MISSISSIPPI ON THE RISE

For 47 years and 64 years, respectively, the Theta Eta chapter and the Delta alpha sigmas have left a significant Blu and White mark on Hattiesburg, Mississippi. In February, the other 26 chapters of Mississippi made their way to the Hub city to join the Hattiesburg brothers in painting the whole city Blue that weekend. February 3-5 2023, the brothers assembled on the campus of the University of Southern Mississippi to have their first plenary session. The spirit of our god was in the building after delivering all our brothers safely to the conference in the form of a mighty opening prayer from the State of Mississippi Chaplin, who also serves as the regional chaplain Bro. Bernard Mitchell. After the approval of all the formal things that have to be approved first, the brothers learned the state of the Great Southern region from our regional director Brother Errick Farmer, Ph.D, who made the brothers amped and proud to be the host state to take over Flowood with the rest of the region. Mississippi State Director Bro. Sedric Scott gave his state of the state address, letting everyone know that we are still moving in the right direction as a state and that the brothers of Mississippi are M.A.B.s. Saturday, we continued to exemplify brotherhood scholarship and service, not necessarily in that order. That morning Service started when the brothers gath- ered together the hundreds of toiletries that we donated to one of the local middle schools where many students do not have access to those items at home. As a Sigma, you never stop learning. Class was in session through various breakout sessions ranging from leadership strategies to chapter branding. There was also a very engaging collegiate conversation that Educated a large number of new members who were in attendance on several topics.

The rest of the evening Brotherhood was going strong as we were treated to some warm greetings from elected officials of the city of Hattiesburg, The beautiful state director of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated – State of Mississippi, the lovely sisters of the Hattiesburg chapter, and members of their pan. While enjoying some deliciously seasoned fried chicken and sides, the brothers were entertained by a display of precision from the brothers of Theta Eta, who will be representing the state in the regional competition as well as our representing debate team. After the presentation of awards and officer report presentations, the brothers came together to sing our fraternity hymn. Before we went our separate ways to prepare for the night, we came together to cement our Blue and White display on the University of Southern Mississippi campus by taking a photo that displayed us rising up to continue to grow.

By: Byron Keys