


Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity was founded at Howard University in Washington, D.C., January 9, 1914, by three young African-American male students. The Founders, Honorable A. Langston Taylor, Honorable Leonard F. Morse, and Honorable Charles I. Brown, wanted to organize a Greek letter fraternity that would truly exemplify the ideals of brotherhood, scholarship, and service.
The Founders deeply wished to create an organization that viewed itself as “a part of” the general community rather than “apart from” the general community. They believed that each potential member should be judged by his own merits, rather than his family background or affluence…without regard to race, nationality, skin tone or texture of hair. They 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”.
From its inception, the Founders also conceived Phi Beta Sigma as a mechanism to deliver services to the general community. Rather than gaining skills to be utilized exclusively for themselves and their immediate families, they held a deep conviction that they should return their newly acquired skills to the communities from which they had come. This deep conviction was mirrored in the Fraternity’s motto, “Culture For Service and Service For Humanity”.
Today, Phi Beta Sigma has blossomed into an international organization of leaders. No longer a single entity, members of the Fraternity have been instrumental in the establishment of the Phi Beta Sigma National Foundation, the Phi Beta Sigma Federal Credit Union and The Sigma Beta Club Foundation. Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. founded in 1920 with the assistance of Phi Beta Sigma, is the sister organization of the Fraternity.
As the Chair of the Lambda Sigma Chapter Centennial Committee, I would like to thank all the brothers who were involved in the planning and execution of our many centennial activities. I am sure each brother will agree that our collective efforts brought us closer together, even though there were times when we questioned our reasoning for sticking with this mammoth project. But we all know, cream rises to the top and that’s just what took place. Your contributions have been invaluable along with your devoted efforts to help promote the greatest fraternity and most prestigious chapter.
I am sure the brothers of Lambda Sigma Chapter are equally grateful for your commitment, hard work, time, talent, and expertise. This would not have happened without you!
Dr. William Scott, Chair
Lambda Sigma Chapter - Extraordinary men, doing extraordinary things leading to extraordinary results!
Thanks to my brothers: Co-chairs Lewis Kent and Ucal Palmer and members Reggie Dominque, Robert Eason, Richard Eskridge, Christian Harden, Doug Hickman, Terrance Houston, Henry Howie, Chris Joseph, Stephen McDaniel, William Payne, James Pressley, Xavier Smith, Jeremy Wells, Phillip Williamson, Tony Yates and any brother who helped throughout this project.
Hon. Brother Charles Moore
Hon. Brother William Stanley
Hon. Brother John Turner
Brother Stephen McDaniel
Brother Emanuel Abston
Brother Wimbley Hale
Brother Arthur Terry
Brother Robert Eason
Brother Travis Tomlinson
Brother Robert Foster
Brother Isadore Hilliman
Brother Henry Scott
Brother Richard Duncan
Brother Willie Hammond
Brother Darrell Reynolds
Brother Marvin Rhodes
Brother Amos McCrary
Brother Alfonzo Washington
Brother Walter McBurrows
Brother Harold Davis
Brother Chester Millier
Brother Robert Leach
Brother Bakari Jackson
Brother Barlett Hargro
Brother John Dantzler
Brother Douglas Hickman
Brother Horace Grogan
Brother Terrance Houston
Brother Joseph Crawford
Brother Leon Bradley
Brother Andrew Scott
Brother Willie Fussell
Brother Milton Dilligard
Brother Steven Boone
Brother William Scott
Brother Christian Nelson-Estrada
Brother Ashton Lesane
Brother Lucius Crowe
Brother Christian Bonner
Hon. Brother William Stanley
Hon. Brother Charles Moore
Hon. Brother John Turner
APRIL 2O, 2024 · SAVANNA HALL · ZOO ATLANTA
Mistress and Master of Ceremonies: Faith Jessie and Jonathan Martin
Musical Entertainment ........................................................................................................ Anonymous Da Band
From the Beginning ........................................................................................................................................ Video
Welcome from Centennial Chair ............................................................................................. Dr. William Scott
Prayer .....................................................................................................................................
Dr. Wimberly Hale, Jr.
Good to Great .................................................................................................................................................. Video
Introduction of MC’s.................................................................................................................... Dr. William Scott
Entrance of The Men of Lambda Sigma
Entrance of Chapter Presidents (Past and Present)
Entrance Of Oldest Living Sigma
Presentation to Hon. Charles W. Moore..................................................................................... Robert Eason
Introduction / Remarks ...................................................................................................... Hon. Chris V. Rey, JD
International President, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.
Greetings from Southeastern Regional Director, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc Vicki L. Pearson
Acknowledgement of Special Guests
Ucal T Palmer, Jr.
Greetings from Centennial President Robert Eason
Meal/Entertainment
Notable Men of Lambda Sigma Video
Tribute to Brother John Lewis James Russell
APRIL 2O, 2024 · SAVANNA HALL · ZOO ATLANTA
Mistress and Master of Ceremonies: Faith Jessie and Jonathan Martin
Chapter History ......................................................................................................... Arnold Smith and Lewis Kent
28th International President .........................................................................................Hon. William E. Stanley
Soloist ....................................................................................................................................................... Leah Devon
Video
Performance ........................................................................................................................... Anonymous Da Band
Acknowledgement of Lambda Sigma Chapter Presidents (Past and Present)
Presentation of Honorees
Appreciation to Guests
Presentations/Remarks to the Chapter
Musical Selection .................................................................................................................. Anonymous Da Band
Closing Remarks ................................................................................................................................ Robert Eason
FRATERNITY HYMN
Menu
3 COURSE DINNER
Bread & Butter
Caesar Salad
Grilled Chicken and Seared Salmon
Broccoli/ Mashed Potatoes
Cheesecake
Vegetarian option available upon Request
It is with the utmost respect and admiration that we have selected outstanding professionals to honor during our Centennial Celebration. These honorees have impacted their communities through their dedication, determination, and diligence over the years. Through their hard work they have shown us what can be, while leaving footprints for what should be.
Honoree: The Andrew & Walter Young YMCA
The Andrew & Walter Young YMCA was founded in 1959 and was one of the earliest Y’s in Atlanta. This YMCA has been serving the communities of East Point, College Park, Hapeville, and West End for more than 60 years. Their programs have focused on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
Honoree: Joe Freeman
Joe N. Freeman, Jr. is a two-time Teacher of the Year recipient in the Atlanta Public School System. He is also a public speaker, a philanthropist, and a published author of Children’s books. Freeman’s passion to motivate and empower the youth stems from his own self-reflection and the impact he has had on students throughout the years.
Honoree: H.J. Russell & Company
H.J. Russell & company was founded over 70 years ago. Throughout his prosperous and lengthy career, Russell demonstrated exemplary business, civic, and community leadership. His company ranks as one of the largest black-owned construction and real estate firms in the United States. Russell’s impact extends far beyond the business world.
Honoree: The John and Lillian Miles Lewis Foundation
The John and Lillian Miles Lewis Foundation was conceived by the Congressman to carry on Lewis’s passion for purposeful living, civic engagement and to inspire Good Troublemakers everywhere. John Lewis and his wife, Lillian, spent their lifetimes marching for justice, fairness, inclusion, and respect for the dignity and worth of every human being.
“My greeting goes out to all the senior brothers who laid the foundation for such a great chapter.”
Brother Dr. William “Bill” Scott
“Congratulations!!! Brothers on celebrating 100 years of service to your community. I am proud to serve alongside you.”
Soror Dian Knight
“Congratulations to the best Chapter in the Fraternity! We are officially 100 years in the business of Brotherhood, Scholarship and Service.”
Brother Richard Eskridge
“Centennial Greetings to Lambda Sigma Chapter in memory of Bro. Hue Van Ball, Two Time Georgia State Director”
“Congratulations to the men of Lambda Sigma, from Brother Dr Harold Davis, Lambda Sigma and Soror Garinell Davis, Phi Omicron Zeta”
“Centennial Greetings to Lambda Sigma
Chapter in memory of Bro. Mark C Kinard, Life member Number 855”
“Centennial Greetings to Lambda Sigma
Chapter in memory of Bros Virgil Marion Scott and Virgil Miguel Scott, father and son”
“Centennial Greetings to Lambda Sigma
Chapter in memory of Bro. Frank S McClarin, former Lambda Sigma Chapter President”
“Congratulations to Lambda Sigma Chapter”
Larry J. McCalop & Family
March 22, 2024
To the men of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc., Lambda Sigma Chapter,
Congratulations on 100 years of service to the Metropolitan Atlanta community!
Every member of Lambda Sigma chapter has exmplilfied the ideals of brothershood, scholarship, and service that define Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. I thank you all for leadership in our community through your blood drives, work with unhoused populations, mentorship to students, and providing essential support to college students with scholarships. The Lambda Sigma Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc., is building on the legacies of outstanding Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc., members including Herman J. Russell, Hosea Williams, and my friend, mentor, and predecessor, Congressman John Lewis.
Once again, congratulaitons on your centenary anniversary May the next hundred years of of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc., Lambda Sigma Chapter be as successful as the first! Let me know ff there is anything I can ever do to support you or the Lambda Sigma Chapter.
Yours for the People, Nikema Williams Member of Congress
Greetings to the Brothers of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated, Lambda Sigma Chapter,
On behalf of your Brothers of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated worldwide, I congratulate you as you celebrate 100 Years of committed service to the Brotherhood
Lambda Sigma is a historic chapter in the growth and evolution of Phi Beta Sigma. Your mission represent the core foundation of our great Brotherhood. In this 110th year of Sigma's existence, reflecting on the sustainable change you have provided in the City of Atlanta and surrounding communities, is essential. Your chapter is an inspiration, consistent with this administration's mandate to Empower Generations of Men to BELIEVE in Advocacy, Community Service, and Engagement. I congratulate Lambda Sigma and all of the brothers who are a part of building the legacy and continuing to push the high ideals of the fraternity
As you celebrate, be reminded of the sacred charge we were all given to “Herald and Defend, even against the world.” I charge you to continue cultivating and advocating within your communities, helping to provide sustainable change and equitable opportunities.
Fraternally,
Honorable Chris V Rey, JD International President Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.
April 20, 2024
Greetings to my esteemed brothers of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated, Lambda Sigma Chapter.
On behalf of the International Board of Directors, members and auxiliaries of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, I offer congratulations to Chapter President Brother Robert Eason and all the officers and members of Lambda Sigma Chapter on this historic milestone celebrating 100 years of culture for service and service for humanity in Atlanta. Since 1924, you have manifested the vision of your Founders.
On this momentous occasion, I would also like to acknowledge my dear friend and brother the Hon. Chris V. Rey, JD International President, the Hon. William E. Stanley 28 th International President, Southern Regional Director Dr. Errikk Farmer, and Georgia State Director Dr. Walter E. Stephens Jr.
Your chapter has produced five International Presidents, numerous Distinguished Service Chapter members, and dozens of other officers on the International, Regional and State levels. Today, that legacy continues to grow, and your chapter continues to produce leaders on every level of the Fraternity as well as in the community.
Lambda Sigma’s programmatic impact is to be applauded. Your National partnerships with the American Cancer Society and The United Negro College Fund speak to your commitment to service for humanity. Locally, your impact at Butler Street YMCA and your work with the collegiate chapters you advise on the campuses of the Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia State University and The State University of West Georgia is to be commended. Congratulations again on your Centennial Celebration Lambda Sigma and as we continue to Elevate the Bond, know that your Sorors are here to support you because we B BELIEVE in the E EXTRAORDINARY!
May God continue to order your steps as you journey into your next century of service.
Yours in sisterly service,
Dr. Stacie NC Grant
International President & CEO
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated
Greetings, Brothers of the Lambda Sigma Chapter,
On behalf of The Premier Southern Region, I am delighted to extend warm greetings and heartfelt congratulations as you celebrate the remarkable milestone of your centennial anniversary.
A century of existence is a testament to the enduring legacy, resilience, and dedication of the Lambda Sigma chapter. Over the past one hundred years, you have undoubtedly made significant contributions, such as fostering the growth of hundreds of young men you brought into the organization, to hosting Conclaves, and the hundreds of hours of community service you have provided in the greater Atlanta area, positively impacting countless lives and communities along the way.
This celebration is not only a time to reflect on the rich history and achievements of the Lambda Sigma chapter but also an opportunity to look ahead with optimism and anticipation for the future. As you embark on the next century of your journey, may you continue to innovate, inspire and lead with unwavering commitment to excellence.
We are honored to join you in commemorating this momentous occasion and look forward to witnessing the continued success and growth of the Lambda Sigma chapter for years to come. Please accept my warmest wishes for a joyous centennial celebration filled with cherished memories, meaningful reflections, and boundless excitement for the future.
Congratulations once again on reaching this remarkable milestone! May GOD bless you, and may he continue to bless Lambda Sigma, the Premier Southern Region and our great Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc
Fraternally yours,
Bro. Dr. Errick Farmer
36th, Southern Regional Director
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc
To the Brothers, family and friends of Lambda Sigma Chapter, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.
It is my honor to welcome you to the 100th anniversary celebration of the chartering of Lambda Sigma Chapter, Phi beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. Having the honor to serve as the Centennial President of Lambda Sigma Chapter is the highpoint of my 52-year Sigma journey. So, to say that I am honored to greet you is an understatement.
At this gala tonight, we gather to highlight 100 years of service of Lambda Sigma Chapter to the metro Atlanta area. These 100 years of Lambda Sigma Chapter’s existence are filled with many achievements and accomplishments by this chapter. We can’t emphasize enough the hard work that this chapter has done for the support and betterment of the metro Atlanta area and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity. It is impossible to count the hours in committee meetings to plan service projects and programs. Likewise, the hours are uncountable that were spent on the execution of those projects and programs.
The history of Lambda Sigma Chapter is storied. For 100 years, this chapter has been at the forefront of major activities, changes, and groundbreaking endeavors in metro Atlanta and in the endeavors of the international body of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity.
As we pause to shine lights on the chapter, the Brothers of the chapter must step in and share the accolades afforded the collective efforts of the chapter. Individually Sigma Men in the Atlanta area have stood at the highest points of achievements in all areas of endeavors. In the areas of business, law, education and social justice, Lambda Sigma Brothers have been there in the beginning of many major events, and they continue to work in these areas.
Tonight, we also honor an individual, a businesses, a community based institution and a foundation that share the values and aspirations of Lambda Sigma Chapter.
Please sit back and enjoy the food, fellowship, and program that we have provided for you tonight.
“The Chapter Of Presidents” and The Crown Jewel of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.
Lambda Sigma Chapter was chartered with five members in 1924 through the efforts of alumni from Morris Brown College’s Zeta Chapter, the first collegiate chapter of the Fraternity in the Deep South, in 1919 and the first Black Greek Letter Organization below the Mason Dixon Line. Since that time, the brothers of Lambda Sigma Chapter have distinguished themselves as civic minded leaders and socially conscious men of influence. Lambda Sigma Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., “The Chapter of Presidents,” has an unsurpassed history of accomplishment, achievement, and service to the Fraternity, the city of Atlanta, the state of Georgia, and the nation. The chapter has been called the “Chapter of Presidents”, as FIVE past International Presidents have come from this chapter, (#10 Honorable Dr. Richard Billings, #12 Honorable Ras. O. Johnson, #14 Honorable Dr. George Hightower, #17 Honorable Roswell O. Sutton, and #28 Honorable William E. Stanley, Jr.). In addition, many other members of Lambda Sigma Chapter have served as state and regional officers of the Fraternity as well as International Board members and international program directors. As a result, it can fairly be said that we are the crown jewel of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.
Today, the brothers of Lambda Sigma Chapter carry on the historic legacy and exemplary accomplishments of the past. A diverse group of professional men, the members range in age from the 20s to 100. Honorable Charles Moore, Treasurer Emeritus, is 100 years young and the oldest active member in the entire Fraternity. As brotherhood, scholarship and service are in the forefront of everything we do, our work is never done. For example, the Chapter has adopted a school, provides scholarships for high school graduates and college students, and distributes cold weather gear for the homeless, these are just a few of our ongoing efforts. In addition, we work with a Sigma Beta Club, which is a youth auxiliary group established by the International Fraternity and serve as advisors to collegiate chapters on the campuses
of the Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia State University, and the University of West Georgia.
The motto of the Fraternity is “Culture for Service and Service for Humanity” . Because of this esteemed principle, the highest honor that the Fraternity can bestow upon a member for exemplary community and Fraternity service is election and elevation into its Distinguished Service Chapter. Membership into the Distinguished Service Chapter requires recommendations from a proposed member’s alumni chapter, his state and regional chapters, and the General Board. Finally, the recommendations must be approved and accepted by the vote of the Fraternity’s Conclave. Over the 110-year history of the Fraternity, only 206 brothers have been selected and elevated for this honor. Over the years, eleven of those designated “Honorable” brothers have been members of Lambda Sigma Chapter. Of the current five members of the Distinguished Service Chapter in Georgia, three members are from Lambda Signa Chapter.
As Lambda Sigma Chapter brothers celebrate their 100th year anniversary, they look toward the future with a continued commitment to community service and the Fraternity’s three principles: “Brotherhood, Scholarship and Service”. The brothers of Lambda Sigma Chapter will also continue to exemplify and model the last verse of the Fraternity hymn:
March on march on, ye mighty host, Nor think the journey done, Nor of future deeds to boast, Till we’ve the victory won.
Then when we hear from time to time, “Sigma, what of the day?”
We’ll thunder back along the line: “Our cause speeds on its way.”
the honorable brother
“the leader, the legend, the man”
The Honorable Brother Charles W. Moore has been a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., since 1948. In fact, he is the most senior financial member in the entire organization. With 75 years of active service and commitment to the organization, he is a man to be admired.
Charles Moore was born and raised in Macon, Georgia. With the guidance of his parents, he learned early the importance of education. During his formal education, he entered Hudson High School at the age of ten and graduated as the youngest student in his class at age fourteen, in 1938. After high school he worked various jobs until he was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1943, proudly serving his country for the next three years.
In 1946, after receiving an honorable discharge from military service, Brother Moore moved to Atlanta. He decided to give college a try and enrolled in a two-year program at Morris Brown College. He studied business, where he became proficient in bookkeeping, business, typing, shorthand, and other clerical skills. He then decided to continue his education by earning a Bachelor of Arts degree (cum laude) which he completed in 1950. He immediately went on to New York University Graduate School of Business Administration, where he earned his MBA. As he acquired this thirst for knowledge, he continued his studies at the University of Utah, Atlanta University, University of Omaha, and University of Georgia.
Charles served as the Chief Financial Officer at Morris Brown College for 15 years, he went on to work for the federal government, retired and went back to Morris Brown. During his tenure, the college experienced tremendous growth in enrollment and financial resources. He also served as the interim president of Morris Brown College, leaving a lasting impact on the institution. Charles received numerous awards and recognition for his work and leadership in his chosen profession and his community. One award for which he is most proud is being named Treasurer Emeritus of Phi Beta Sigma, after 20 years of continuous service to his beloved fraternity. With such an impeccable resume, it’s easy to see why he’s known as “The Leader, The Legend, The Man”. At 100 years of age, he is a force to be reckoned with.
Brother Charles Moore married a fellow Morris Brown graduate. Together they had one daughter, two granddaughters, and two great grandsons.
Faith Jessie is a 3x EMMY® Award winning News Anchor and reporter at 11Alive. She joined the team in December 2022. Faith co-anchors 11Alive News weeknights at 4 p.m. alongside Jonathan Martin and 5 p.m. alongside Jennifer Bellamy.
In her first year at 11Alive, Faith filed several reports on the maternal healthcare crisis in Georgia and its disproportionate impact on Black women. She also joined the anchor team for the historic coverage of former President Donald Trump’s Fulton County indictment. Faith helped to lead hours of coverage and analysis in the studio and from the courthouse.
Faith comes to Atlanta from New York, where she was an anchor at Newsday. She got right to work with Newsday TV, anchoring their 2020 election newscasts and special reports. Her work continued when a second wave of COVID-19 hit the area. Faith spent several days with healthcare workers and COVID positive patients in the hospital for a special report that gave viewers an inside look at the reality of the deadly virus. Faith also worked with Newsday’s investigative team to uncover racial hiring discrepancies in the area’s police departments. Both pieces were recognized with EMMY awards.
After graduating from the University of Southern California, Faith began her storytelling journey in New York as a weekend anchor for FOX affiliate WICZ-TV. Faith turned her attention to politics and followed the presidential hopefuls on the 2016 campaign trail. She also followed New York delegates to the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia where she covered Hillary Clinton’s historic presidential nomination.
Outside of the newsroom, Faith loves getting into the mountains to explore and spending time with her rescue pup named Bella. She is a founding member of the University of Southern California’s Chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists and is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.
Jonathan Martin is an Emmy-nominated news anchor at 11Alive in Atlanta. He joined the team in July 2023, and brings 15 years of journalism experience. A native Atlantan, Jonathan grew up in southwest Atlanta and attended high school in Fairburn. “Returning to my hometown to work as a journalist is full circle and a dream come true,” he said.
Most recently, Jonathan served as the evening anchor at KRIV/FOX26 in Houston, Texas. He helped lead the station’s coverage of several historic events. He anchored more than 20 hours of coverage as Hurricane Harvey ravaged the Texas coast. He also covered protests surrounding George Floyd’s death and the funeral for former President George H.W. Bush. Jonathan is known for his consistent presence in the community. In Houston, he created several community initiatives. “Beyond the Game” is a high school program designed to empower young men in underserved areas. He also started SWEAT TX, a fitness program to address Houston’s obesity crisis. In recognition of his community contributions, Houston’s Mayor declared June 8, 2023 as “Jonathan Martin Day” in the city.
Jonathan began his career at WRDW News 12 in Augusta, GA. He also worked at WSMV-TV in Nashville and as a national correspondent for Al Jazeera America.
Jonathan is a graduate of Auburn University. In his free time, you’ll find him working out, traveling, and spending time with family.
The Sigma Zeta Foundation, Inc. is thrilled to celebrate this centennial occasion with you. This remarkable achievement is a testament to the dedication, brotherhood, and service that the members of your chapter have exemplified over the past century. We hope that this momentous occasion will be a time for you to reflect on the impact you have made in your community and to celebrate the legacy you continue to build. Here's to another 100 years! For
www.sigmazetafoundation.org
Known predominantly for their smooth urban jazz sound, Anonymous DaBand is a multi-talented band made up of four unique young men with a synergistic approach to music. The group has performed around the nation for various benefits, social events, and festivals including the Atlanta Jazz Festival, Jacksonville Jazz Festival and the Buffalo New York Junetenth celebration. “Da Band” was highlighted at Prince’s Paisley Park in the first Musicology Battle of the Bands. They have also opened for the likes of Najee, Chrisette Michele, Pieces of a Dream and other top performers. The group continues their journey to success by making a huge impact on the music world!
MANAGEMENT/BOOKING
Shelly Michael · shellysrealestate@gmail.com · Tel: 770-855-2536
Lowe’s Company, Inc. District Manager
For your outstanding contribution during our Centennial Celebration.
From The Men of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Lambda Sigma Chapter April 20, 2024
pbslambdasigma.org