The Premier Magazine - Spring 2023 Edition

THE PREMIER The Official Magazine of the Southern Region

SPRING 2023 EDITION

Dr. Errick Farmer

PREMIERE SOUTHERN REGION EXECUTIVE BOARD BROTHER DR. ERRICK

FARMER

SOUTHERN REGIONAL DIRECTOR BETA LAMBDA SIGMA

BROTHER KENNETH

STRAUGHTER 1ST VICE REGIONAL DIRECTOR DELTA MU SIGMA

BROTHER LYRIC

COSBY REGIONAL SECRETARY SIGMA ETA SIGMA

BROTHER MARCUS

SEARLES FINANCIAL SECRETARY BETA EPSILON SIGMA

BROTHER KEVIN

KEYS III

2ND VICE REGIONAL DIRECTOR

SIGMA

BROTHER FRANK

WRIGHT

REGIONAL TREASURER ALPHA PHI SIGMA

PBSSOUTHERN.ORG

BROTHER RODNEY

BROTHER DR. PHILLIP

BAIN JR.

HARRIS

DIRECTOR OF TECHNOLOGY

CHIEF OF STAFF ZETA IOTA SIGMA

BROTHER DWIGHT

BROTHER RICKY

DELTA EPSILON SIGMA

CALLAWAY

MOSS

DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION XI CHI SIGMA

DIRECTOR OF PUBLICITY GAMMA PI SIGMA

BROTHER LOUIS

BROTHER CHARLES

SUTTON

THOMAS

DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL ACTION GAMMA EPSILON SIGMA

DIRECTOR OF BIGGER & BETTER BUSINESS OMICRON PHI SIGMA

BROTHER LEON

BROTHER WILLIE

MOODY DIRECTOR OF COLLEGIATE AFFAIRS TAU SIGMA

BROTHER TOM

RANDOLPH SIGMA-ZETA RELATIONS BETA EPSILON SIGMA

BROTHER JOSEPH

GRIFFIN JR. CO-DIRECTOR OF TRAINING AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

THETA ETA SIGMA

DIGGS II

DIRECTOR OF SIGMA BETA CLUB BETA EPSILON SIGMA

BROTHER RUBEN

GRANT

DEPUTY CHIEF OF STAFF GAMMA DELTA SIGMA

BROTHER BRANDON

BRIM

DIRECTOR OF MILITARY AFFAIRS EPSILON GAMMA SIGMA

PBSSOUTHERN.ORG

PREMIERE SOUTHERN REGION EXECUTIVE BOARD

BROTHER DR. TONY

BOLDEN

BROTHER ESMOND

JOHNSON

DIRECTOR OF AWARDS AND STANDARDS

DIRECTOR OF STRATEGIC PLANNING XI CHI SIGMA

DELTA EPSILON SIGMA

BROTHER WELLINGTON

BROTHER ROY

FERGUSON DIRECTOR OF RISK MANAGEMENT

EDMONDS

IMMEDIATE PAST REGIONAL DIRECTOR

DELTA EPSILON SIGMA

RHO SIGMA

BROTHER ABRAHAM

BROTHER RODNEY

EVANS III ALABAMA STATE DIRECTOR TAU SIGMA

BROTHER DANIEL

SMITH FLORIDA STATE DIRECTOR GAMMA ETA SIGMA

BROTHER SEDRIC

SCOTT MISSISSIPPI STATE DIRECTOR DELTA TAU SIGMA

BAIN

BAHAMAS STATE DIRECTOR DELTA EPSILON SIGMA

BROTHER DR. WALTER

STEPHENS

GEORGIA STATE DIRECTOR KAPPA ZETA SIGMA

BROTHER DR. BERNARD

MITCHELL REGIONAL CHAPLAIN MU SIGMA

PBSSOUTHERN.ORG

SOUTHERN REGION FINANCIAL CHAPTERS OF 2022

COLLEGIATE

SIGMA CHI PSI ALPHA ALPHA LAMBDA ALPHA BETA ALPHA BETA GAMMA ALPHA BETA IOTA ALPHA BETA THETA ALPHA ETA ALPHA OMICRON ALPHA ALPHA PI ALPHA PSI ALPHA ALPHA SIGMA ALPHA ALPHA ZETA BETA BETA BETA BETA BETA GAMMA BETA BETA KAPPA BETA BETA LAMBDA BETA BETA PHI BETA KAPPA BETA PI BETA PSI BETA RHO BETA UPSILON GAMMA ALPHA CHI GAMMA ALPHA DELTA GAMMA BETA GAMMA BETA GAMMA GAMMA CHI GAMMA EPSILON GAMMA IOTA GAMMA GAMMA PI

GAMMA PSI GAMMA RHO DELTA GAMMA RHO MU GAMMA RHO ZETA GAMMA ZETA EPSILON BETA EPSILON DELTA EPSILON TAU ZETA KAPPA ZETA NU ZETA XI ETA BETA ETA EPSILON THETA DELTA THETA ETA THETA IOTA THETA ZETA IOTA RHO KAPPA DELTA KAPPA ZETA LAMBDA TAU MU EPSILON MU KAPPA MU PHI NU BETA NU PHI XI BETA PI ALPHA PI EPSILON PI KAPPA PI RHO RHO ALPHA PBSSOUTHERN.ORG

SOUTHERN REGION FINANCIAL CHAPTERS OF 2022

ALUMNI

ALPHA ALPHA IOTA SIGMA ALPHA ALPHA THETA SIGMA ALPHA CHI SIGMA ALPHA ETA SIGMA ALPHA IOTA SIGMA ALPHA PHI SIGMA BETA DELTA SIGMA BETA EPSILON SIGMA BETA LAMBDA SIGMA BETA NU SIGMA BETA PI SIGMA BETA SIGMA SIGMA BETA ZETA SIGMA DELTA ALPHA SIGMA DELTA EPSILON SIGMA DELTA LAMBDA SIGMA DELTA MU SIGMA DELTA OMICRON SIGMA DELTA PHI SIGMA DELTA TAU SIGMA DELTA UPSILON SIGMA EPSILON GAMMA SIGMA EPSILON OMICRON SIGMA EPSILON THETA SIGMA ETA DELTA SIGMA ETA ETA SIGMA ETA LAMBDA SIGMA ETA MU SIGMA ETA ZETA SIGMA GAMMA DELTA SIGMA GAMMA EPSILON SIGMA GAMMA ETA SIGMA GAMMA GAMMA SIGMA GAMMA MU SIGMA GAMMA PI SIGMA GAMMA SIGMA GAMMA ZETA SIGMA IOTA RHO SIGMA KAPPA ALPHA SIGMA

KAPPA CHI SIGMA KAPPA EPSILON SIGMA KAPPA LAMBDA SIGMA KAPPA ZETA SIGMA LAMBDA BETA SIGMA LAMBDA EPSILON SIGMA LAMBDA SIGMA MU SIGMA NU BETA SIGMA NU MU SIGMA NU PSI SIGMA OMICRON MU SIGMA OMICRON PHI SIGMA OMICRON PI SIGMA OMICRON TAU SIGMA PHI BETA SIGMA SIGMA PI ALPHA SIGMA PI DELTA SIGMA PI OMICRON SIGMA PI TAU SIGMA PI UPSILON SIGMA RHO BETA SIGMA RHO IOTA SIGMA RHO SIGMA RHO XI SIGMA SIGMA DELTA SIGMA SIGMA ETA SIGMA SIGMA XI SIGMA TAU BETA SIGMA TAU SIGMA THETA ETA SIGMA THETA IOTA SIGMA THETA RHO SIGMA THETA SIGMA SIGMA XI CHI SIGMA ZETA IOTA SIGMA ZETA MU SIGMA ZETA PHI SIGMA ZETA SIGMA SIGMA ZETA UPSILON SIGMA

PREMIERE SOUTHERN REGION MAGAZINE EDITORIAL TEAM

Editor-in-Chief Bro. Roy Edmonds Regional Director of Publicity

Bro. Ricky Moss Regional Director of Publicity Bro. Joseph Fenderson - Alabama

Bro. Deion Williams - Georgia Bro. Byron Keys - Mississippi Bro. Teddy Feracho - Florida Contributing Editors and Writers Bro. Dr. Errick Farmer - Regional Director

Bro. Kenneth Straughter 1st Vice Regional Director Bro. Michael Moody Bro. Rodney Bain Bro. Dr. Tony Bolden Bro. Joe Griffin Bro. Ruben Grant

REMEMBERING OUR SIGMA LEGENDS BRO. DR. W.S.M. BANKS

BY BRO. MICHAEL MOODY Born in Amite County, Miss., on December 15, 1915, William S. M. Banks, Jr. received his early education from his mother at home, who instilled in him an abiding respect for acquiring knowledge. He was the second of five children born to William S.M. "Mutt" and Adeline Banks.

In 1937, despite the hardships of the Great Depression years, Banks used his athletic skills and work ethic to earn a degree from Dillard University, in New Orleans, Louisiana. While there, Banks became a charter member of the Epsilon Alpha Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity. He was then encouraged to continue his education for a MA and went on to earn a Master’s degree from Fisk University in Sociology. He landed a position at Fort Valley State and in 1940 began his 38-year association with the institution.

In 1942, his tenure at Ft. Valley was interrupted by World War II where he served as a Company Commander in the 92nd Infantry Division and rose to the rank of Captain. He married Hattie Louise Bryant on July 11 of that same year. The 92nd Infantry Division was the only AfricanAmerican infantry division that participated in combat in Europe during World War II. The 92nd Infantry Division served in both World War I and World War II. The military was then segregated. The divisional nickname, "Buffalo Soldiers Division", was inherited from the 366th Infantry, one of the first units organized in the division.

After his honorable discharge, and receipt of the Silver Star, Banks returned to Fort Valley State, and completed a doctorate at Ohio State.

He served as a professor of Sociology and the chairman of the division of Social Sciences. He was also a former president and commissioner of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and a past Director of the Southern Region of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. Additionally Banks was Athletic Faculty Representative at Fort Valley State College from 1943 until he became Academic Dean at the college in 1967. He was always very active in the conference affairs. He was elected conference president in 1964 and served through 1966. He guided the conference through many dangerous periods during his term in office. During the period when the conference was trying to decide which national body to cast its allegiance with, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) or the National Association for Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), President Banks guided the membership through many heated discussions of both associations until they required an institution to be a member of one. W.S.M. Banks was elected to the office of Conference Commissioner in 1966 replacing the retired Commissioner B.T. Harvey.

He served until 1966, retiring when he was selected as Dean of Fort Valley State College.

W.S.M. (Bill) Banks, II passed away on Tuesday, December 25, 2007, at Laurel Bay Healthcare in Macon, Georgia. He was 92 years old. He spent his life developing a deep and wide circle of friends, colleagues, and admirers. In every aspect of his life, as an educator, father, and husband he demonstrated strength, kindness, dedication, and true concern for others.

During his years at Fort Valley State College Dr. Banks served as the first chairman of the Social Sciences Division and as Dean of the Faculty. He also showed an intense interest in and support for college athletics. He was an active member of Trinity Baptist Church, and a favorite among Sunday School teachers. In 1968 he became the president of the Dillard University Alumni Association. In his autobiography, a study of the impact of racial and class attitudes as much as personal achievement, William Banks describes his experiences growing up in a poor African American family in rural Mississippi and working his way up through distinguished military service and concerted effort to earn a doctorate at Ohio State and a career as a professor of sociology at Fort Valley State University.

After his retirement in 1978, he was able to devote more time to fishing, golf, bridge, pinochle, and his beloved Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity. In 1980 Dr. Banks, along with three other emeriti, was recognized by the college for his contributions to producing graduates who served humanity as teachers, public servants, educators, policy makers and scholars. The annual Banks-Pierro-Rutland-Bellamy Social Sciences Colloquium and Scholarship Fund are ongoing Fort Valley State University initiatives.

As a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Dr. Banks along with well-known brothers like Cornelius V. Troup, Robert H. Beasley, and William H. Pipes chartered the Beta Delta Sigma Chapter in Fort Valley, Georgia in December of 1941. After the second World War, Banks served in many capacities in the fraternity as Beta Delta Sigma Chapter president, Georgia State Director, and Southern Regional Director.

Alabama

State Conference

The Alabama Sigmas convened in Mobile, AL for their 2023 Alabama State Conference from April 13- 26, 2023. During the conference, they held a job fair that welcomed the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the US Park and Recreation as well. Both of these companies also aided in doing workshops during the conference as well. This year was an election year where a new state board was installed at the end of the conference. Bro. Abraham Evans III was reelected to serve as the Alabama State Director. The new members of the executive board were Bro. Marcus Speakman, who became 2nd Vice State Director and Bro. Amir Kelly, who became collegiate member-at-large.

On Friday evening, they held the Collegiate Step Show where the Gamma Beta Chapter will move on to compete in the Southern Regional Step Show. On Saturday evening, they have the Miss Phi Beta Sigma – Alabama Pageant. The pageant was won by Scottaria Scott from Tuskegee University. She serves also as the Beta Kappa chapter Miss Phi Beta Sigma, and she will go on to compete for Southern Regional Miss Phi Beta Sigma. As they concluded the state conference, one brother was selected to be nominated to the Outstanding Sigmas of the Southern Region. Bro. Kevon Chesson of the Alpha Eta Sigma Chapter in Montgomery, AL is the brother that was selected for OSSR. He also serves as the Alabama State Secretary and is a Gold Life Member. The Next Alabama State Conference will be held in Troy, AL in 2024.

Outstanding Sigmas of the Southern Region he Outstanding Sigmas of the Southern Region (OSSR) is a chapter for brothers of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. who are members of a chapter in the Southern Region (Alabama, The Commonwealth of The Bahamas, Florida, Georgia, and Mississippi) and have rendered outstanding service in the fraternity and community. Since 1981, 123 Phi Beta Sigma men have been inducted in the OSSR. Of the 123 men, three have served as International President of the fraternity and sixteen have received the highest individual honor of the fraternity, the Distinguished Service Key. Fifteen members of the OSSR have served as Southern Regional Director of Phi Beta Sigma.

The genesis of The Distinguished Service Chapter of the Southern Region of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. began during the early stage of Regional Director Brother William “Bill” Stanley and Vice Regional Director Brother Earl Davis administration in 1980.

Brother Stanley asked Brother Davis to choose a special project that he would like to develop for the membership of the Southern Region. Having worked on the Southern Region Executive Board as State Director of Florida and having observed how hard many of the brothers from each State of the Region worked and their high level of community involvement, there needed to be a way to give these brothers the highest recognition that could be received at the regional level. Brother Davis also felt that this would be an avenue for choosing brothers for the Distinguish Service Key Chapter at the National Level. Brother Stanley felt this was a great idea and asked him to develop the idea so it could be presented to the Regional Board for approval.

First, Brother Davis wanted to come up with a name that would not be in conflict with the National Distinguish Service Key Chapter. Several names came to mind before he came up with the name “The Distinguished Service Chapter of the Southern Region”. He presented the name to Brother Stanley, and he thought it was great. The next step was to develop the program so it could be presented to the Executive Board.

At the next scheduled Executive Board Meeting, Brother Davis presented the idea of establishing a special chapter. The chapter would be for deserving members to be inducted into, that would not conflict with the existing Distinguish Service Key Chapter at the National Level. After a lengthy discussion and some changes, the Board approved the program including the Membership Guidelines.

“THE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CHAPTER OF THE SOUTHERN REGION” The induction into the Distinguish Service Chapter of the Southern Region is the highest honor given to a brother at the regional level. This honor is granted to a deserving brother by members of his State, pending approval of the Southern Region’s body, during the annual Regional Conference. For a member to receive this honor, he must be recommended by his Alumni Chapter in writing and to his State’s Distinguished Service Chapter Committee. The program requirements followed this presentation.

This program was ratified by each State of the Southern Region. Brother Davis worked with each State Director in choosing brothers who met the program requirements. At the 1981 Regional Conference, the first ten (10) brothers were inducted into the Distinguished Service Chapter of the Southern Region.

CHAPTER FOUNDER: Brother Earl Davis 1981 FIRST INDUCTEES/CHARTER MEMBERS Brothers: Jerome Auls L.D. “Doc” Bussey Earl Davis John Duncan George Ellis William Fails David Hickman Walter Hurns Damon Miller Roswell O. Sutton These 10 charter members represented the states of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Mississippi. Each year, State Directors bring to the Regional Conference, names of brothers to be inducted into this very special chapter.

Years later, the name was changed to “The Outstanding Sigmas of the Southern Region”.

There are many recognizable names in the OSSR. The late congressman and civil rights activist, Honorable John Lewis was inducted in 2018. Another civil rights activist, Hosea Williams is the only member of the OSSR to be inducted posthumously in 2001. A third key figure in the civil rights movement, Hon. Demetrius C. Newton is one of three International Presidents to become members of the special chapter. Newton is a civil rights attorney who represented Rosa Parks and Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. He was also the first American of African descent to hold the position Speaker Pro-Tempore for the Alabama State House of Representatives. Seventeenth International President, Hon. Roswell O. Sutton and 28th International President, Hon. William E. Stanley, Jr are the other two presidents. Sutton, like two Hon. Charles W. Moore and Hon. John Turner are three OSSR members who gained emeritus status for the General Board positions of President, Treasurer, and General Counselor respectively.

O.S.S.R Sutton, Moore, Turner are also members of the Distinguished Service Chapter (DSC), the highest individual honor obtained by a Phi Beta Sigma man.

The DSC key has been earned by 16 members of the OSSR. Those include the previously mentioned John Lewis, Roswell O. Sutton, Charles W. Moore, and William Fails, who is a member of the inaugural OSSR class.

Outside of civil rights activists, International Presidents, and DSC members, the OSSR has members who have held key positions in the fraternity and National Panhellenic Council (NPHC). Marco McMillan served as the 5th International Executive Director of Phi Beta Sigma while Rev. Julius C. Simmons served as the National President of the NPHC. Simmons is one of five Phi Beta Sigma men to hold the position. Current International Historian, Mark “Mallet” Pacich, and International Director of Bigger and Better Business, Terrance Gibson have earned their places into the OSSR chapter. Sixteen Southern Regional Directors are member of the OSSR including current Southern Regional Director, Dr. Errick Farmer.

Perhaps one of the more unique fact about the OSSR is only brother has been inducted as a member of a collegiate chapter. Reginald Turner was a member of the Eta Beta (University of Mississippi) Chapter when he was inducted into 1991.

All members of the Outstanding Sigmas of the Southern Region have rendered noteworthy service to the fraternity and community. Many have held several chapter positions when included president and have grown their current alumni to four or five times the size of the previous ten years. Several brothers placed their stamps at the state level and set items in place that are the standards and rules today. A few more brothers loaned their time and talents to advance the Southern Region to become the “Premier” region. A select few brothers have extended a hand to make an impact on the international level of the fraternity. All of the brothers in the OSSR have left an everlasting effect on the communities as a whole.

Outstanding Sigmas of the Southern Region 1981 Jerome Auls 1981 L.D. “Doc” Bussey 1981 Earl Davis 1981 John Duncan 1981 George Ellis 1981 William Fails* 1981 David Hickman 1981 Walter Hurns 1981 Damon Miller 1981 Roswell O. Sutton* 1982 Edgar Evans 1982 Michale Lampton 1983 William Stanley* 1983 Allen Stewart# 1984 Clifford Ashmore* 1984 Calvin Glover 1985 Zealous Brown 1985 Henry Cook 1985 Frazier Mungin 1986 Walter Davis 1986 Josephus Johnson 1986 Charles Moore* 1986 Sollie Norwood 1986 Demetrious Newton* 1987 Daniel Pridgen 1987 Joseph Hawkins 1987 Joseph Griffin 1987 John Jackson 1988 Hue Van Ball 1988 T.M. Hill 1988 Richard Moton 1989 George Jackson 1989 Otis Payton 1989 Samuel Williams 1990 Ronald Gardner 1990 W. C. Jackson, Jr. 1990 Walter Thomas 1991 Wilkes Kemp 1991 Booker T. Knox 1991 Reginald Turner 1992 James Hill* 1992 Clarence Taylor 1993 Ben Addison 1993 Ardis B. Cotton 1993 Robert L. Eason

1994 Oris W. Bryant 1994 Elbert R. Smith* 1995 Andrew Childress 1995 Sidney McCray* 1995 Julius Simmons 1995 Lester Smith 1995 Smith Washington 1996 Joseph Bickers* 1996 Viguel M. Scott 1997 Darrell B. Reynolds 1997 Robert L. Williams 1998 Carlis E. Otis, Jr.* 1998 Nathaniel Donaldson 1999 Leonard Brady 1999 Guy Crawford 1999 Elbert Green 1999 Isadore Hillman 2000 Willy Gunn 2000 Marcus Searles 2000 Mozell Smith 2001 Howard Hale 2001 Larry Tyrone# 2001 James Walker 2001 Hosea Williams 2002 Charles Junior 2002 Thomas Patterson 2003 James E. Smith 2004` Richard L. Duncan 2004 Marco McMillian# 2005 James T Atkins 2006 Michael W. Hines 2007 John M. Turner, Jr* 2008 McKinley Alexander 2008 Jerome Guy 2009 Mike Powell 2009 Sam Reynolds 2010 Stan Stovall 2010 Lorenzo Smith 2010 Leroy Lloyd III 2010 Henry T Hood 2011 Terrance Houston 2012 Ado Elzey 2012 Eric Cook 2013 Anthony Welch 2013 Arthur Caffey

2014 Zannie Mount 2015 Joseph T (JT) Alexander 2015 Gregory I Brown 2015 Silvanus Johnson 2016 Franklin Wright 2016 Errick D. Farmer 2016 Robert Waters 2016 John Norris Wilson 2017 Tom A Randolph 2017 William H Dean 2017 Mark D Pacich 2017 Mark Young, Sr 2018 Monaleto Irby 2018 G. Lucian Ward 2018 Sedric O. Scott 2018 Roy R. Edmonds 2018 John Lewis* 2019 Kendrick Spurling 2019 Christopher Saunders 2019 Philip Harris, Sr 2019 Kenneth C Straughter 2019 Louis Sutton, Jr 2020 Roosevelt Lewis 2020 Terrance Gibson 2020 Donald Knowles# 2021 Moncello Stewart 2021 Michael Moody 2021 Michael Clark 2021 Shirl Gilbert II* 2022 Gerrard A, Sawyer 2022 Mario Ellis 2022 Dale Burgess 2022 Marcus A Chanay 2023 Kevon Chesson 2023 Jason C. Edgar 2023 Wellington Ferguson 2023 Ruben Grant 2023 Esmond Johnson 2023 Stephen McDaniel 2023 Ricky Moss 2023 R. Frank Nichols 2023 Dr Vernon Rayford

*Members of DSC

WELCOME TO THE BROTHERHOOD

OUR 2022 INITIATED BROTHERS ALPHA BETA BELL D'ANDRE ALPHA BETA GREEN TSZAUNTE ALPHA BETA HARRIS JEREMY ALPHA BETA HARRIS STANLEY ALPHA BETA HURNS JORDAN ALPHA BETA LAWSON CORWIN ALPHA BETA MCFARLAND ANTHONY ALPHA BETA SMITH JERRY ALPHA BETA TAYLOR AUSTIN ALPHA BETA WASHINGTON ELIJAH ALPHA BETA WINSTON MARCUS ALPHA ZETA ANDERSON ELIJAH ALPHA ZETA BRIGGS SHANNON ALPHA ZETA BROWN JACORIAN ALPHA ZETA CARSON PATRICK ALPHA ZETA ESTES ROBERT ALPHA ZETA GANT JAVIAN ALPHA ZETA HAYES HORACE ALPHA ZETA LEWIS MARK BETA BETA LAMBDA DEMERITTE TYLER BETA BETA LAMBDA GRANT THEODORE BETA KAPPA HOLT JORDAN BETA KAPPA MILLER DERRICK BETA PI ALEXANDER MALIK BETA PI CHARLTON PHERON BETA PI KNOWLES AARON BETA PI MILLINE ALI BETA PI VINSON JAVIER BETA RHO MCCLENDON RODNEY BETA RHO MISHION JUSTIN BETA RHO ROSS DWIGHT BETA RHO WILSON-REED ZORIAN BETA UPSILON ALEXANDER VERWAYNE BETA UPSILON COOKS CHARLES BETA UPSILON GREENE RICARDO BETA UPSILON JOHNSON ISAIAH BETA UPSILON MICHEL JUSTIN BETA UPSILON PIERRE EMMANUEL

EPSILON THETA SIGMA BURNS MICHAEL EPSILON THETA SIGMA ELLERSON BARRY EPSILON THETA SIGMA JENKINS CHARLIE EPSILON THETA SIGMA RUFFIN JAYLON IOTA RHO DE ZAYAS DAVID IOTA RHO DEVALLON ABNER IOTA RHO EVANS DOMINIC IOTA RHO HOLMES BRANDYN IOTA RHO LANOT WOODY IOTA RHO WALKER TYLER KAPPA ALPHA SIGMA BELUE ANDRE KAPPA ALPHA SIGMA EVERETT MILTON KAPPA ALPHA SIGMA FELTON CARLOS KAPPA ALPHA SIGMA HURELL O'BARRETT KAPPA ALPHA SIGMA JACKSON JAJUAN KAPPA ALPHA SIGMA OSUNDE NOSA KAPPA ALPHA SIGMA SMITH GARY MU KAPPA SIMS SEMION NU BETA CLARKE ZAKARRYA NU BETA KING TREVON NU PHI DADZIE FIIFI NU PHI GODFREY JABARI NU PHI HOLNESSDEANTHONY NU PHI LEGGETT BRYAN NU PHI PAUL X'ZAVIER NU PHI SHEPARD NICKOHLAS OMICRON MU SIGMA ALLEN JOHN OMICRON MU SIGMA SPAULDING SAMUEL OMICRON MU SIGMA WHITTEN SCOTTY OMICRON MU SIGMA JACKSON WILLIAM OMICRON MU SIGMA RANDOLPH TAVEYUS PI DELTA SIGMA JONES JAMES PI DELTA SIGMA STYNES CLIFFORD PI RHO ALIMI FARIHAN PI RHO ANDREWS JAYLIN PI RHO BARNES SABIAN PI RHO REEVES DE'MONI

PI UPSILON SIGMA BRADSHAW JASON PI UPSILON SIGMA GRAY PHILLIP PI UPSILON SIGMA HATCHER QUENTIN PI UPSILON SIGMA JOHNSON ALLEN PI UPSILON SIGMA MCCORD JERMAINE PI UPSILON SIGMA MCCORMICK JEFFERY PI UPSILON SIGMA MCCORMICK JEFFERY PI UPSILON SIGMA ROUNTREE MICHAEL PI UPSILON SIGMA RUSH DANNY SIGMA ETA SIGMA BABINEAUX JOSHUA SIGMA ETA SIGMA GRADY JAMES SIGMA ETA SIGMA HARRIS ERIC SIGMA ETA SIGMA JONES TERRENCE SIGMA ETA SIGMA PAGAN JUAN SIGMA ETA SIGMA PENMAN FREDERICK SIGMA ETA SIGMA REYNOLDS ROBERT SIGMA ETA SIGMA SHAKOOR-DIX DEKENDRICK SIGMA ETA SIGMA STINSON DONALD SIGMA ETA SIGMA TERRELL DOUGLAS THETA IOTA SIGMA MOORE CHAVEZ THETA IOTA SIGMA PRATT LA'WALLICE THETA IOTA SIGMA BROOKS MARKEL THETA IOTA SIGMA RICHEY ERIC THETA IOTA SIGMA THOMAS DANIEL THETA DELTA DUMAS DEVYN THETA DELTA HOUSTON TYQUAN THETA DELTA ORMAN BLAZE THETA DELTA WILLIAMS XAVIER RHO XI SIGMA LAWERY QUINCY RHO XI SIGMA STEPHENS JR. DARRELL GAMMA ZETA SIGMA BRADFORD MILES GAMMA ZETA SIGMA SMITH HENRY MU EPSILON BONILLA GIANCARLO MU EPSILON CENE KENINESON MU EPSILON CHRISTIAN XAVIER MU EPSILON EDMOND EDGARDO MU EPSILON TELUSMOND JEFFREY MU EPSILON WEBSTER ELKIJUAN ALPHA BETA IOTA CABRERA FABIO ALPHA BETA IOTA CHERY RYAN ALPHA BETA IOTA GODFREY RACKELL ALPHA BETA IOTA JOSEPH HERNST ALPHA BETA IOTA PIERRE RYAN ZETA IOTA SIGMA ALFRED BIENESS ZETA IOTA SIGMA CLOUD DEVIN

PI ALPHA ADJIN-TETTEY MATTHEW PI ALPHA ANDERSON JAMARI PI ALPHA D'ALESSANDRO DAMIAN PI ALPHA DANIELS SHANNON LAMBDA SIGMA BANKS KENRIC LAMBDA SIGMA HARRIS MONTAYE LAMBDA SIGMA JOHNSON LARRY LAMBDA SIGMA MCBURROWS ERVIN LAMBDA SIGMA RUCKER DEMETRIUS LAMBDA SIGMA SCOTT XAVIER LAMBDA SIGMA USHER CLYDE LAMBDA SIGMA WALLACE JARED RHO BETA SIGMA BURKE CARLTON RHO BETA SIGMA GOOCH III MILTON RHO BETA SIGMA GRAHAM JAN RHO BETA SIGMA PETERSON JR. JOHN RHO BETA SIGMA REESE MARCUS RHO BETA SIGMA SINCLAIR ERNEST RHO BETA SIGMA SMITH DESMOND RHO BETA SIGMA WOOTEN MICHAEL BETA BETA BETA DANIELS MOZIAH BETA BETA BETA GYIMAH ANDREW THETA ETA GREER JAKEEM THETA ETA GREER JUQUAN THETA ETA KUYKENDALL ANTHONY THETA ETA MCCRIMON DARIUS THETA ETA WILLIAMS CLAUDIO THETA ETA WINDING ROWYAN THETA ETA WOMACK BUCKLEY JAYLIN ALPHA PI BROWN TYREASE ALPHA PI BUSH MATTHEW ALPHA PI CUNNINGHAM ADRAIN ALPHA PI DICKSONMARKIVIOUS ALPHA PI LORAINEY SHILO ALPHA PI MCBURROUGH ZACHARY ALPHA PI PERTILLO JUSTIN ALPHA PI SANDS JAELON EPSILON GAMMA SIGMA BRANTLEY ANTONIO EPSILON GAMMA SIGMA CRAWFORD TERENCE EPSILON GAMMA SIGMA DEAN JAMES EPSILON GAMMA SIGMA FERGUSON WILLIAM EPSILON GAMMA SIGMA LATHAM MYRON EPSILON GAMMA SIGMA ROY MARQUIS EPSILON GAMMA SIGMA SMITH HORACE EPSILON GAMMA SIGMA SMITH PRESTON EPSILON GAMMA SIGMA BILLINGSLEY DAVID EPSILON GAMMA SIGMA GLOSTON SHERWIN

EPSILON GAMMA SIGMA MCCALL ROBERT EPSILON GAMMA SIGMA NETTER SCOTTY EPSILON GAMMA SIGMA SMITH DEMETRISH EPSILON GAMMA SIGMA WYCHE WILLIAM RHO SIGMA BULLARD KEENAN RHO SIGMA CEASAR PERRY RHO SIGMA EXAVIER JAMESON RHO SIGMA RICHARDSON SIMEON RHO SIGMA TAYLOR ORVILLE GAMMA EPSILON BALL ALBERT GAMMA EPSILON CURRY PHILIP GAMMA EPSILON FRAZIER LANDON GAMMA EPSILON JONES TYLER GAMMA EPSILON JONES JORDAN GAMMA EPSILON MONROE VANCE GAMMA EPSILON WESLEY BYRON GAMMA RHO DELTA MERCHANT PHAR-I GAMMA RHO DELTA WHITEHEAD II KERRY GAMMA RHO DELTA WILSON DAVLIN GAMMA RHO DELTA BARR CA'SHUN BETA LAMBDA SIGMA CHIWARA ANDREW BETA LAMBDA SIGMA WASHINGTON JEFFREY GAMMA IOTA GAMMA NEELEY FRANK GAMMA IOTA GAMMA ROBERTS MICHAEL GAMMA IOTA GAMMA WOODS XAVIER ZETA NU ENO BENN-ALPHA ZETA NU RADFORDJOHN-MALIK ZETA NU SCOTT KYDAE ZETA NU STALLINGS WENDELL ZETA NU VASSOR DEION KAPPA ZETA FRANKLIN ALBERT KAPPA ZETA WISE DEON LAMBDA TAU MARSHALL HASEEM LAMBDA TAU JOHNSON LE'MONN LAMBDA TAU JOLTEUS FRANBERT LAMBDA TAU TURNER SHELDON ALPHA CHI SIGMA RIGGINS RICCO GAMMA ZETA MCCRARY RANCE GAMMA ZETA RANSOM KEVIN GAMMA ZETA ROBBINS RICHARD GAMMA ZETA WEEMS JULIAN GAMMA ZETA BRYANT RONALD GAMMA ZETA ROGERS JORDAN GAMMA ZETA ROWELLS I'JAWON GAMMA ZETA WILLIAMS TRE'QUON TAU BETA SIGMA AMERSON KHARY TAU BETA SIGMA GUESS STERLING

TAU BETA SIGMA GUNTHER LENNY TAU BETA SIGMA HARDY ANTHONY TAU BETA SIGMA HERMAN EARL TAU BETA SIGMA LONDON WILLIE GAMMA GAMMA SIGMA ROGERS DELVIS GAMMA GAMMA SIGMA RYMER SAMUEL GAMMA GAMMA SIGMA WILSON JONATHAN TAU SIGMA ALMODOVAR MICHAEL TAU SIGMA KNIGHT PATRICK TAU SIGMA RANDAU JOHN TAU SIGMA RANDAU CHARLES TAU SIGMA JONES RUSSELL ALPHA PHI SIGMA AMADU DAWUDA ALPHA PHI SIGMA FUNCHES RICHARD ALPHA PHI SIGMA TAYLOR MAURICE ALPHA PHI SIGMA JACKSON BRIAN ALPHA PHI SIGMA TURNER DAMONE ALPHA PHI SIGMA WILLIAMS MICHALLEE KAPPA DELTA CAPPS JAMEION KAPPA DELTA JOHNSON STEPHON KAPPA DELTA KING JUSTYN KAPPA DELTA MCGILL DESMOND KAPPA DELTA SUMPTER JOSHUA GAMMA DELTA SIGMA DAVIS JASON GAMMA DELTA SIGMA TOOMBS JOSHUA GAMMA DELTA SIGMA FENELUS WOODLEY GAMMA DELTA SIGMA JEAN CHRISTOPHER GAMMA DELTA SIGMA AZARD ROSMY GAMMA DELTA SIGMA BIEN-AIME CALEB GAMMA DELTA SIGMA JACKSON TRUDELL GAMMA DELTA SIGMARICKENBACKER DAMANI GAMMA DELTA SIGMA SINGLETON TROY GAMMA DELTA SIGMA THOMAS KENNETH ZETA KAPPA BRITTON DAMIAN ZETA KAPPA FARMER DARIUS ZETA KAPPA OTOO NANA ZETA KAPPA WILLIAMS KEILON PHI BETA SIGMA SIGMA BOWE KAREEM PHI BETA SIGMA SIGMA BROWN LAMONTE PHI BETA SIGMA SIGMA EVANS MELVIN PHI BETA SIGMA SIGMA HOLMAN KELTON PHI BETA SIGMA SIGMA RUCKER DONALD PHI BETA SIGMA SIGMA SAMPSON REGINALD PHI BETA SIGMA SIGMA SIMS CHRISTOPHER PHI BETA SIGMA SIGMA TIGUE ANTONIO PHI BETA SIGMA SIGMA WILCOX JALEN

GAMMA SIGMA CORNISH BRIAN GAMMA SIGMA FLEMINGDECARLOS GAMMA SIGMA GREATHOUSE JOSEPH GAMMA SIGMA JONES STEPHAN BETA DELTA SIGMA PHELPSTERRENCE BETA DELTA SIGMA SIMS TERRELL BETA EPSILON SIGMA CALLEN BRANDON BETA EPSILON SIGMA DAVIS BRIAN BETA EPSILON SIGMA HAYWOOD THEORY BETA EPSILON SIGMA TURNBORE JAN BETA EPSILON SIGMA WRIGHT MICHAEL GAMMA EPSILON SIGMA GORDON JEFFREY GAMMA EPSILON SIGMA HOPKINS VINCENT GAMMA EPSILON SIGMA LEWIS MARKIET GAMMA EPSILON SIGMA TAYLOR KARSTEN THETA RHO SIGMA FREEMAN GREGORY THETA RHO SIGMA YOUNG JIMMY NU BETA SIGMA JOHNSON RODERICK NU BETA SIGMA LEWIS ANSIL NU BETA SIGMA NICHOLS LATONIO NU BETA SIGMA SMITH JERMAINE NU BETA SIGMA SUTTON DAVID PI TAU SIGMA GRIFFIN KENYA PI TAU SIGMA PIPPINS CARLOS PI TAU SIGMA STALLINGS DEVONTE GAMMA ETA SIGMA JOHNSON BORIS GAMMA ETA SIGMA COLEY KELVIN GAMMA ETA SIGMA HICKMAN ROGER GAMMA ETA SIGMA JACKSON SAMMY GAMMA ETA SIGMA JAMISONTERRENCE GAMMA ETA SIGMA MAGEE GABRIEL GAMMA MU SIGMA MOORE JEFF GAMMA MU SIGMA WILLIAMS ERIC OMICRON PHI SIGMA BROWN ROBERT OMICRON PHI SIGMA WOOD DONALD OMICRON PHI SIGMA BULLOCK RICHARD OMICRON PHI SIGMA CHANCELLOR ERNEST OMICRON PHI SIGMA ROBINSON YAKARIEL ETA LAMBDA SIGMA JOHNSON XAKYLAN ETA LAMBDA SIGMA SAULSBERRY KEITH ETA LAMBDA SIGMA STEWART KEON SIGMA DELTA SIGMA EBERHART DWIGHT SIGMA DELTA SIGMA JONES DARRYLL SIGMA DELTA SIGMA WILSON KEYONN MU SIGMA BOULDIN MONTERRO MU SIGMA BUCKNER ZACKEREY MU SIGMA CHILDS JOHNNY

MU SIGMA COX MATTHEW MU SIGMA GREENWOOD DARYL MU SIGMA HIELD NATHANIEL MU SIGMA HOWARD ANTONIO MU SIGMA JENKINS TERRANCE MU SIGMA MINGO ONDREAL MU SIGMA SANDERS DOUGLAS MU SIGMA STOKES ANDREW MU SIGMA THOMPSON BENTON MU SIGMA WATKINSDONTAVIOUS ALPHA ETA SIGMA FITZPATRICK KELVIN ALPHA ETA SIGMA ROGERS SYLVESTER ALPHA ETA SIGMA THOMAS RODNEY ALPHA ETA SIGMA TYSON DANIEL ALPHA ETA SIGMA HOGAN DARYL DELTA MU SIGMA JACKSON TORIN ETA MU SIGMA BELL CEDRIC ETA MU SIGMA JOHNSON JONATHAN ETA MU SIGMA MARSH DOUGLAS DELTA EPSILON SIGMA BETHELHARRINGTON DELTA EPSILON SIGMA SMITH BERLIN PI OMICRON SIGMA EDDINS TREVELL PI OMICRON SIGMA LANGE MICHAEL PI OMICRON SIGMA RANKIN RODRICK DELTA UPSILON SIGMA DANIELS WILLIE DELTA UPSILON SIGMA EVANS DEWAYNE KAPPA CHI SIGMA COLEMAN DAVID KAPPA CHI SIGMA GREEN BRIAN KAPPA CHI SIGMA STALLINGS DION ALPHA ALPHA THETA SIGMA TERRY RANDY ALPHA ALPHA THETA SIGMA WELLS TELLY ALPHA ALPHA THETA SIGMA BROWN TA'KI ALPHA ALPHA THETA SIGMA CHERRY KURT ALPHA ALPHA THETA SIGMA HOBBS LUTHER ALPHA ALPHA THETA SIGMA LITTLE JAYLON OMICRON TAU SIGMA THOMAS ERIC ALPHA OMICRON ALPHA DURRAH JESSIE ALPHA OMICRON ALPHA GARRIE SAMUEL ALPHA OMICRON ALPHA WARE JARIUS ALPHA ETA BIEN-AIME BRANDON ALPHA ETA BLUE CHRISTIAN ALPHA ETA BRITTON CHRISTOPHER ALPHA ETA CUDJOE ELIJAH ALPHA ETA DAVIS ROTHIEL ALPHA ETA FISHER JEREMIAH ALPHA ETA FLOYD KALEB ALPHA ETA GARDNER SAMUEL

ALPHA ETA GUYTON MYRON ALPHA ETA KENDALL JORDAN ALPHA ETA LEWIS ARTISE ALPHA ETA LOUIS KESHAWN ALPHA ETA MCCLAIN ANDRE ALPHA ETA NUNNELLY JOSEPH ALPHA ETA OLODUDE JACOB ALPHA ETA PERKINS KEENAN ALPHA ETA SRINIVASA CHANDRAHASA ALPHA ETA THOMAS DEVIN ALPHA ETA WEIR KEITH ALPHA ETA WEST KAMARI ALPHA ETA WILLIS KHEDGEN BETA BETA PHI MIDDLETON ETHAN BETA BETA PHI BLACKMON JOVAN BETA BETA PHI CHAPMAN KEVIN BETA BETA PHI HAMMONDS TWIA BETA BETA PHI KHAN JAVION GAMMA BETA BALLARD JEREMY GAMMA BETA COOKE ANDRE GAMMA BETA DAVIS KYLE GAMMA BETA DAVIS REGINALD GAMMA BETA DOSTER ANTONIO GAMMA BETA HARRIS TONY GAMMA BETA MOORE KEMONTE GAMMA BETA MOORER RODNEY GAMMA BETA PRESLEY ANQUAVION GAMMA BETA STEWART JAMES ALPHA PSI ALPHA HILL LONDELL ALPHA PSI ALPHA TOWNSEND JOHNTAVIS ALPHA PSI ALPHA JULIEN KHARIS THETA ZETA BENTLEY MICHAEL THETA ZETA GREER BRAXTON SIGMA BURNETTE KAMRON SIGMA HENDERSON II KENNETH SIGMA MATTHEWS MARVEN SIGMA PERRY SR REGINALD SIGMA SAMUEL DANIEL SIGMA SHIELDS QUANTAVIOUS SIGMA THOMAS QUANTORI GAMMA PSI TUNSTALL JEREMIAH GAMMA CHI HAMLET IV SIR RONALD GAMMA CHI MONTES BRIAN ETA EPSILON DIX BRANDON ETA EPSILON GLENN JAMES GAMMA PI CHASE SEAN GAMMA PI DALEY ONEIL

GAMMA PI METAYER JAMESLY GAMMA PI THOMAS JONATHAN GAMMA PI WOODARD TRAVALES BETA BETA KAPPA ALDER NICHOLAS ZETA PHI SIGMA BANKS DELMANDAIN ZETA PHI SIGMA FINKLEA JORDAN ZETA PHI SIGMA FULFORD KENTA ZETA PHI SIGMA MEANS TOMMIE SIGMA XI SIGMA BARKSDALE DEON SIGMA XI SIGMA BRAGGS RICARDO SIGMA XI SIGMA BROWN MICHAEL SIGMA XI SIGMA CALIXTE JIMMY SIGMA XI SIGMA ORIGENE REGINALD SIGMA XI SIGMA WARD REGINALD SIGMA XI SIGMA BAKIRDGI ALEXANDER SIGMA XI SIGMA BOLDON DE ANDRE SIGMA XI SIGMA HOLLIDAY TYRIEK SIGMA XI SIGMA RUTLEDGE PAUL SIGMA XI SIGMA SATURNE JOSHUA GAMMA ALPHA DELTA AIMABLE STEVEN GAMMA ALPHA DELTA DEFREITAS KYRON GAMMA ALPHA DELTA EL HAMDANI OMAR GAMMA ALPHA DELTA GRULLON ANTHONY GAMMA ALPHA DELTA JAMES CHRISTOPHER GAMMA ALPHA DELTA MALONEY QUINCY GAMMA ALPHA DELTA NEWTON JAHBARI GAMMA ALPHA DELTA SAINT-IL STEFANO GAMMA ALPHA DELTA SCOTT ISAIAH ZETA SIGMA SIGMA BONHAM MATTHEW ZETA SIGMA SIGMA EDWARDS ROBERT EPSILON DELTA SMITH-WALKER KRISTOPHE

Florida

2023 State Conference The Florida Sigmas convened in Gainesville FL for their 2023 Florida State Conference from January 27th - 29th. The conference was hosted by the brothers of the Epsilon Omicron Sigma and Zeta Kappa chapters.

We have been fortunate to have VyStar Credit Union as our presenting sponsor for the last two years and they hosted a series of workshops to assist brothers in elevating and becoming more knowledgeable surrounding key financial topics. The brothers of the state of Florida also hosted various community service projects where they raised over $1,000 to donate to the Fisher House in Gainesville which assists veterans during their time of medical crisis.

During the 2023 state conference they hosted their State Miss Phi Beta Sigma Pageant and State Stepshow with the brothers from the Gamma Pi Chapter placing first place in the step show and Kensia Saint-Hilaire was crowned as the next Miss Phi Beta Sigma that would represent the state at the regional pageant and step show. They also held their oratorical and debate competition where Kevin Chapman and Woody Leant placed first and Spencer Davis won the oratorical competition.

Bro. Daniel J. Smith II, was elected as the 29th State Director of Florida alongside Brothers Bro. Sean Parker | 1st Vice Bro. Silas Powell | 2nd Vice Bro. Eric Wilson | Treasurer Bro. Joe Griffin | Education Bro. Robert Smith | Social Action Bro. Shaka Rose | Bigger and Better Business Bro. Ackimo Charles | Collegiate Affairs Bro. Christopher Lampley | Sigma Beta Club Bro. Barry Farmer, Bro. Anthony Simmons, and Bro. Kordell Wilson as District Directors.

Florida Sigmas | The State of Brotherhood

Moore Receives Award Named After Him. Stephens Elected Georgia State Director for 2023-25. 2023 Georgia State Conference Wrap Up

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ver 300 men of Phi Beta Sigma and guests gathered in Augusta, Georgia for the 2023 Georgia State Conference. In a muchanticipated event, brothers who traveled from as far as Iowa, Texas, and New Jersey convened at the Augusta Marriot Convention Center to fellowship, recognize the work of brothers and chapters, and elect officers for the 2023-25 term.

Well known brothers, such as Immediate Past International President, Hon. Micheal Cristal, current International First Vice President, David Turner, and current International Treasurer, William Frazier were among the Georgia brothers for conference.

The weekend conference kicked off on Wednesday, March 1 with a virtual candidates’ forum. Candidates for elected state executive board positions presented their platforms and answered questions from the brotherhood. The conference continued Thursday, May 2, with a virtual plenary session. Program (Bigger and Better Business, Education, Social Action, and Sigma Beta Club) directors and Director of Collegiate Affairs presented their reports that evening.

Several conference committee reports followed that during Thursday’s virtual business session.

The Georgia State Conference moved to in-person on Friday, March 3. The brothers and guests were greeted by brothers of the host, Epsilon Gamma Sigma Chapter of Augusta, Georgia, and sisters of the local chapters of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Brother Sherwin Gloston of the Epsilon Gamma Sigma Chapter won the Billboard Jackson Entrepreneurial Competition which occurred during the late afternoon.

Friday evening was eventful with the opening ceremony, Miss Phi Beta Sigma Georgia Pageant, and Step Show. Brothers and guests bid their farewells and sent best wishes to outgoing Georgia State Director, Monaleto C. Irby whose family was in attendance to celebrate his stint in the Georgia State Director. After Irby declared the 2023 Georgia State Conference open, contestants for Miss Phi Beta Sigma Georgia took stage to see who would wear the title for 2023-25 and advance for the opportunity to become Miss Southern Region in April. During the intermission periods, step teams representing collegiate chapters moved with precision for a chance to represent Georgia in the Southern Region Step Show Competition. When the pageant and step show were done, Ms. Mozzie Ellis, representing the Gamma Zeta Chapter of Savannah State University, and the Gamma Zeta Chapter Step Team took home first place.

Saturday was the most important day of the 2023 Georgia State Conference. The Necrology was held to induct recently passed brothers into the Omega Chapter. The morning plenary session featured minutes reports from the remaining officers. Brother Monaleto C. Irby delivered his final State of the State Address which highlighted his accomplishments as Georgia State Director.

Updates were provided by the Southern Regional Director, Dr. Errick Farmer, and International First Vice Director, Bro. David Turner.

of the Year. Director of Social Action, Dolphus Blackmon, awarded Social Action Chapter of the Year to Alpha Pi (Fort Valley State University) at the Collegiate Chapter Level and Rho Beta Sigma (Gwinnett County) at the Alumni Chapter Level.

Director of Bigger and Better Business, Devon Cange, named Chi (Morehouse College and Alpha Pi (Fort Valley State University) as the Collegiate Bigger and Better Business Chapters of the Year.

Gamma Pi Sigma (Macon), Epsilon Gamma Sigma (Augusta), and Xi Chi Sigma (Atlanta) were named alumni Bigger and Better Business of the Year.

Corey Sapp, Director of Education, named Chi Chapter and Tau Beta Sigma (Savannah) Chapter as the Education Chapters of the Year for the collegiate and alumni chapter types respectively.

Chi Chapter also received an award for the Highest Chapter Grade Point Average (GPA). Brother Ralph Brown, Jr. of the Tau Beta Sigma Chapter received the Teacher of the Year Award.

The Collegiate Awards Luncheon also saw several additional awards given to collegiate brothers and their alumni advisors. Kydae Scott of Zeta Nu (University of Georgia) Chapter was the recipient of the Leonard Francis Morse, Sr. Leadership Award.

The Dr. Ivorite Lorimer Scruggs Education Award went to Fariham Alimi of the Pi Rho (Georgia Southern University) Chapter. Tre’Mon Williams of the Gamma Zeta Chapter was acknowledged for his Outstanding Community Service. Georgia State Director of Publicity, Deion Williams of the Tau Beta Sigma Chapter was awarded the Collegiate Chapter Advisor of the Year. The Pi Alpha Chapter received the Collegiate Social Media and Website Award.

During the Collegiate Awards Luncheon, Casey Hunter, Jr. and Justin Pertillo of the Alpha Pi Chapter won the Debate Competition while Andrew Gyimah of the Beta Beta Beta (Clayton State University) was victorious in the Oratorical Program directors awarded brothers and chapters Competition. The highlight of the Collegiate at the collegiate awards luncheon. Director of Luncheon was International Treasurer Emeritus, Sigma Beta Clubs, Kenneth Ford, recognized Hon. Charles W. Moore, being named the second Lambda Sigma (Atlanta) as the Sigma Beta Club recipient of the award named after him, The of the Year and Christian Harden of the Lambda Charles W. Moore Award.

Sigma Chapter as the Sigma Beta Club Advisor

From l to r: Dr. Errick Farmer, Southern Regional Director; 35th International President, Hon. Micheal Cristal; Monaleto C. Irby, Georgia State Director; Hon. Charles W. Moore, International Treasurer Emeritus; Bro. Robert L. Eason, President of Lambda Sigma Chapter; Hon. Bill Stanley, 28th International President pose for photo after Bro. Moore receives the award named after him.

Ms. Mozzie Ellis Miss Phi Beta Sigma Georgia 2023-25

Brothers from the Chi (Morehouse College) Chapter pose with Dr. Errick Farmer, Monaleto C. Irby, Corey Sapp, Rashaan Skrine, and Kenneth Wilkerson after receiving the Highest Grade Point Average Award.

After personal and professional workshops proceeded the luncheon, the final plenary session ensued with the final committee reports. The elections took place in this session of the conference.

The brothers choose the following brothers as elected officers for the 2023-25 term: • Dr. Walter Stephens, Jr –State Director • Kenneth Love, Sr. – First Vice State Director • Adrian Cunningham, Jr. – Second Vice State Director • Kelvin Bryant – Secretary • Don Andrew – Financial Secretary • Rasheed Marshall – Treasurer • Jadon Whipple – Director of Collegiate Affairs • Devon Cange – Director of Bigger and Better Business • Corey Sapp – Director of Education • Ucal Palmer, Jr. – Director of Social Action Dr. Walter Stephens, Jr. Newly Elected Georgia Sttate Director

The Classic Man Awards ended Saturday’s events.

The chapter of the year awards given to • Collegiate Small – Chi Chapter • Collegiate Medium – Pi Alpha Chapter • Collegiate Large – Alpha Pi Chapter • Alumni Small – Gamma Pi Sigma Chapter • Alumni Medium – Tau Beta Sigma Chapter • Alumni Large – Xi Chi Sigma Chapter Georgia State Treasurer, Rasheed Marshall, received the R.O. Sutton Award as most outstanding executive board member for 2022. Brothers were pleased with outcome of the conference.

Rasheed Marshall Georgia State Treasurer and 2023 Recipient of the R.O. Sutton Award

Brothers of the host chapter, Epsilon Gamma Sigma Chapter of Augusta, Georgia.

MISSISSIPPI ON THE RISE

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or 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

The State of the Bahamas

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ver the years, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. has expanded its reach to several countries, including the Bahamas. The Bahamas State of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. is an integral component of the fraternity, and it has been making significant contributions to the local community since it became a state in 2004.

The Bahamas became a state of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. in 2004 with the chartering of the Beta Beta Lambda Chapter at the now University of The Bahamas, joined the Delta Epsilon Sigma Chapter in Nassau, Bahamas. The addition of this chapter brought new energy to the fraternity, and it paved the way for the addition of more chapters in the country.

The Omicron Pi Sigma Chapter in Freeport, Grand Bahama was subsequently added to the state. With these three chapters, the state of the Bahamas has become a significant part of the global Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. community.

The state of the Bahamas has a strong commitment to promoting academic excellence, leadership, and community service. The fraternity offers several scholarships to students in the Bahamas who are pursuing higher education, and it provides mentoring and tutoring services to help them achieve their academic goals.

The fraternity is also involved in several community service initiatives, partnering with local organizations to provide assistance to those in need.

One of the key objectives of the state of the Bahamas is to expand the fraternity throughout the other islands in the country. This expansion will help to promote the fraternity's values and make a positive impact in communities across the country.

The state of the Bahamas has been led by several dedicated state directors over the years. Tyro Brice, Gerrard Sawyer, Christopher Saunders, Wellington Ferguson, and Rodney Bain have all made significant contributions to the fraternity's growth and development in the country. These leaders have helped to promote the fraternity's values and have encouraged its members to take an active role in their communities.

The state of the Bahamas of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. is an important part of the fraternity's global community. The fraternity's commitment to education, community service, and leadership has made a significant impact in the Bahamas.

The state's three chapters and its dedicated leaders have worked tirelessly to promote the fraternity's values and make a positive impact in the community.

The state of the Bahamas is looking to expand the fraternity's reach throughout the country, and its efforts will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on communities across the country.

PHI BETA SIGMA - SOUTHERN REGION TRAINING AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Many books, works, presentations, seminars, etc., have been developed over the years to describe what is “effective leadership” or what are the traits of an “effective leader”. Good leadership... effective leadership… collaborative leadership… disciplined leadership… facilitative leadership…, all describe formats of “getting a group or organization to move towards a specific direction to achieve a particular goal or objective.” Here in the first of our professional development series for the brothers of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Southern Region, “The 6 traits of Effective Leadership for the Men of Sigma”, presented and developed by the Leadership Development and Training committee of the Southern Region, we present “What are the elements that best describe effective leadership, how is effective leadership measured, and what makes an effective leader?”

Mark Sanborn, New York Times Best Selling Author and Professional Speaker describes leadership in the following way, “Leadership doesn’t just happen. It’s not an accident. It’s the product of years of commitment, tough decisions, careful choices, and hard work. Leaders are refined by difficult situations and propelled forward by successful ones.”

It is our hope that the membership of our great fraternity will benefit from our work in this extremely important subject. We work to refine, develop and mold our brothers to become successful and effective leaders within our organization and in our communities.

PROBLEM-SOLVING: The process of finding solutions to difficult or complex issues.

Proceed with a positive attitude Define the problem clearly Identifying all the causes and provide solutions fast Take complete responsibilities for your decisions Utilize a sense of urgency, do not allow problems to linger "Sometimes the easiest way to solve problems is not to participate in it” - Shannon L. Lee Sr. THE VISION DRIVEN CHAPTER: Vision is an essential ingredient for business leadership Agenda 3 of 10 Questions 1. Are you a leader or a manager?

2. What difference does vision make?

3. What exactly do you want?

4. Are you being clear?

5. Does it inspire?

6. Is it practical?

7. Can you sell it?

8. How will your overcome resistance?

9. Is it already too late?

10. Are you ready?

ARE YOU A LEADER OR MANAGER? Managers: Execute the vision Use vision to keep everyone on track Keeps their eyes on short term goals Chapters need both leaders and managers to be successful. Be sure you have leaders that lead, not manage.

Mission: Define the chapter’s business Set the chapter objectives Detail how to reach the chapter objectives Vision: Forecast the future of the chapter Outline how to market the chapter Predict the impact the chapter wants in the community HOW WILL THE CHAPTER OVERCOME RESISTANCE? Every chapter MUST have Tenacity Integrity Courage COMMUNICATION: 1. ·What is Communication?

2. ·Communication Methods 3. ·The Role of Communication in Leadership 4. ·What are the different communication styles?

DIPLOMACY and LEADERSHIP: In times of constant crisis mode as the new normal in organizational relations due to constant change, leadership needs to create concepts for cooperative stabilization of expectations.

Definitions: Diplomacy – the art of dealing with people in a sensitive and effective way.

Leadership – the action of leading a group of people or an organization.

Good diplomacy skills enable leaders to handle sensitive issues, navigate tricky conflicts and look at the facts objectively, without biased interpretation. A diplomatic leader will therefore create a healthy culture where people can work well together, even in stressful environments.

TEAM BUILDING: Understanding your team Creating a team plan Highlighting the value of individuals that make up the team Open communication (open door policy) "Individual commitment to a group effort – that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work."

- Vince Lombardi, NFL Coach SUCCESSION PLANNING: What is Succession Planning?

Why is Succession Planning Important?

Benefits of Succession Planning Challenges of Succession Planning How to get started TRAINING AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT TEAM

Director of Military Affairs February 2023 Southern Regional Board Meeting Update 1. International Military Affairs Committee (IMAC) Updates: Since our last update to the Regional Board, the IMAC approved the release of the “Military” link on the BluPrint. The intent of this link is to create a greater connection between the brothers and the IMAC through blogs, discussion boards, and a resource library.

Regional Board Assistance Needed? Not at this time.

2. Southern Regional Military Affairs Updates: A. Fisher House Region Meeting. Later this month, I will meet with the local Fisher House leadership to discuss ways we can collaborate with the organization across the region. I’ve been invited to attend the regional meeting in Atlanta in May 2023 and prior to the conference, I will draft talking points and share them with the Southern Regional Board. There are 91 Fisher Houses globally and of the 91, 10 are located in the Southern Region.

B. Monthly SRMAC Meetings. We continue to hold monthly SRMAC meetings with State level Military Affairs Directors. Current discussions and plans are: 1. State Conference Attendance. I’ve asked state level Directors to encourage attendance and active participation of veteran brothers during their respective state conferences. I’ve also asked state level Directors to obtain data on the number of veteran brothers attending the conferences so that we can start officially recording that data.

We’ve also discussed having local JROTC/ ROTC Color Guard support for conference opening ceremonies and possibly establishing our own state/ regional level Color Guard Team for official events.

2. Spring 2023 Support Efforts. I’ve asked state level Directors to reach out to brothers in their states who are preparing to either join the military (enlistment/ commission) or retire between now and July to send the data up to the Region so that we can draft certificates of congratulations in their honor. We are currently finalizing certificate design options for review by the Regional Board.

From the SIGMAS

By: Byron Keys

WATER CRISIS TAKES PUNCH

Synarus Green the current state secretary for Mississippi and a candidate for state representative district 72 in Jackson, helped spearhead a social action project that assisted thousands of citizens in the city of Jackson, Mississippi during their 2022 water crises. Bro. Green was available to provide insight into this ongoing dilemma and the moves that were taken to help combat it at that time.

If you know your history or read the national website, you would know that Formed in 1934, the Social Action program was conceived by Bro. Elmo M. Anderson focuses on improving the general well-being of disenfranchised people.

The mission of the International Social Action Program Is to encourage social, political, and philanthropic l e adership which strengthens our respective communities and our membership.

After a harsh cold snap at the end of the year in 2021, The city of Jackson, Mississippi, was hit with a water crisis the following summer that left a town with over 100,000 without clean water.

“The city of Jackson has two water treatment plants and treatment plant, and one was down. And so the city of Jackson, whereas it was, for lack of better mathematical terms, was pretty much operated by two water-providing facilities ended up only having one fully functional. It had been operating in that in that shape for a number of years”.

So that summer, the plant suffered a critical malfunction. And since it was the only plant providing water to the entire city, it meant that the entire city was

without water. And so that’s what the water crisis was”.

Jackson, Mississippi, is one of the poorest capital cities in America and is located in its most impoverished state with a predominately African American population. “Mississippi has 80% persistent poverty. Hines county is one of those counties that’s in the persistent poverty area, which means that having a pallet of water is dependent upon you having disposable income.” In these terrible water conditions, late august of 2022 left people of the community trying to stay afloat and adjust to not having clean water to drink, bathe, and brush their teeth and having daily “boil water” alerts.

“Jackson is a black community. And whether or not we see it in the criminal justice system, educational system,

or healthcare system, the water crisis gave us a clear reminder that in this country, equity is still not something that we enjoy.”

Since it was citywide, the water in any Walmart or target was immediately bought up, so there was no water which led Governor Tate Reeves to declare a state of emergency. Along with other organizations, Mississippi Sigmas Stepped in with PBS State of Mississippi state secretary Bro. Green and PBS Southern Region regional director of Social Action leading the way. “The need for basic resources is something that sigma has for years worked on and tried to expand our footprint print in those areas, and just so it happened, the resources that we were gathering this time was water.”

When word got out about what these brothers were planning to do, the Blu and White came through. “Without question, our universal audience of brothers internationally answered the call when we needed assistance.” “Brother to brother, chapter to chapter, state to state, regional, region, and from international, the brothers responded. 3s Very warmly at our request.”

As mentioned earlier, the efforts weren’t led

by Bro. Green alone, “I think without arguably Bro. Sutton came through with our international director of social action to make sure that the message got around what the need was.”

“We had a huge amount of assistance from the brothers in the Gulf Coastal region, brothers from New Orleans, brothers from Texas really came through to provide, even well after the actual, quote/unquote designation for the emergency was removed by the mayor and the governor.”

“Months after, there were brothers who were still checking and asking whether or not we needed water and sending water. So it was definitely a lot of support that came from Phi Beta Sigma. And like I said, if you had

to categorize it, the southern region, definitely with the help of my great brother Louis Sutton, came through to help.” His help was limited to just supplying resources/support but helping to coordinate and create a structure for how the fraternity has good policies and procedures around emergency declarations. “That’s not always what we’re built for, but you learn how to manage edge and do better in those spaces in the crisis itself.”

This crisis is far from over, and the home team will continue to hold down the forte. “I thank the brothers for what they did for Jackson because it was laudable.” “We’ve got to be conscious enough to see how communities are growing and adapting and evolving. To see that when it creates a hardship for those people who we say that we are consciously serving, that we appropriately and adequately give the response as needed.”

One thing that Bro. Green would like his blu and white family to remember: “we got to maintain a mindset of seeing our conferences, our meetings, our kickbacks as moments of revitalization moments.

Similar to revivals, and if you want to give the church analogy, revivals where we come together to be reminded of what our responsibility is so that when we go back home, we’re excited about being conscious and seeing where the need is.” “And so that should be the takeaway from our regional conference and every regional conference. When you leave here, what are you going to want to do when you get back.?” .

Delta Epsilon Sigma Chapter Nassau, Bahamas

The Delta Epsilon Sigma Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. in Nassau, Bahamas is celebrating 45 years of culture for service and service for humanity. The chapter was established on May 20, 1978, at the British Colonial Hilton under the auspices of Hon. Bro. Richard M. Bullard, Jr. – National President. The charter members are Bro. Enoch Backforde, Bro. Danny Strachan, Bro. Kevin A. Hanna, Bro. Freddie A. Munnings Jr. and Bro. William H. Dean.

The setting and list of attendees at the chartering ceremony were impressive, including Bro Charles Wright – National 1st Vice President; Bro. William Doar – National Executive Director; Bro. George Ellis – Chairman of the Caribbean Expansion Committee and Bro. Earl Davis – State Director of Florida. Local Black Greek Lettered Organizations were represented as well by Soror Jackie Marshall – Theta Epsilon Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.; Soror Mellany Zonicle – Eta Psi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.; Frater Bill Wallace –Bahamas Alumni Association of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.; Frater Charles Albury – Iota Epsilon Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and Dr. John Godet of Pi Xi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. The first officers of the newly formed chapter were Enoch Backford as President, Kevin Hanna Sr. as Vice President, William Dean as Secretary, and Freddie W. Munnings Jr. as Chaplain. We must thank the charter members for bringing Sigma to the Bahamas and recognize all the brothers who contribute to making Sigma Bahamas felt throughout the Bahamas.

The past presidents of the Delta Epsilon Sigma Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. have played a significant role in shaping the chapter. The list of past presidents includes Enoch Backford, Phenton Neymour, Kareem Hanna, Dave Munroe, Olu Tinibu, Troy Clarke, Demario Minus, Arana Pyfrom, Harrison Lockhart, Gerrard Sawyer, Rodney Bain, Derek Smith, Esmond Johnson, Greg Smith.

These brothers have all contributed to the growth and development of the chapter, and their impact is felt to this day.

The chapter has been led by several presidents who have all contributed to the growth and success of the fraternity. However, some of these presidents have unfortunately passed away and joined the Omega Chapter. We will pay tribute to Enoch Backford, Phenton Neymour, and Kareem Hanna.

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Enoch Backford was the first president of the Delta Epsilon Sigma Chapter. He was an outstanding leader who helped to lay the foundation for the chapter's success. Unfortunately, he passed away and joined the Omega Chapter in 2015. His passing was a significant loss to the brotherhood, and his contributions will always be remembered.

Phenton Neymour was another president of the Delta Epsilon Sigma Chapter. He was an active member of the fraternity for over 35 years and active in the local Pan-Hellenic Council, mainly the Primary School Student of the Year Foundation. Neymour was dedicated to serving the community and his contributions were instrumental in the chapter's growth. He passed away and joined the Omega Chapter in 2019.

Kareem Hanna was the most recent president of the Delta Epsilon Sigma Chapter to join the Omega Chapter. He served as an enthusiastic leader who was committed to the growth and success of the fraternity. He notably contributed to the experience of brotherhood within Sigma Bahamas. Unfortunately, he passed away and joined the Omega Chapter in 2021, leaving behind a legacy of service and dedication.

The passing of these presidents was a significant loss to the Delta Epsilon Sigma Chapter and the broader Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. within The Bahamas. Their brotherhood is missed, and their contributions to the growth and success of the fraternity will always be remembered. However, their legacy lives on, and the current members of the fraternity are inspired by their dedication and service to Sigma Bahamas.

It is important to note that the success of the Delta Epsilon Sigma Chapter would not have been possible without the charter members who brought Sigma to the Bahamas in 1978. The chapter owes its existence to its dedication and hard work. The current members of the fraternity also contribute to making Sigma Bahamas felt throughout the Bahamas through their various community service projects and initiatives.

The Delta Epsilon Sigma Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity in Nassau, Bahamas has been fortunate to have several outstanding presidents who have contributed to its growth and success. The passing of Enoch Backford, Phenton Neymour, and Kareem Hanna was a significant loss to the fraternity. However, their legacy lives on, and their dedication to Sigma Bahamas will always be remembered. The chapter also owes its existence to the charter members who brought Sigma to the Bahamas in 1978. The fraternity thanks all of the brothers who contribute to making Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. felt throughout the Bahamas.

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PHI BETA SIGMA FRATERNITY THETA BETA CHAPTER December 1946.

Edward P. Jimson, M.D. Regional Director of the Southern Region.

To the President, Officers and Fellow Greeks of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., hereby submit my report covering my tenure of service for the year 1946, for the Southern Region which includes the vast territory of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia and Florida; an area wherein lies the greatest number of Sigma men. Men with great enthusiastic spirit and desire to make the Fraternity what it should be Many communications were sent and answered in an effort to inactivate the many chapters that were put to sleep by the World War II. The results have been most gratifying as evidenced by the Regional Meetings held in Birmingham in the month of April and in Atlanta in the month of October. Plans have been mad and Nu Beta Sigma Chapter of Jacksonville, Fla., will welcome the Southern Region in the month of April 1947.

The Officers of the Southern Region have been most diligent and most cooperative during the entire year. Brother Johnson has worked untiringly and most proficiently. Every chapter, active and inactive have received two sets of complete minutes of the happenings in the Southern Region.

Brothers Lynwood Brown, Hightower and J.A. Jackson were present at the April meeting. Our National President Geo. A. Parker and Treasurer Geo. Hightower were present at the October meeting. Both meetings were very well attended by large numbers of delegates, and the spirit of Sigma was so manifested that everyone realized that the cause of Sigma is rapidly speeding on its way. All chapters in the Southern Region are now active, or in the process of becoming active, and permission is pending the setting up of two new chapters in Florida, one in Georgia and one in Louisiana at Shreveport. One chapter of graduates was set up last month, in Alcorn, Mississippi.

The following are the chapters in the Southern Region of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. 1. Alpha Eta, Fla. 2. Alpha Eta Sigma, Ala. 3. Alpha Zeta, Miss.

4. Alpha Lambda, La. 5. Alpha Pi, Ga. 6. Gamma Sigma, Ala. 7. Zeta, Ga. 8. Beta Delta Sigma, Ga.

9. Theta Beta Sigma, La. 10. Lambda Sigma, Ga. 11. Mu Sigma, Miss.

12. Nu Beta Sigma, Fla. 13. Rho, La. 14. Sigma, Ala. 15. Tau Sigma, Ala. 16. Psi, Ga.

17. Alpha Beta, Miss.

18. Epsilon Alpha, Dillard 19. Rho Sigma, Fla. 20. New Chapter, Alcorn, Miss.

The following is the report of the Treasurer of the Southern Region Receipts: Registration – Dec. 1944 $18.00 Registration – Apr. 1946 23.00 Regional Chapter Tax Apr. 1946 103.00 Total …………..

144.00 Expenditures: Regional Secy’s Office Dec. 1944 ……………………………………… $ 8.00 Picture of Regional Meeting Apr. 1946 ………………………………………

7.90 Bank Fee ……………………………………… .05 Total …………………. $15.95 Balance $129.05

OFFICERS OF THE SOUTHERN REGION OF THE PHI BETA SIGMA FRATERNITY INC. Regional Director Associate Regional Director Secretary Assistant Secretary Treasurer Chaplain Sergeant-At-Arms Director of Social Action Associate Director of Social Action Director of Bigger & Better Business Associate Director of Bigger & Better Business

Bro. E. P. Jimson “ P. D. Jackson “ R. O. Johnson “ J. A. Tillman “ R. S. Green “ Leonard Morse “ S. W. Sullivan “ Ernest Wright “ A. J. Johnson “ G. B. Love “

I. S. Bolden

The Southern Region has expended every effort to open the eyes of the citizens to Negro Business. Bigger and Better Business has been the most outstanding feature of the Fraternity during the year. May the spirit of Sigmas continue to accelerate as it has recently; and may we look forward to a stronger foundation as our cause speeds on its way.

Respectfully submitted, Edward P. Jimson, M.D. Director SOUTHERN REGION

Number 145 By: Byron Keys In December of 1920, our second national president, the Hon. Bro. Ivorite L. Scruggs, who had written the words of our fraternity hymn as well as coined our fraternity motto “culture for service, service for humanity,” formulated the “Key Chapter,” which is better known as the Distinguished Service Chapter. The Distinguished Service Chapter, which is considered the highest honor a member of our great fraternity can achieve, has initiated over 200 brothers throughout the years. Having produced so many great brothers into our great fraternity, only 2 of the initiates into the Distinguished Service Chapter have been from Mississippi chapters. The Hon. Archie A. Alexander who was one of the founders of the Alpha Beta chapter at Jackson State University, and the Hon. Carlia E. Oatis Jr. ( who also has a first cousin in the DSC who is an Alcorn graduate) has been the loan two to represent the great state of Mississippi so far, with more to come.

The Hon. Carlia E. Oatis Jr., the “Duke,” was also an initiate of the Alpha Beta Chapter. Years after finishing at Jackson State, and fighting in WW2, He became one of the charter members and founders of the Gamma Epsilon Sigma chapter located in Meridian, Mississippi, where he helped hold the chapter together for over 50+ years and was one of the earlier State directors of Mississippi. Outside of these significant accomplishments, the Hon. Bro. Oatis was an educator and

music man. Our great brother served as a band director for TJ Harris High School, also located in Meridian, Mississippi, for 39 years. They gained national acclaim by being featured in the Junior Rose Bowl parade. Bro. Oatis gave his services to Kate Griffin High School in Meridian, serving as one of their past principals and assistant principals.

Bro. Oatis served Phi Beta Sigma as a sigma man should, but what is a Sigma man without “ service to humanity.” As a co-founder, he helped develop the National Council of Meridianiates, Inc., and the Council of Organizations, Inc., which have greatly impacted the communities and city as a whole of Meridian. For his service to the city of Meridian, in 2004, the city declared a C.E. Oatis Jr. Day. The brothers of the Gamma Epsilon Sigma chapter, the city of Meridian, and members of the numerous organizations he participated in could probably rave about his accomplishments Hon. Carlia E. Oatis, Jr. days. Having been an asset to this world DSC #145 - Gamma Epsilon Sigma 2003 for 86 years, In 2011, our Hon. Brother was committed to the omega chapter.

The brothers of Gamma Epsilon Sigma continue to honor him by living up to the standards that were set forth by the Hon. Bro. Carlia E. Oatis.

Florida Sigmas Hall of Fame “Florida – The State of Brotherhood”

In the spring of 2019 soon after State Conference and my election I attended the conferences of our States within the Southern Region. One of my platform items was to improve our conference experience and honor our Seasoned Sigmas and I wanted to see best practices from those around us. During this time I witnessed the honors bestowed upon brothers for their work during the year and over the course of their time as a Sigma Man. In addition, I attended our Sisters of Zeta Phi Beta State of Florida annual conference to also see how they did the same for their members.

We had a Sigma Man of the Year for both Collegiate and Alumni as well as an Advisor of the Year award and we had our Outstanding Sigmas of the Southern Region for Regional level and Distinguished Service Chapter for the National level. I wanted to have something that recognized the body of work in the State of Florida for our brothers. I brought my idea to our 1st Vice State Director Brother Brady Talley and we discussed at length the goals and the best way to implement it.

We decided a Hall of Fame with a limited amount of inductees per year based on the works (Sigma and Community) of the brothers within the State. Our goal was to bring to light brothers who work hard within the fraternity and within the community but may not be known on a region or national basis. We wanted to set these members apart so we decided a Gold Medal was appropriate and to have them completely stand out a White Fraternity Blazer with the Shield and the lettering "Florida Sigmas Hall of Fame" beneath it. We unveiled the initial class at the 2020 Florida State Conference.

We hoped to surprise the recipients as well as the Brotherhood so the initial Committee was Brother Talley and myself and the vote was unanimous for the initial Class. Honorable Brother Sidney McCray, Honorable Brother Ray Smith and Brother Damon Miller Sr. (Omega Chapter) were announced on January 25th 2020 at the Joint Luncheon in front of 1,000 members of the Blue and White family to include our 35th International President Michael E. Cristal. After State Conference and the presentation which was well received I set in motion to make this a permanent part of our body.

In discussion with Brother Talley, my chief of staff Brother Gary Cobb and myself we developed the plan to have our District Directors be the HOF Committee and that nominees would come from the district and be voted upon by the HOF Committee. We met with the District Directors over the course of 6 months to develop the criteria and forms and presented the proposal to the State Executive Board for discussion and approval. The proposal was adopted unanimously by the Executive Board and the standing committee was established.

2020 Honorable Sidney McCray

Rho Sigma Chapter

2020 Honorable Ray Smith

Rho Sigma Chapter

2020 Damon Miller, Sr.

Beta Lambda Sigma Chapter

2021 Earl Davis

Theta Rho Sigma Chapter

2022 Ben Addison

Rho Sigma Chapter

2022 Tracy McMillon

Nu Mu Sigma Chapter

2022 Ulysses Bryant

Gamma Delta Sigma Chapter

2023 Roy Edmonds

Rho Sigma Chapter

2023 Philip Harris

Zeta Iota Sigma Chapter

2023 Jack Williams

Gamma Delta Sigma Chapter

Beta Beta Lambda Chapter University of the Bahamas

T

he Beta Beta Lambda Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. has a rich history of service and achievement in the Bahamas. This chapter was the first undergraduate chapter of any black greek letter organization to charter outside the continental United States of America. This achievement is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the brothers who had a vision of spreading Sigma throughout the Bahamas.

The chapter was chartered on November 5 2004, after a rigorous process that involved organizing documents and signatures at the College of The Bahamas. The first officers of the newly formed chapter were President – Derek W Smith Jr., Vice President - Emille M. Hunt, Secretary - Gerardo Williams, Treasurer - D'Angelo Reid, and Chair of Education – R M. Bailey III. The chapter has initiated over 80 brothers and will celebrate 20 years in November 2024.

Past chapter members have gone on to serve as graduate chapter presidents. State Director of the Bahamas, Bro. Rodney D. Bain, a 2008 initiate, is the first brother to serve as undergraduate president, graduate president, and state director. Bro. Bain is also the first

Bahamian-initiated brother to serve as state director. This is a testament to the quality of leadership fostered within the chapter. The chapter has also won numerous awards at the university, regional, and even conclave levels.

Bro. Dr. Trevor Johnson, a 2015 initiate, graduated as the valedictorian with the highest GPA of the entire graduating class of 2016 at The University of The Bahamas.

One of the chapter's staple events is the sleep-out for the homeless, which has been happening for over a decade. This event provides much-needed support for the homeless population in the Bahamas and raises awareness of the issue of homelessness. The chapter's commitment to service is also demonstrated through its participation in other events such as the March of Dimes Walk for Babies and the AIDS Walk.

The Beta Beta Lambda Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. has made significant contributions to the Bahamas and has demonstrated the power of brotherhood and service. The chapter's legacy will continue to inspire and shape the lives of young men in the Bahamas and beyond.