture of hair. They desired for their fraternity to exist as part of an even greater brotherhood which would be devoted to the “inclusive we” rather than the “exclusive we”.

 

From its inception, the Founders also conceived Phi Beta Sigma as a mechanism to deliver services to the general community. Rather than gaining skills to be utilized exclusively for themselves and their immediate families, they held a deep conviction that they should return their newly acquired skills to the communities from which they had come. This deep conviction was mirrored in the Fraternity’s motto, “Culture For Service and Service For Humanity”.

 

Today, Phi Beta Sigma has blossomed into an international organization of leaders. No longer a single entity, members of the Fraternity have been instrumental in the establishment of the Phi Beta Sigma National Foundation, the Phi Beta Sigma Federal Credit Union and The Sigma Beta Club Foundation. Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, founded in 1920 with the assistance of Phi Beta Sigma, is the sister organization of the Fraternity.

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OUR MISSION

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. 

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Alpha Beta Sigma Alumni Chapter
Sigmas of Houston
Houston, Texas

OUR HISTORY

Alpha Beta Sigma Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated was chartered  Sunday, February 25, 1934 by Brother Dr. C. L. Barnes, Brother Dr. A. E. Bowie, Brother Dr. C. T. Ewell, Brother George Simon, Brother C. L. Wilson and Brother F. G. Frye. Alpha Beta Sigma is one of the oldest Sigma chapters in the Gulf Coast Region and was one of the first alumni chapters of all fraternities chartered in Houston Texas. To this day, it remains the only Houston Sigma Chapter. 

 

 Alpha Beta Sigma has consistently been one of the largest chapters in all of the fraternity and has on numerous occasions had membership to exceed 125 active members. The chapter has significant prominence on the National level of the Fraternity and boasts several Past National Officers including: three International Presidents, two 2nd National Vice Presidents, an International Director of Social Action , Bigger & Better Business and an International Director of Collegiate Affairs. Four Brothers from Alpha Beta Sigma Chapter have been inducted into the National Distinguished Service Chapter (the highest honor in Phi Beta Sigma). 

 

 Alpha Beta Sigma Chapter has shown leadership on the Regional and State levels and have had several Regional Directors as well as other Regional and State officers. ABS  has 1 Regional Director and 2 State Officers that are  currently serving in the 2023-2025 Term.  Additionally, the chapter’s membership has included College Presidents, Deans, National U.S. Government officials, the 1st Mayor of Prairie View, Texas,  Medical Doctors, Business Executives, Pilot and Second =in command (Crew-1 SpaceX Crew Dragon "Resilience"), noted Entertainers and other professionals. We strictly adhere to the National Programs, Bigger and Better Business, Social Action and Education as well as the implementation of several community service programs that benefit the Greater Houston Area. 

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