We, the Gentleman of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., are often called the Fraternity of African Presidents, Kings and Princes; however we were not the first black Fraternity to be founded.
African-American Fraternities such as Sigma Pi Phi, which is one of the OLDEST BLACK FRATERNITIES, was created in Philadelphia in 1904. The truth is while other fraternities took pride in being founded first, or having exclusive membership, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. became the movers and shakers of the Greek world. In fact, you may find yourself surprised at the things we, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc., DID FIRST (only to find the other fraternities imitating us, as usual)
“IMITATION IS THE SINCEREST FORM OF FLATTERY” G.O.M.A.B.
We Weren't the First African-American Greek Organization
BUT…
We Are Definitely The Fraternity Of Firsts...
....to establish a constitutional bond with a Sorority (Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.)
...to have Presidents of other countries in it's membership (Bros. Kwame Nkrumah, and Dr. Nnamdia Azikiwe).
...to hold a joint International Convention with another African-American Fraternity
...to be a Greek-letter Fraternity recognized by Howard University April 15, 1914.
...to ONLY be the Black Greek-Letter Fraternity to have one of its members on the face of a U.S. Coin.*
...to establish a chapter South of the State of Virginia before the year 1915
...to establish a youth auxiliary program (Sigma Beta Club)
...to own and operate a Credit Union for it's members
...to establish chapters in the Continent of Africa
...to establish Graduate/Alumni Membership
...to establish an Graduate/Alumni Chapter
...to use the cane...(it was used for style)
...to come with the idea for the NPHC (National Pan-Hellenic Council)
...to be offered a chance to merge with another Fraternity, after a brief consideration the privilege was denied
...to use a fraternity "motto"
...to use a Coat of Arms (Shield)
Lastly, many Fraternities may have supported the Million Man March, but only Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated can lay claim to not only supporting, but sponsoring the March in its International Headquarters.
If you didn't know...You know!!!
*George Washington Carver: The 1951 Half Dollar. Only 2 African Americans have EVER been on the face of a US coin: George Washington Carver and Booker T. Washington, who is not Greek