Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity

Brotherhood is a resource within the Phi Beta Sigma (PBS) fraternity, which values integrity, ethical behavior, and respect in the actions of its members. Scholarship and service are essential to the organization, as evidenced by PBS's charitable programs and initiatives.

The History of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity

Phi Beta Sigma's commitment to brotherhood and service stems from humble roots, when three young African American students founded the fraternity in 1914 at Howard University. Their goal at the time was to create an organization that viewed itself as a part of the general community. They also had a deep conviction that they should return their skills and abilities to their communities.

Equality is a standard for PBS members, with each potential member judged by his own merits rather than family background or affluence. This created a truly fair and inclusive brotherhood that continues to thrive today.

Notable Phi Beta Sigma Members

Members of Phi Beta Sigma fraternity, known as trailblazers in their fields--from business to education, science to politics--are men of distinction. Here are just a few notable PBS members:

• Jesse T. Williams: former executive of Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.
• Alain Leroy Locke: first black Rhodes Scholar, author
• Rod Paige: Secretary of Education
• Emmitt Smith: NFL, Dallas Cowboys
• Benjamin Chavis: organizer, Million Man March

Historically Black Colleges with Phi Beta Sigma Chapters

Today, the PBS fraternity has grown into a national organization, complete with outreach programs like the Phi Beta Sigma Educational Foundation and the Phi Beta Sigma Housing Foundation. The following historically black colleges have active PBS chapters:

• Miles College (AL)
• Jackson State University (MS)
• Virginia Union University (VA)
• North Carolina A&T State University (NC)

Programs like Sigma Wellness, at these schools and others, provide the support structure for groups like the American Cancer Society, the March of Dimes, and Project SEED. Project SEED helps low- and moderate-income Americans realize the dream of homeownership and financial empowerment, while furthering the fraternity's goals of economic empowerment and development.

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Phi Beta Sigma