Crescent On The Yard - Spring 2022 Issue

SPRING 2022

We celebrate Black Joy.

We celebrate Black Joy.

Its beauty. Its brilliance. Its variety. Its tenacity. Its resilience.

Its ability to thrive despite everything.

Its beauty.The Its power brilliance.

ItsJoy variety.

Its tenacity.

Its resilience. of Black truly knows no bounds...

Its ability toit’s thrive A Joy despite Supreme.everything.

The power of Black Joy truly knows no bounds...

Celebrate A Joy Supreme with us at aarp.org/blackcommunity it’s A Joy Supreme.

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GREETINGS Message from the International President and International 2nd Vice President.

THE MAKING OF A LEADER

CONTENTs 12 16

Similar to exposing diamonds through the application of pressure, the key steps in the process of making a leader is shared for the collegiate Sigma reader.

ON THE COVER

Bro. Jordan Booker, Zeta Zeta Chapter, University of Houston

ABOVE PHOTO

Bro. Theo Phipps of University of Notre Dame competes in hurdles.

A LIFE OF CAREER DESIGN AND SOCIAL MOBILITY Helpful advice, guidance and tips on preparing for your career journey or career change.

ON THE RIGHT TRACK

Sigma Collegians are representing and winning on all levels in Track & Field. Check out those Brothers who’re leading the race!

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Bro. Steve E. Ballard

EDITORIAL STAFF

Bro. Shawn Adams Bro. Dr. Tierney Bates Bro. Jarrod Benjamin Bro. Joshua A. Busby Bro. Jared E. Jackson Bro. Maxwell McDaniel

LAYOUT & DESIGN

Marvin B. Manigault Jr

EDITORIAL OFFICE Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity INC. 145 Kennedy Street, NW Washington , DC 20011-5294 (202) 726-5434 www.phibetasigma1914.org

Growing Professionally Means Believing in Investing in Yourself I joined Phi Beta Sigma over 25 years ago, and one of the driving forces behind becoming a Sigma was believing that my fraternity would help me grow professionally and help me expand my network. Sigma has not disappointed. Professional development should be one of the selling points we market to perspective members.

Developing as a leader is a process and a journey. You must be willing to attend state, regional and national meetings. The workshops that are provided at each level gives you just one more tool to put in your toolbox of leadership. Spending time with older Sigma brothers also allows for them to share their rich life experience that could aide you in making professional decisions for your life.

I’m excited about this issue of The Crescent On The Yard. Some of it is nostalgic as I see the track runners we are highlighting. Being a former high school track and field all-American, and all conference collegiate runner, I’m reminded of the many lessons I learned on the track. Hard work, perseverance, timing, and preparation, are all lessons that I took with me off the track. Shoutout to the authors of the

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great articles in this issue as well. Thank you all for sharing your insight and knowledge with our collegiate members.

Let us continue to “Empower Generations of Men to BELIEVE in Advocacy, Community Service and Engagement.” We must continue to BELIEVE in our power as a brotherhood and our ability to bring about change in the communities that we live, work, and play in. As each of you represent the lifeline of this great Brotherhood, I’m excited about our possibilities as a fraternity, and the strides we will take together. Let’s go change the world!

Brotherhood First!

Hon. Chris V. Rey, JD International President

GREETINGS BROTHERS! Hello and greetings to all of my collegiate brothers in our wonderful fraternity! I hope that you all have been enjoying this new year and the second half of the semester. As we begin to come to the end of the school year, I want our brothers to continue to lead the charge in the classroom as well as our local communities.

Coming fresh off of the 2022 General Board Meeting, myself and the International Collegiate Affairs Council (ICAC), have exciting plans to roll out--a plan of action for collegians moving forward that we feel will greatly benefit the fraternity. We look forward to attending your regional conferences where we will impart whatever help or aid that we can to the collegiate brothers. We will also offer collegiatecentered workshops and activities to strengthen areas that need improvement within current chapter operations. In March, I was given the opportunity to stand in solidarity with thousands as we walked across the Edmond Pettis Bridge in Selma, Alabama in honor of the late great Honorable Bro. John Lewis for “Three Days of Good Trouble.” It was a powerful experience!

While there, I was extremely happy to see so

many collegiate brothers showing their support for our revered fraternity member and to help breathe life into continuing his noble cause.

Please continue to reach out and send your, as well as your chapter members’ accomplishments to us; so that we can share in highlighting the excellent work that is being done! Thank you and I am looking forward to seeing all of you soon!

GOMAB! Fraternally, Maxwell McDaniel

SPRING 2022 • 5

the

MAKING

LEADER

of a

Diamonds are exposed through the application of pressure. The same holds true for leaders. No matter how great a leader is perceived to be, their legacy will be cemented in how they handle adversity and pressure when it comes their way. While the most immediate examples of this come to mind regarding business and politics, the concept applies to higher education leadership as well. Through my own journey to leadership, I recognize and embrace two facts: (1) I operate from a place of privilege in many ways, and (2) I also followed an unconventional path to leadership.

My story does not mirror that of my colleagues in the higher education space. I did not grow up with desires to be a pedagogical scholar nor did I envision myself on the stages and in the rooms with educational leaders.

However, that doesn’t change my ability to lead effectively. In fact, I credit both the privilege and

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unconventional pathways as the catalyst for much of my success in leadership. I have come to learn that the presence of trauma, pressure and vulnerability in my life were not setbacks or hindrances, but rather building tools. Each of them contributes to who I am as a leader, how I connect with others through the lens of leadership and the spaces in which I choose to make impact. As you read further, I challenge you to consider how your unique experiences in each of these areas can aid and influence your leadership positively.

COMPA SSION THROUGH TR AUMA When my parents divorced, I was six. I thought that was the normal family structure – everyone has a mom and their dad just comes to visit.

The day I learned that was not the universal truth, but my truth, was hard to accept. Over time I began to understand that other people were operating from their own experiences too. And any given day could be the day that

they learn that their truth is not a universal truth. I remember the feelings of betrayal and resentment from my own reality check. As a result, I lead with empathy because I never know what those I lead have been through or have to deal with when not working on tasks I assign.

to get to the place I stand in. However, because of my personal trauma, I am able to bring compassion to the conversation. Compassion as a leader is necessary. Compassionate leadership in the higher-education space brings value and increases engagement through the presence of care about the well-being of others.

I have learned to utilize my experiences as a foundation for how I engage with others. I start the process of engagement with a commitment to go into every conversation without an assumption. I don’t know what it took for each individual to get to the place they are currently in, just like they don’t know what it took for me

“ People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”

- Theodore Roosevelt.

SPRING 2022 • 7

If the Covid-19 pandemic has taught us nothing else, we know that everyone processes traumatic experiences differently. I believe that it is essential for us as leaders in the higher education space to stop creating an air of perfection, or accomplishment, that alienates the experiences of others, but rather create a culture of care and compassion. We all have trauma, the question is, are we willing to allow our traumas to be tools for compassion and growth?

RESILIENCE THROUGH PRESSURE I am a proud veteran of the United States Army. When I show up to share in the higher education space, I cannot leave my three tours of duty and other deployment experiences at home.

It was in the spaces of combat pressure that my resilience was strengthened. I have seen some things that I cannot unsee. I have experienced life altering moments that completely changed the trajectory of my future. If I can be completely honest, dodging death (literally and figuratively) builds a type of resilience that can’t be learned in a classroom or through a book. I. bring that knowledge and experience to my work with students and faculty. What seems insurmountable sometimes just needs a stronger or different team strategy.

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The challenges and failures faced by highered does not have to be unto the death of the institution or the program. Instead, we as leaders have to exercise our resilience in the face of pressure. Our collective leadership goal is to help and transform the area of impact we are responsible for. From student affairs to the lecture halls, the pressure will come. However, it is our resilience that will carry us through.

AUTHENTIC CONNECTION THROUGH VULNERABILITY Grammy winning artist Anthony Hamilton released a song “Coming From Where I’m From” that spelled out a relatable journey for many Black men in America, whether in part or in whole. As I accept the privilege of being a man in leadership, it would be disingenuous to eliminate the fact that I am a Black man in leadership. There’s a difference between the two. Unfortunately, being a Black man means that I am often held to a different standard of accountability and performance. For me not to acknowledge that creates a false sense of security and opportunity for success to those connected to and coming behind me. If I am completely honest, checking the diversity and inclusion box for a Black man is substantially different from checking it as a woman, a different race or even sexuality.

I choose to open up about those very things.

Being vulnerable about my own experiences speeds the process of building rapport. The presence of rapport and trust then inspires connection. Then the connection ushers in impact. Afterall, isn’t positive impact the goal of all leadership?

The making of a leader takes on many forms depending on the setting. I have witnessed it first-hand through my experiences across industries, from the military to corporate settings to higher education, and a few areas in between. Regardless of where the leader is placed, I am convinced that some traits are necessary for success. Every leader should possess compassion, resilience and vulnerability, connections are built and goals are accomplished. Connections and accomplishments are ultimately among the key markers of legacy of leaders. What will be your legacy?

There are some experiences that I have had that many people would immediately turn away from or never mention for the discomfort and unfavorable light that it brings. Instead,

SPRING 2022 • 9

A Life of

Career

Design and

Social

Mobility

This spring, many brothers in our wondrous band, be they undergraduates, graduates, and reskilling alumni, will start to job search in a market that is geared towards employees. If you are just starting, you are already behind. There are two types of currency you need and must understand to put yourself in a job market that will pay benefits to you.

The two currencies are performance currency and relationships currency. Performance currency (similar to best performance of duty or talent expression) is how well do you know your field, can you deliver 12 • THE CRESCENT ON THE YARD

proven results, and what is your unique value proposition.

Relationship currency (similar to the value of character or kindly attitudes) is the main thing that will help you in your career navigation. Not what you always know but who you know will be key in your job search. It is a proven fact that 80% of all jobs come from relationships; brothers, let’s make sure that we are not only building skills but also using the fraternity, colleagues, and mentors to create a circle of influence.

Skill-building is especially important for majors with less linear career pathways, like those within the social sciences or liberal arts. Students may need to learn additional skills outside of the classroom to be competitive in the workforce. These skills could include getting certifications and credentials that help build your resume. Many organizations and colleges will hold career fairs, where you can take advantage of the opportunity to build your networking and relationship skills. Three things can set you apart in this career fair and job market, the first is a strong resume. Your resume should speak to not only what you do or did, but what you accomplished as well. Many of you have served in leadership roles within the chapter (even as the chapter’s Step Master), other campus organizations or your current part-tome job. You must articulate through numbers and words on your resume in order to stand out as a candidate. Example, instead of using the word developed, try using words like masterminded, cultivated, revamped, or instituted—they stand out on a resume. You should also include research, numbers, or impact that you have had in your work or organization. Example, increased chapter intake by 30% or evolved new programming with a 20% increase in participation.

Your resume and skills accesses the front door into getting an interview.

The interview process is where you share your unique value proposition (UVP). The UVP is

SPRING 2022 • 13

defined by the kind of value you bring to an organization or company and the value that you will deliver. If you can tell an organization your UVP (worth of organization) and come prepared with questions that others will not ask in the interview, I can guarantee you the job. Example, if you did an internship in cybersecurity, you already stand out as a candidate. If you talk about what you learned in your internship and how to apply it to the current organization, you add value to yourself. You’re highly likely of being hired and represent what the organization needs in talent. There is also the important part of you asking great questions, not average questions, to an organization or hiring manager.

EXAMPLE QUESTIONS:

The National Association of Colleges and Employers states that there should be eight competencies you should have when you graduate college or need in the workplace. It similar to our 12-Inch Rule in theory. They give people professional development goals to work towards. They also help students and alumni understand that it takes a wide diversity of skills to be successful in any work situation. Lastly, they demonstrate that there are always new skills to be learned and new situations in which to apply pre-existing skills.

1. CAREER AND SELF-DEVELOPMENT: Build personal and professional

development strategies and goals with a clear focus on ability to identify and articulate your skills, strengths and

1. How would you define success for

experiences in a way that’s relevant to the

2. What are the weakness and opportunities

and pursuing job options; the ability to self-

someone like me within my first year?

position you desire; proficiency in exploring

in your organization?

advocate in the workplace.

3. What has been your greatest leadership

2. COMMUNICATION AND WRITTEN

mistake?

SKILLS: The ability to articulate thoughts

culture of the organization?

written and verbal contexts.

4. What is your leadership style and the 5. What do you see as the challenges facing

and ideas clearly and effectively in both

3. CRITICAL THINKING AND PROBLEM

the person entering this role?

SOLVING: Exercise sound reasoning to

and organization to diversity, equity, and

problems, address ambiguity and find

6. What is your commitment as a leader

After these questions the last question to ask before you leave the interview is to actually ask for the job. “Now that we have talked and based upon the criteria you explained, do you see me working for your organization? If so, I would say the feeling is mutual. I would like to ask for the job!”

14 • THE CRESCENT ON THE YARD

analyze issues, make decisions, overcome relevant information. Use emotional intelligence.

4. TEAMWORK/COLLABORATION: Build

collaborative relationships with colleagues and clients representing diverse cultures,

races, ages, genders, religions, lifestyles, disciplines, viewpoints, negotiate and manage conflict.

5. EQUITY, INCLUSION AND GLOBAL

FLUENCY: Cultural sensitivity, respect,

openness and the ability to learn from people of diverse cultures, races, ages, genders, sexual orientations and religions.

6. LEADERSHIP: Proficiency in leveraging

the strengths of others to achieve common

goals; using interpersonal skills to coach and develop others.

7. PROFESSIONALISM/WORK ETHIC:

Demonstrating personal accountability

and effective work habits, including time

management, integrity, punctuality and the ability to learn from mistakes.

8. DIGITAL AND INFORMATIONAL

TECHNOLOGY: Competency in existing

digital technologies and the ability to adapt to new and emerging technologies.

By framing your skills, resume, and networking, there is no doubt that you as a Sigma Man should walk across the commencement stage with a job offer or graduate school already in place. For Sigma Men returning to further their education, reskilling or change careers, now is the time to do it. So much talent is needed in such industries as information technology, supply chain and logistics, healthcare, investment banking and real estate; with most offering sign-on bonuses and more to attract talent.

If you are starting your job search the perfect place is LinkedIn. The platform tripled in the amount of users during the COVID-19 pandemic and is the #1 place to connect with employers and employees.

LinkedIn can be used in many ways to help you network, find alumni, and speak with human resources hiring managers. If you have not used it or taken full advantage, please do. This is a great opportunity for our great Fraternity to showcase a session or workshop during regional conferences

and the International Conclave. The session topic can represent the power of networking, technology, and helping brothers through relationships on their career development. Our job as an organization is to help place brothers in careers that help family, communities and our organization. Through perseverance, the virtue of patience, the worth of example, talent expression, and the pleasure in work, you have the ability to see and create your own life design around work or career. You’re able to map out your life, if you take the time through managing your career and honing your performance and relationship currencies. By doing this, you obtain the dignity in simplicity, get in good trouble and serve our communities.

By, Bro. Dr. Tierney Bates SPRING 2022 • 15

ON THE

RIGHT TRACK

The sport of track and field is one of the world’s oldest with many events having initially taken place thousands of years ago at the Ancient Olympic Games in Greece. This sport has been brought over to the United States, and many top athletes are members of college track and field teams, some of them active members and local leaders of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. Participating in college track and field provides a significant number of opportunities to compete with many of the nation’s best athletes. The Crescent On The Yard is proud to celebrate the

fastest time, farthest distance or highest level.

PRAIRIE VIEW A & M UNIVERSITY MEN’S TRACK AND FIELD WINS BACK-TO-BACK CHAMPIONSHIPS

Their mission: best performance of duty in the frat

The Prairie View A & M University’s Men’s Track and Field

winners, achievers, pace setters and out-pacers representing colleges and universities throughout the nation. These Sigma Men are committed to staying on track to reach their goal of having the

and on the track.

Team, “The Panthers” is made up of mostly members of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity’s Delta Theta Chapter and Alpha Sigma Sigma Chapter. The winning Panthers won the 2021 Men’s Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Outdoor Championship as well as being crowned the 2022 Men’s SWAC Indoor Champions.

SPRING 2022 • 17

COACH CLAY RUNS A WINNING PROGRAM Sigma Brother Chris Clay took over The Panther’s Cross

A former track & field standout at Prairie View A&M under

Country and Track and Field program as Head Men’s Track

Coach Wright, Clay helped reestablish the legacy while

and Field Coach in 2010, and enters his 11th season at

being associated with the program for 18 years as either a

the helm. He was chosen Outdoor SWAC Coach of the

student-athlete, assistant coach or head coach.

Year in 2018 as he led the team to a SWAC Men’s Outdoor Championship, making it the fourth in the program’s history

Priding himself on being a student of track & field, Clay

and first in a decade.

says “once you become a student, you become selfdisciplined, motivated and dedicated to your sport.” That

Learning from some of the greatest track & field minds to

mantra holds true as Clay has balanced a full teaching

ever walk the Prairie View A&M University campus has

workload as a professor in the PVAMU Department

paid off for Brother Clay. “Coach Hoover Wright taught me

of Health & Human Performance while also building a

the history of the Prairie View A&M track & field program

championship level track & field program, which recently

and once you learn the history, it shapes the standards

had 14 student-athletes named to the SWAC All-Academic

and traditions of your program,” said Clay. “Coach Clifton

Team.

Gilliard taught me how to interact and motivate the studentathletes to the point where they can give me the best they

Clay and his wife Shandra, a fellow PVAMU alumnus,

can mentally and physically.”

has two children; Christopher and Cydney. He is a Fall ’99 initiate of Delta Theta Chapter and current member

Since assuming the reigns of the program, Clay has

of the Alpha Sigma Sigma Chapter. He received both his

developed the team into a yearly contender with no less

Bachelor’s Degree in Human Performance in 2001 and a

than a third-place finish dating back to 2011.

Master’s Degree in Educational Administration in 2003 from PVAMU.

18 • THE CRESCENT ON THE YARD

SPRING 2022 • 19

THE PRAIRIE VIEW A & M PANTHERS DELTA THETA CHAPTER & ALPHA SIGMA SIGMA CHAPTER

Bro. Ty’Ron Baker GRADUATE ASSISTANT FOR SPORTS INFORMATION

Alpha Sigma Sigma Chapter Delta Theta Chapter – Spring 2017 Pursuing Master’s in Business Administration

BRO. TIMOTHY DEMERIT, JR. Delta Theta Chapter Events: 200m, 400m Sprints

BRO. OMARI SANDERS Delta Theta Chapter Event: 400m Sprint

BRO. DAMON COBBS, JR.

BRO. BYRON DANIELS, JR.

BRO. DARIUS JACKSON-RUBIO

BRO. ZACHARY MOSELEY

Delta Theta Chapter Events: 200m, 400m Sprints

Delta Theta Chapter Event: Throwss

Alpha Sigma Sigma Chapter Delta Theta Chapter – Spring 2020 Pursuing Master’s in Agriculture Event: 800m

JR. Delta Theta Chapter Event: Pole Vault

SPRING FALL2022 2021 • 21

BROTHER BOOKER AN ALL-AROUND Brother Jordan Booker is a well-respected student leader on the campus of the University of Houston-Main Campus.

He represents the well-rounded, totally engaged current, yet promising future leader. Jordan is the 2021 reigning 2021 University of Houston Homecoming King and President/ Founder of Meditation Monday, a registered student organization that promotes mental health awareness and provides free weekly meditation sessions to the UH student body. Bro. Booker has been selected Athlete of the Week numerous times and is an American Athletic Conference (AAC) champion. Jordan, a Technology Leadership and Innovation Management major, maintains a stellar 3.8 GPA and is an entrepreneur, owning his own professional disc jockey business.

BROTHER JORDAN BOOKER Zeta Zeta Chapter University of Houston – Main Campus Gulf Coast Region Events: 100m, 200m 4x100m

22 • THE CRESCENT ON THE YARD

SIGMA COLLEGIANS ON THE RIGHT TRACK

KALEB ALLEN-MCDUFFIE

OQUENDO BERNARD

VINCENT C. BUCKLEY

Alpha Alpha Lambda Chapter Troy University Southern Region Events: 100m and 200m (Sunbelt Conference 4x1 Champion 2019

Kappa Zeta Chapter Auburn University Southern Region Events: Sprint Hurdles 60mH-Indoor, 110mH-Outdoor

Alpha Pi Chapter Fort Valley State University Southern Region Events: Shot Put, Discus, and Hammer

TIMOTHY R. CARR, II

CORNELIUS AHMON CATLIN

ASHTON DEFREEZE

Eta Zeta Chapter Texas A & M University at Commerce Gulf Coast Region Events: 110mH, 400mH, 60mH, 60m

Epsilon Tau Chapter Talladega College Southern Region Events: 200m, 400mH, Long Jump, Triple Jump, High Jump

Alpha Zeta Chapter Alcorn State University Southern Region Events: 60m, 100m, 200m and 400m Sprints

ASHTON DRAKE

E.J. GREEN, III

DONTAVIOUS HILL

Gamma Gamma Chapter North Carolina Central University Southeastern Region Events: 1 Mile, 3000m, 3000m Steeplechase and 5000m

Gamma Gamma Chapter North Carolina Central University Southeastern Region Events: Hurdles

Kappa Zeta Chapter Auburn University Southern Region Events: High Jump

JARED HILL

THEOPOLIS K. PHIPPS

MACKENSON YRELUS

Alpha Pi Chapter Fort Valley State University Southern Region Events: Shotput, Discus and Hammer

Delta Tau Chapter (initiated) University of Notre Dame Great Lakes Events: Hurdles

Gamma Gamma Chapter North Carolina Central University Southeastern Region Events: 800m, 400m, 4x4

Note: Brother Buckley has medaled in the SIAC championship and won multiple SIAC Athlete of the Week Awards, along with being ranked Top 5 All-time for all of his events at Fort Valley State.