VOLUME 1, ISSUE 1
U UP PS S II L LO ON N S S II G GM MA A THE OFFICIAL UPSILON SIGMA CHAPTER NEWSLETTER
"CULTURE FOR SERVICE AND SERVICE FOR HUMANITY"
MAY 1, 2021.
VOLUME 1, ISSUE 1
U UP PS S II L LO ON N S S II G GM MA A THE OFFICIAL UPSILON SIGMA CHAPTER NEWSLETTER
INTRODUCTION Greetings and welcome to the first edition of the Phi Beta Sigma – Upsilon Sigma Chapter Quarterly Newsletter. The purpose of the Quarterly Newsletter is to shine a light on the great progress being made by our various committees, bring awareness to important upcoming events, and celebrate our new and existing members. I would be remiss if I did not offer a huge “Thank You!” to all who contributed to making the newsletter a success. We hope you enjoy reading this First Edition of the Phi Beta Sigma – Upsilon Sigma Chapter Quarterly Newsletter. If you have ideas for the next edition of the newsletter or suggestions for making it even better, please reach out to one of our committee chairs. Best regards and G.O.M.A.B.!! Bro. Wayne Johnson
Brotherhood, Scholarship & Service
MAY 1, 2021.
VOLUME 1, ISSUE 1
U UP PS S II L LO ON N S S II G GM MA A THE OFFICIAL UPSILON SIGMA CHAPTER NEWSLETTER
Chapter President Message I bring greeting on behalf of the most phenomenal chapter in this world, and with all the excitement surrounding our newsletter, I am proud our brothers. As we approach our 94th chapter anniversary, I commend the work of those upon whose shoulders we stand. I honor the work of our brother, the Hon. Bro. Clarence D. Johnson who keeps us firmly based in the original ideals of our great fraternity and chapter.
Hon. Judge Carl Anthony Walker, DSC 165 Upsilon Sigma Chapter President
Our executive team and chapter members joined and supported my vision to enhance service to our youth, our community, and humanity. To each of our Brothers, I say, “thank you” for your sincere brotherhood. We began 2020 with less than 40 brothers and ended the year with well over 100 financial members.
Though the concern surrounding COVID 19 impacts many of our plans, projects, and programs, we will remain focus on our mission “to continue in the tradition of the men who laid the groundwork for our fraternity chapter by being the leading enterprising community service organization focusing on issues and strategies positively impacting young males, strengthening our communities, and serving humanity.” Our chapter will remain engaged with our Sigma Betas, new membership intake, Bigger and Better Business, Social Action, Education, Illinois one Sigma, Sigma/Zeta relations, joint founders' day dinner, social media, wellness, educational webinars, Upsilon Sigma house block clean-up, Thanksgiving turkey giveaways, toy drives, coat drives, voter registration drives, food giveaways with the Chicago Food Depository, and blood drives in conjunction with the Community Blood Center. In addition, we will continue our support of the March of Dimes, the Sickle Cell Foundation, and the American Cancer Society. In 2021, our chapter will enhance the issuance of scholarships and the presence of this newsletter. As I have previously stated: “I joined Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity more than 35 years ago at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, and as I reflect, aside from giving my life to Christ as a teenager, joining Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity is one of the best ‘decisions’ I have ever made. Ours is a true brotherhood.” Sincerely, Hon. Bro. Judge Carl Anthony Walker, DSC 165
Brotherhood, Scholarship & Service
SIGMA BETA SPOTLIGHT TAJI YOUNG FUTURE ENGINEER The Sigma Beta Club is thriving in 2021 despite the pandemic. Currently, there are 19 active Sigma Betas and we’re meeting twice a month with one meeting focused on business while the second meeting focused on fun. There are several active Brothers who have been instrumental in the Sigma Beta Club and we thank them for their tireless efforts and time commitment to these young men. In no special order, Bro. Herman Jackson, Bro. Delroy Taylor, Bro. Ron Holt, Bro. Tyrone Dowdell and Bro. Judge Carl Walker. A special thank you to the Sigma Beta Club Advisor, Bro. Rev. Edward Jones. In this month’s issue, we would like to highlight one of the Sigma Betas, Taji Young. There is something special about this Von Steuben High School Senior who has achieved a 3.2 GPA while being a student athlete. You can find Taji not only on the track field but he’s also participated in the band, robotics club and their community service organization, Key Club. After high school, Taji plans to major in Engineering and he is currently undecided where he will enroll his talents at the collegiate level. He has received acceptance letters from the following institutions: Michigan State University, Hampton University, Northern Illinois University, University of Illinois at Chicago, Bradley University, Jackson State University and Bethune Cookman College. Taji is a very confident and self-motivated individual who speaks his mind. He’s a natural leader who has a great sense of humor. During each Sigma Beta Club meeting, Taji actively listens and participates in the discussion. His questions are very thought provoking and intentional because he’s eager to learn. Taji is a role model student athlete and sets a great example for the other Sigma Betas. We’re anxiously awaiting to see Taji graduate from high school and college because he will be an outstanding Engineer.
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. men’s health initiative is Sigma Wellness. This program is dedicated to educating and engaging brothers about crucial health concerns within our community. Please fill in the blanks for the 5 areas of concentration: A) B) C) D) E)
Living Healthy: ______________ and ____________ Living Fit:_____________ and _____________ Control Living Responsible: Reducing your _____________ Risk Living Risk Free: ______________ Health Living Balanced: ______________ and ____________ Health
Words: Cancer Obesity Answers on last page
Diet Sexual
Mental Spiritual
Nutrition Weight
The
READING ROOM
It was once said that knowledge is power. We invite you to the Reading Room where we empower you with information and literary insight. This month we’re highlighting a Sigma author, Bro. Allie J. Braswell, Jr., and his book, Rekindling The Passion: Restoring the Joy and Purpose to Your Life. This Gamma Delta Sigma Chapter member gives an in-depth look at how to find that inner passion that’s within all of us. You will gain some practical methods of regaining that fire and it starts by going back to your youthful drive. We all need that reminder and inspiration to re-ignite what’s deep down within us. Grab your copy today at Amazon or where you purchase your reading material. You will definitely thank us later. Make sure you share your knowledge.
Membership Intake
Membership Intake
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Upsilon Sigma Chapter is a chapter built by brothers who believe in serving the community through brotherhood, scholarship and service as its core values. Upsilon Sigma continues it’s success by seeking new members who will promote and extend policies and programs of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity. Upsilon Sigma Chapter initiated 12 new brothers during the 2020 Spring and Fall seasons adhering to COVID social distance requirements.
S.S. ENVISION 1.Captain - Charles Bracey 2.Lionel Kimble 3.Larry Horne 4.LaMarr I. Johnson 5.Arthur D. Sutton 6.Kempes Chambers 7.Brendan Shiller 8.Anchor - Bryant Hedrick
S.S. JOURNEY 1.Captain – Jordan Johnson 2.Desholion Curtis 3.Mario Caple Brother 4.Anchor William Smith
Membership Intake An additional 5 brothers were initiated during the Spring of 2021.
S.S. BLUE COHESION 1.Captain - Terrance Jamison 2.Daniel Miller 3.Calvin Edwards 4.Keewaun Stokes 5.Anchor - Keith Conner
S.S. Envision Service Projects
S.S. Journey Service Projects
CARNATION BALL COMMITTEE Upsilon Sigma Chapter has celebrated its annual Carnation Ball in the fall of each for nearly 60 years. In 2009, Judge Carl Walker introduced the Crescent Moon Awards as a means of honoring women of African descent who have made outstanding contributions to the community through their professions. The Carnation Ball & Crescent Moon Awards Gala is the chapter’s signature event, and in 2019 there were more than 500 people in attendance. Due to the going concern surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, we were unable to host the Carnation Ball & Crescent Moon Awards Gala in 2020, but in addition to paying their usual National, Regional, and Chapter dues, many brothers paid a Carnation Ball Assessment to restore the chapter’s revenue. The 2021 Carnation Ball & Crescent Moon Awards Gala is scheduled for November 6, 2021. Each chapter brother is asked to sell a table of ten. We are elated to have honored more than 150 women with the prestigious Crescent Moon Award in the following areas: Judiciary, Medicine, Dentistry , Administration, Education , Entertainment, Broadcast Media, Ministry, Religion, Counseling, Juvenile Justice, Legal Leadership, Legal Excellence , Law Enforcement , Nursing, Informational Services, Technology , Community Service, Community Leadership, Youth Development , Political Leadership, Entrepreneurship, Business, Sorority Leadership, Science , Lifetime Achievement, Criminal Justice Reform
S CIAL ACTION
PHI BETA SIGMA, UPSILON SIGMA CHAPTER CONTINUES THE TRADITION OF SUPPORTING THE MARCH OF DIMES Welcome to March! That means the March of Dimes Campaign is in full effect. As you know, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. has a longstanding history with March of Dimes and it’s one of our major National Social Action partnerships. In the past, Upsilon Sigma has been very engaged with the March of Dimes campaign through their annual walks as well as their fundraising efforts. In 2020, Upsilon Sigma’s raised $2,291 which was the highest among all Sigma chapters in the state of Illinois. This year the March for Babies event is virtual and it will be held on April 25th at 10am. You can start donating now at marchforbabies.org/team/upsilonsigmachapter. If you donate $100 or more, you will receive a March for Babies: A Mother of A Movement T-shirt. Thank you in advance for your generous contributions. If you need any additional information, please contact Bro. Obeddie Hawkins at o.hawkins@sbcglobal.net. "CULTURE FOR SERVICE AND SERVICE FOR HUMANITY"
SOCIAL MEDIA COMMITTEE
Share Comment Like Follow Tag Upsilon Sigma’s Social Media Committee consists of Bro. Dr. Jesse Kilgore, Bro. Gavin Armour, Bro. Larry Horne, Bro. Ron Alexander and Bro. Obeddie Hawkins. Our main goal for 2021 is to provide exposure of Upsilon Sigma to world via multiple social media platforms. That’s why the committee is broadening its horizons beyond Facebook. In 2021, the chapter will have an Instagram handle, a YouTube channel, more podcasts, incorporate more video presentations on social media and ultimately become the premiere social media repository for Sigmas and Zetas in the Chicagoland area. However, we cannot achieve this goal without your assistance. We need everyone to like our page, share our page and post on our page. 2021 will be an exciting year and your Social Media team is ready to capture every moment. Now let’s go viral!
WELLNESS COMMITTEE The Wellness Committee’s purpose is to provide a vehicle for communication among the membership of Upsilon Sigma Chapter.The goals and objectives for the current year is to reach out to each member at least once a month to ensure that they are in a safe space and in good health. Fraternally, Bro. Lester L. Wright Committee Chair COMMITTEE MEMBERS Bro. Lionel Kimble Bro. Bryant Hedrick Bro. Dwayne Cecil Bro. Charles Bracey Bro. Lamar Johnson
MESSAGE FROM OUR INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT
As a “Brotherhood of Conscious Men Serving Our Communities,” Conclave 2021 exemplifies our commitment to leadership, collaboration, empowerment, and change. And as we commemorate the imprint that Phi Beta Sigma has made throughout the country and the world, we will deliver a new education program that addresses the most pressing issues of our day, and how we as an organization can continue to make a lasting impact. Conclave 2021 will honor the icons making a difference in African American communities and will celebrate our victories through the fellowship, networking, and recognition events that have come to be Phi Beta Sigma Conclave. I encourage you to register, support our cause, and get ready to engage in a journey that will change the face of our world. We look forward to seeing you in Myrtle Beach. The Honorable Brother Micheal E. Cristal International President
CONCLAVE MYRTLE BEACH 2021 August 3 - August 8 Myrtle Beach Convention Center, 2101 N Oak Street Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 United States + Google Map
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. will convene at one of the most popular beach destinations in the South for the organization’s biennial international convention. Bustling with history, culture, and personality, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina boasts 60 miles of pristine beaches, sophisticated dining and entertainment options, and worldclass golf. Conclave 2021 is sure to provide Sigma Brothers and guests with an extraordinary conference experience. REGISTER TODAY for your opportunity to be a part of another milestone moment in Phi Beta Sigma’s history!
THE ESSENTIAL SIGMA VIRTUAL EXPERIENCE The future is now! Conclave 2021 Myrtle Beach will be a hybrid event combining the in-person Myrtle Beach conference with a robust real-time virtual component called the Essential Sigma Cyber Experience. This will include both live streamed programming and video on demand. Chapter delegates and alternates (and their guests) are encouraged to participate in the face-to-face event. All others and those who prefer to participate virtually may register online. See the frequently asked questions (FAQ's) tab for everything you need to know to register for Conclave 2021 through the virtual experience or how to convert a current existing in-person registration to the virtual event.
"A BROTHERHOOD OF CONSCIOUS MEN"
GENERAL RGISTRATION INFO The Essential Sigma Cyber Experience is seamless, engaging, memorable, and includes: A larger pre-recorded catalog of workshops and training sessions – available on demand for up to 30 days post-Conclave Select sessions and workshops to include “live” Q&A with onsite speakers. All Conclave plenary sessions, ceremonies, and competitions. See the virtual schedule for detail. ·All Conclave Special Events that are scheduled, including: ·The Opening Ceremony The Candidates’ Forum The Miss Phi Beta Sigma Pageant ·The International Step Show Competition The International Awards Program The Grand Orchid Ball Entertainment Ticketed events not included with the virtual registration package are the Demetrius C. Newton Golf Tournament, the Life Members’ and Brotherhood Luncheon, and the PBSFCU Breakfast. Attendee networking via the virtual platform with live chat The Regional Caucuses ·Virtual Sigma Marketplace Virtual Sigma Career Fair Virtual Hospitality Hours Daily
"A BROTHERHOOD OF CONSCIOUS MEN"
"A BROTHERHOOD OF CONSCIOUS MEN"
IN-PERSON EVENTS
Life Members and Brotherhood Luncheon Thursday, August 5, 2021 11:00 am – 12:30 pm Ticket: $50 Available Now in BluPrint
Phi Beta Sigma Federal C.U. Breakfast Thursday, August 5, 2021 11:00 am – 12:30 pm Ticket: $50
IN-PERSON EVENTS
Annual Demetrius C. Newton Golf Classic Tuesday, August 3, 2021 7:00 am – 2:30 pm Ticket Required (Not included in registration fee)
Grand Orchid Ball Saturday, August 7, 2021 8:00 pm – 1:00 am Registration fee includes 1 ticket Guest fee includes 1 ticket Additional tickets available for purchase
Miss. International Phi Beta Sigma Pageant Thursday, August 5, 2021 8:00 pm – 9:30 pm Registration fee includes 1 ticket Guest fee includes 1 ticket Additional tickets available for purchase
International Step Show Competition and Party Thursday, August 5, 2021 9:30 pm – 11:00 pm Registration fee includes 1 ticket Guest fee includes 1 ticket Additional tickets available for purchase
IN-PERSON EVENTS
Annual Demetrius C. Newton Golf Classic Tuesday, August 3, 2021 7:00 am – 2:30 pm Ticket Required (Not included in registration fee)
Grand Orchid Ball Saturday, August 7, 2021 8:00 pm – 1:00 am Registration fee includes 1 ticket Guest fee includes 1 ticket Additional tickets available for purchase
Miss. International Phi Beta Sigma Pageant Thursday, August 5, 2021 8:00 pm – 9:30 pm Registration fee includes 1 ticket Guest fee includes 1 ticket Additional tickets available for purchase
International Step Show Competition and Party Thursday, August 5, 2021 9:30 pm – 11:00 pm Registration fee includes 1 ticket Guest fee includes 1 ticket Additional tickets available for purchase
Answers to something you should know: A) Obesity / Nutrition B) Diet / Weight C) Cancer D) Sexual E) Spiritual / Mental
"A BROTHERHOOD OF CONSCIOUS MEN"