FALL 2020
COLLEGIANS ON THE FRONTLINE Responding to COVID-19
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Contents
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GREETINGS Messages from the International President and International 2nd Vice President
THE NEW NORMAL? A first-hand look at the impact of COVID-19 on America’s institutions of higher learning.
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FINANCIAL AID ADVICE Important information for Sigma Collegiates maneuvering through the 2020 financial aid process.
READY TO SERVE Introducing Phi Beta Sigma’s current 2nd Vice Regional Directors.
COLLEGIANS ON THE FRONTLINE Collegiate chapters respond to the call of duty by serving communities impacted by COVID-19.
ON THE COVER
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Gamma Rho Iota Chapter’s Steve E. Ballard Protest Leader Bro. Justis thecrescent@phibetasigma1914.org Daniels-Bezout
EDITORIAL STAFF ABOVE PHOTO COLLEGIANS ON THE FRONTLINE Responding to COVID-19
Bro. Seth B. Crosby, 2nd Vice Director of Great Lakes Region.
Dr. Kent Poindexter
EDITORIAL OFFICE Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. 145 Kennedy Street, NW Washington, DC 20011-5294 (202) 726-5434 www.phibetasigma1914.org
LAYOUT & DESIGN Steve E. Ballard
Fall 2020
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THE BEST PERFORMANCE OF DUTY As the nation continues adjusting to a new normal imposed on us by the COVID-19 pandemic, I am encouraged by the resilience, acts of kindness and expressions of brotherhood shared by many chapters and individual brothers during this time. Sadly, our Brotherhood has been victimized by this virus. Sigma has lost members and reports are that numbers of brothers and family members have been infected, but survived. Certainly, we are grateful for them and praying for those who are on the road to recovery. There have been many things taking place which provide encouragement that being a “Brotherhood of Conscious Men Actively Serving Our Communities” is more than a slogan—the countless pictures, videos, live feeds of brothers participating in virtual happy hour; brothers sharing stories about attending virtual chapter meetings; brothers who are putting forth extra efforts to encourage others, using their DJ and technical skills to engage others, or simply by providing words of comfort and encouragement for those going through tough times. It’s this sense of being concerned for others that will help us get through these strange times. These exemplary actions are worthy of special recognition and are
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The Crescent: On The Yard
the focus of this issue of The Crescent on The Yard. Globally, Phi Beta Sigma chapters have truly exemplified the best performance of duty especially during this season, and so we highlight collegiate chapters who have put forth extra efforts, serving on the front line -- supporting communities, programs and groups which have been especially affected by the coronavirus pandemic. We also take a moment to introduce seven amazing young Conscious Sigma leaders. These young men represent the collegiate voices in their respective regions, serving as 2nd Vice or Associate Regional Directors. We welcome and encourage them as they begin serving Sigma on another level and with innovative ideas. As always, I thank you for your continued support of this publication, which highlights and focuses on the interests and talents of Phi Beta Sigma’s collegiate brothers. Brotherhood First!
HON. MICHEAL E. CRISTAL, International President
GREETINGS BROTHERS! Greetings to my fellow collegiate members and chapters. I hope your Fall semesters or quarters are beginning smoothly, in spite of the drastic changes our institutions are experiencing due to the COVID-19 regulations. This pandemic poses some incredible challenges for our colleges and universities, and our chapters. However, we must work in tandem with our schools to provide a safe and healthy environment for our fellow students and chapter members. I applaud each of you who’ve gone above and beyond the call of duty to deliver quality service to those areas impacted by this unfortunate pandemic. GOMAB to our new 2nd Vice Regional Directors! I’m excited about the opportunity to work collectively on the brotherhood experience for our fellow collegians. The International Collegiate Advisory Council is ready to engage and collaborate with you this year, as we advance the issues and needs of collegiate Sigmas. Brotherhood First! BRO. DANE D. NORVELL, II International Second Vice President
Fall 2020
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THE NEW NORMAL? THE IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING By Brother Joshua A. Busby
T
he last several months have been among the most challenging most of us have faced, likely in our lifetimes. Colleges and universities, government agencies, corporations, and organizations of all sizes have been forced to respond to an unpredictable and evolving crisis of unprecedented scale. First, I want to salute our brothers who are continuing to pursue their degrees, and the campus professionals on every college campus across the country for showing true resilience. The work that has been done thus far to mitigate the risk to each campus community is important, but the true work is steeped in creating and maintaining a safe and sustainable environment in which our students, faculty, and sta can live and learn. Fall 2020
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Like many of my colleagues across the country, as a senior administrator on my campus, we wake up every day and work to protect those within our care. This requires thoughtful planning, risk analysis, and decision-making centered around the safety of our respective campus communities. Every campus in America has been forced to develop plans for a hybrid delivery of academic coursework; some institutions have even made the decision to deliver all of their courses via distance education. While these are institutional decisions made in the name of safety, the decisions could also be perceived to have been made in spite of the students who attend classes at the institution. In the Spring 2020 semester, campuses essentially were forced to close due to the arrival of the global pandemic. This sent students on college campuses into a tailspin. In some cases, students were forced to leave an environment of stability (academic resources, access to technology, and other basic food and shelter options) by vacating the campus. Thus, many institutions over the summer months made a conscious decision to reopen this fall to serve those students who decided to come back to campus.
mitigate the risks of spread of the virus during the upcoming holiday season later in the semester. This approach provides for on-campus instruction to end on Friday, November 20th, prior to the Thanksgiving holiday. The remaining two weeks of the semester, including final exams, will be delivered remotely through virtual instruction. In addition to the modification of course delivery, many institutions have made the decision to cancel fall athletics as well as other auxiliary activities including marching band and For institutions who have, in fact, choral performances. With the opened their campuses for the fall, cancelation of fall sports comes to be safe many, if not all, courses the cancelation of the most anticiwill be delivered via hybrid, where pated time of year, especially for possible. The hybrid course design Historically Black Colleges and allows faculty to move the majorUniversities: Homecoming! Out of ity of their coursework online and an abundance of caution and to offer a more flexible model for reduce the potential spread of students. Many institutions have COVID-19, institutions had no also developed strategies to 8
The Crescent: On The Yard
choice but to cancel all in-person homecoming activities. While the decisions made may cause disappointment, such changes are critical to ensuring the healthy and safe recovery of our campus communities. As campuses re-opened, institutions, while knowing it is impossible to mitigate every risk, are taking every step to make sure that the planned reopening of campuses considers the health and safety of all. Another challenge for colleges and universities is how to continue to keep the price of higher education affordable, while anticipating a potential decrease in enrollment. For example, the average Oklahoma college student will pay only $80 more this year in tuition and mandatory fees, according to
data from higher-education officials. Many institutions have decided to keep tuition flat and to address the budget crunch by slashing full-time positions, furloughing part-time employees and leaving open positions vacant. As it relates to how Sigma brothers in collegiate chapters can operate on college campuses, there is a challenge because none of the programming brothers have traditionally hosted are being sanctioned by campus administrators. Officials have released guidelines to those campus organizations who want to host events on campus (in-person or virtually). While the guidance and direction from the institution may hinder some activity planning, it does not eliminate all activities. Campus organizations are welcome to use Microsoft Teams,
Google Meets and Zoom to host virtual events, as well as Facebook and Instagram Live. The time has come for our chapters to be more innovative as it relates to programming. The fraternity is dedicated to creating resources and tools to help collegiate chapters succeed in providing some dynamic engagement opportunities on campus and initiating the best and brightest into our brotherhood. We are excited about the release of our Guide for Virtual Engagement and Recruitment that will serve as a resource for chapters to effectively recruit quality members in a virtual sense, while also protecting the safety and health of our brothers and potential members. Huge thanks to the
Sigma Professional Advisors Council and our Vice Regional Directors for their assistance in creating the resource. While COVID-19 has presented a plethora of challenges for campus organizations, it has also presented them with the opportunity to be trailblazing and progressive in their delivery of services. I am as excited as ever that Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. is continuing to lead from the front as it relates to servicing and positioning our membership to be successful in all that we do.
Bro. Joshua Busby is the Dean of Students and Chief Student Affairs Officer at Langston University in Oklahoma and he is also the International Director of Collegiate Affairs of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.
Fall 2020
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COLLEGIANS ON THE FRONTLINE RESPONDING TO COVID-19
P
HI BETA SIGMA FRATERNITY responded quickly to the call to action as the world began to deal with the reality of the rising spread of the coronavirus pandemic and its impact on communities. Shortly after the nation’s announcement of mandatory social distancing guidelines, the fraternity’s leadership hosted an International Call: Sigma Wellness During COVID-19 with Sigma brothers serving as professionals in the areas of medicine and mental health. They provided significant information to over 700 members who were on the call. Over the next few weeks the International Program Directors hosted a Virtual Sigma Wellness Engagement Series webinar on current and helpful information to assist people in coping during with the mental and emotional distress caused by the pandemic. The announcement was made encouraging all brothers and chapters to support one another during these times, with special support being extended to our elderly brothers. Many members have lost employment or experienced a reduction in work, which resulted in the reminder for men of Sigma to be our Brother’s Keepers. Alumni chapters who sponsor collegiate chapters were asked to continue their support and collaborate on service where possible. The Crescent on The Yard proudly highlights examples of collegiate chapters standing on the frontline to serve. These real-time responses to those devastated by COVID-19 are a true testament to their dedication to “the best performance of duty.”
Northern Arizona University, Gamma Rho Iota Chapter’s Protest Leader Brother Justis Daniels-Bezout was featured in the AZ Daily Sun Newspaper during the pandemic taking a knee along with side Flagstaff, Arizona’s Chief of Police Kevin Treadway and Lieutenant Colin Seay as Chaplain Bill Haney leads the crowd in prayer at the police brutality and COVID-19 racial inequity protest that began at the Flagstaff Police Department and marched to City Hall.
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Gamma Rho Iota Chapter President Bro. Saxton Simmons donated time and talent to complete a community service project, remodeling the bathroom for the Murdock Community Center in Flagstaff, AZ. The Associate Brothers of Delta Delta Sigma Chapter in Denver, CO handed out food and toiletries several times throughout
In preparation for Hurricanes Marco and Laura, the Iota Tau Chapter at LSU helped the local community by preparing and distributing sandbags. The COVID-19 pandemic has made hurricane preparation even more difficult. The brothers were able to alleviate some of that pressure by working with several families to fortify their homes. Iota Tau swiftly responded to the needs of our community with this act of service. The Brothers of Nu Delta Chapter at the University of CaliforniaLos Angeles (UCLA) have been busy during the coronavirus pandemic, participating in protests and passing out care packages of groceries, water, toilet paper, and backpacks filled with school essentials, for struggling persons in the Greater Los Angeles area.
Bro. Saxton Simmons of Gamma Iota dontates time and talent
the Greater Denver Metropolitan area to those less fortunate during the early stages of the coronavirus pandemic.
12 The Crescent: On The Yard
The Rhode Island-based Alpha Alpha Tau and Pi Beta Sigma chapters assisted the Rhode Island Dream Center in delivering soup and lunches for residents at the East Providence Housing Authority’s City View Goldsmith Manor. Soup was provided by Blount Fine Foods. This is an ongoing weekly community service project implemented to assist low income housing residents with additional food during the pandemic.
Delta Delta Sigma Associate Brothers handing out food and toiletries to less fortunate
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Iota Tau Brothers help local communities prepare for Hurricanes Marcos and Laura during COVID-19 challenges.
Nu Delta Brothers protest while passing out care packages to less fortunate in Greater Los Angeles area.
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Alpha Alpha Tau and Pi Beta Sigma Brothers deliver soup and lunch for residents in a Rhode Island housing center.
Fall 2020 15
FINANCIAL AID ADVICE By Brother Trae D. Johnson
When you think of the fall, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Is it football? If you’re a teacher or professor, it’s probably preparing for classroom lectures. If you’re a student, it’s getting back to the yard. For the college freshman who recently graduated from high school just a few months ago, this is the start of a new chapter in your life. For upperclassmen, it’s getting back to the grind of working towards your degree or looking for a career. The year 2020 has not been the year that we were expecting or hoping for. The things that we are used to doing without really thinking, are now things we must give serious thought. Wearing masks, keeping hand sanitizer with us, frequently washing our hands, and maintaining social distance are priorities. As a financial aid counselor for a large state college in Georgia, I have had to adjust my preparations and priorities for the new school year. Our collegiate students will face more challenges this year, as part of the “new normal”. What follows are some important bits of advice that we want to provide to our collegiate brothers which will hopefully make the adjustments easier. 18 The Crescent: On The Yard
APPOINTMENTS
TUITION PAYMENT PLAN
Before COVID-19, many students would drop by their financial aid office, sign in, and see a financial aid professional on the same day. Many of the offices are now closed. At some schools, students must make a virtual appointment to communicate with a financial aid adviser. Some colleges allow in-person sessions, but students must schedule the appointments. Please check to see what options your campus is offering. There are likely to be time limits on appointments, so come prepared with questions. Financial aid counselors are trying to help as many students as possible and this is their busiest time of the year. When making appointments, please keep them and be prepared with your questions and concern ahead of the meeting.
If you have to use the payment plan option, please be sure that you carefully follow the instructions. For most colleges, students must pay an enrollment fee to set up the payment plan. Once the payment plan is set up, they must follow the instructions on how to participate. For example, you may have to pay a $50 non-refundable fee to enroll, pay half of your tuition up front, and pay the other half on a pre-determined schedule.
DON’T WAIT TO GET HELP For some, taking classes online is a major adjustment. You must have discipline and focus, which may prove to be very different from to sitting in a classroom. If you are having issues with your class, before you do anything else, please communicate with your professor. He/she may be able to provide advice and assist you with your class concerns. For additional help, visit the Learning and Tutoring Center on your campus. If after all this you think that you will not be able to complete or do well in the class, please consult with a financial aid adviser before you withdraw. Do not make the mistake of withdrawing and running the risk of losing your financial aid because you are not making Satisfactory Academic Performance (SAP). If you are not making satisfactory academic performance and you lose your financial aid, you may then have to complete an SAP Appeal to continue to receive funds. There is no guarantee that your appeal will be granted.
NATIONAL STUDENT LOAN DATABASE Students with questions about their financial aid, particularly loans, are encouraged to register with the NSLDS to review their financial aid status. Go online to: https://nsldsfap.ed.gov/nslds_SA/.
ESTABLISH A RELATIONSHIP If you are looking for a work-study position, please communicate with a financial aid officer. Although COVID-19 has changed the way colleges are operating, many departments need work-study students. It's good to maintain a positive relationship with your financial aid officer as they may be able to direct you to departments that are hiring and explain the steps needed to apply for those positions. Continued on next page
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FAFSA RENEWAL Please mark your calendar for October 1, 2020. This is the day that you can begin renewing your 2021 FAFSA, which will begin in Fall 2021. It will be based on your 2019 tax information. My collegiate brothers, please be careful. Don't forget that your main priority in college is to graduate. If you need help, don't be afraid to ask, and don't allow your pride or ego to stop you from getting the help and support you need.
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Bro. Trae D. Johnson is a Student Financial Service Counselor at Georgia State University. He’s also the Chapter President of Sigma Eta Sigma Chapter in McDonough, Georgia.
READY TO SERVE Introducing the seven 2nd Vice Regional Directors The legacy of leaders within Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity’s began with the Founders’ selection of nine of the best and brightest students attending Howard University in January 1914. From that historic moment, the membership of Sigma has become known for molding some of the world’s highest achievers who were change agents during their collegiate careers. This year’s collection of young leaders continues this tradition, providing collegiate members a significant voice in the leadership of the fraternity.
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Eastern Region BROTHER CHAUNCEY T.
Williams
Brother Chauncey T. Williams was initiated in Spring 2019 in the Gamma Rho Epsilon Chapter at the University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth, located in Dartmouth, MA. The chapter having been recently chartered on February 23, 2019, Brother Williams is recorded as the ďŹ rst initiate of the chapter. Williams is a proud alum of the Sigma Beta Club sponsored by Omicron Chi Sigma Alumni Chapter, Suolk County, MA. Williams is a native of Boston, Massachusetts and a 4th-year Psychology major with a minor in Urban Studies. On campus, Bro. Williams is an active Residential Assistant, Psi Chi Honor Society Member and National Society of Black Engineering member. He has held other positions in the chapter, such as treasurer, secretary, and marketing chair. As Associate Regional Director, Bro. Williams continues to support the brotherhood by implementing programs and advocating on behalf of Collegiate Brothers.
Great Lakes Region BROTHER SETH B.
Crosby
Brother Seth Crosby, a senior at Bowling Green State University in Bowling, Ohio, is pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Supply Chain Management. Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, he graduated from the prestigious Renaissance High School and participated in the 2017 Cohort of the Midnight Golf Program. In his free time Seth enjoys pursuing his passions of mentoring, photography and videography. He was initiated in Spring, 2019 with seven other new initiates in Epsilon Phi Chapter. Previously he served as chapter President, Vice President and Intake Chair. Bro. Crosby currently serves as Community Service Chair. He is active in campus life with the President’s Leadership Academy, SMART Mentor, BGSU Voices Choir, Kings of Color, and the Black Graduation Planning Committee.
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Gulf Coast Region BROTHER JAMAR
Clemons
Brother Jamar Clemons was born in Hopkinsville, KY and grew up in Dallas, TX. He became a member of the Zeta Zeta Chapter in Spring 2017 at the University of Houston. The following semester, he served as the chapter’s vice president and soon after, assumed the President. In his two terms as President, the chapter was able to increase its membership 200%, raise over $11,000 for the Miss PBS Pageant, and win several awards on the state, regional, and international levels. As the Gulf Coast Region’s Second Vice Regional Director, his main goal is to give fellow collegians a voice, and improve relationships with alumni. After Bro. Clemons graduates in December with a B.S. in Economics and a math minor, he will begin his career with Wells Fargo as a Financial Analyst in the Houston area.
Southeastern Region BROTHER JARED
Jackson
Brother Jared Jackson is a rising Junior at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University by way of Baltimore, Maryland. He is in the inaugural cohort of Cheatham White Scholars, a full ride scholarship program which started Fall, 2018. Jared was initiated into the Eta Chapter in the Spring of 2019 and currently serves as 1st Vice President of the chapter. Previously he was chapter President during 2019-2020, as well as the Assistant Intake Chair for the Spring 2020 class. After graduating from North Carolina A&T, Brother Jackson plans to attend Morgan State University to pursue a Masters’ degree in Urban and Regional Planning, with a focus on community development.
Southern Region BROTHER JOSEPH
Bannerman Brother Joseph Bannerman, a Birmingham Alabama native, is a Fall 2018 initiate at Beta Kappa Chapter at Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, Alabama. He’s a senior political science major and currently serves as Chapter Secretary and Director of Publicity. Bro. Bannerman is very active on campus and has served in various capacities, including Freshman Class President, Mr. NAACP, SGA Judicial Advisor, and currently the Senior Class President, President of the College Democrats, and Student Consultant to the Tuskegee Historic Preservation Commission. Bro. Bannerman is known on his campus for engaging in community service and registering students to vote. After graduation, he plans to attend law school and receive his J.D., after which he will open his own law ďŹ rm and serve as a voice for those unable to advocate for themselves.
Fall 2020 27
Southwestern Region BROTHER CHANDLER
Claiborne
Bro. Chandler Claiborne is a junior political science major from Memphis, Tennessee. He is a Fall 2019 initiate of the Alpha Gamma Chapter at Fisk University in Nashville. Chandler is very active in campus life and has completed several internships in pursuit of his goal of becoming an attorney. Chandler’s platform was “Why Not Us…Why Not Now,” encouraging his collegiate brothers to become better men through motivation, inspiration, and dedication. Over the last three months, Bro. Claiborne in collaboration with two collegiate members at large, Brian Thomas and Elton Nichols, organized and hosted several virtual events providing opportunities for collegiate brothers to discuss topics relative to them. Chandler looks forward to giving back to the great fraternity that has played such a significant role in his development by continuing to promote the name of Sigma.
Western Region BROTHER VICTOR
Mikulin, Jr. Brother Victor Mikulin, Jr. was inducted into the Alpha Alpha Epsilon Chapter at the University of Arizona on March 30, 2019. Since his induction, Bro. Mikulin has served his chapter in several capacities, including ďŹ nancial secretary and chapter liaison for the Arizona State Sigma-Zeta Council. After making himself available throughout the Western Region, Bro. Mikulin campaigned and was nominated and elected to serve the Western Region as 2nd Vice Director.
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