Title
Recognizing, honoring, and congratulating Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated on its 112th Founders’ Day and declaring January 9th Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated Day in the City of Philadelphia.
Body
WHEREAS, The Philadelphia City Council traditionally recognizes significant contributions to our community, and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated is one such contributor and prepares to celebrate its 112th Founders’ Day on January 9, 2026; and
WHEREAS, On January 9, 1914, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. was established on the campus of Howard University in Washington D.C, by three young Black visionaries, Abram Langston Taylor, Leonard F. Morse, and Charles I. Brown; and
WHEREAS, The founders of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated wanted to organize a Black Greek-letter fraternity that would truly exemplify the ideals serviving the community, brotherhood and fellowship, integrity, scholoarhip, and maintaining strong principles; and
WHEREAS, The founders 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” and would deliver services to the general community; and
WHEREAS, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. was founded on the simple belief that rather than gaining skills exclusively for themselves and their families, members should return their newly acquired skills to the community from, which they had come which is expressed in their motto “Culture For Service and Service For Humanity,” Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. has upheld a proud legacy of social action, educational support, economic development, and international outreach, striving to hold the principles of the organization; and
WHEREAS, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., are the only National Pan-Hellenic Council organizations that can claim an authentic brother-sister association by elevating a constitutional bond; and
WHEREAS, This constitutional bond allows both organizations to work closely as they attempt to materialize what their founders envisioned through a deep and abiding dedication to enhancing and promoting systematic fellowship, African-American self-determination, justice, equal rights, and service to all humankind; and
WHEREAS, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. has continued its steady climb into the national spotlight with their dedication to the betterment and strengthening of communities nationally and internationally through various programs, including Sigma Wellness, International Collegiate Leadership Team, Sigma Leadership Academy, Collegiate Advisors University, and Phi Beta Sigma Federal Credit Union; and
WHEREAS, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. works with the American Cancer Society, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, and In, amongst other charitable partnerships; and
WHEREAS, Over the past 112 years, members of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. have maintained a strong commitment to Brotherhood, Scholarship, and Service through their four main programs: Bigger and Better Business, Education, Social Action, and Sigma Beta Clubs; and
WHEREAS, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. has chartered more than 700 chapters around the world including in the City of Philadelphia and across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and has a membership of over 225,000 college educated men; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we recognize, honor, and congratulate Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated on its 112th Founders’ Day.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this Resolution be presented to representatives of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.
End