EXCLUSIVE | PHI BETA SIGMA Widely loved and respected for his servant leadership, business savvy, and ability to motivate, President Mason is aptly leading the fraternity to its landmark 100-year celebration in July 2014. The seeds of transformational leadership planted by the Honorable Founders A. Langston Taylor, Leonard F. Morse, and Charles I. Brown, continue to bear fruit. President Mason explains, “They founded an organization committed to service, committed to humanity, and seeing society [become] a better place because of their impact.” The historical significance of honoring this milestone century of service for the fraternity is underscored by the sheer excitement of the brothers of Phi Beta Sigma and sisters of Zeta Phi Beta. “Being able to be alive, active, and a participant during this 100 year birthday is a privilege. It is an honor for me as president to have the responsibility to execute a Centennial celebration that our Founders and brothers can be proud of.” Phi Beta Sigma’s “Century of Service” commemoration is a multifaceted celebration that rolled out in regal fashion from January 9-11, 2014, in Washington, D.C. The Founders’ Day weekend included community service projects; a visit to Founder A. Langston Taylor’s gravesite; a step show, and a Founders’ Ball where legendary singer, songwriter, actor and social activist Harry Belafonte served as keynote speaker. The event recognized the Sigma Founders and heroes of the Civil Rights Movement, such as Hank Thomas, Hosea Williams’ Feed the Hungry, and the A. Philip Randolph Institute. The affair also featured an appearance by honorary member and former U.S. President Bill Clinton via live video stream, and the Centennial charge given by International Grand Basileus Mary Breaux Wright. “We did not get to 100 years easily. There were hills and mountains we had to climb on this journey,” President Mason said. “It is because of their sacrifices that we can celebrate.” Seven galas from regions around the country were simulcast to showcase the elegance of each commemorative celebration. President Mason has invited members of the fraternity’s sister sorority, Zeta Phi Beta, to participate in the upcoming Centennial festivities. Another hallmark of the Sigma Centennial commemoration is a seven-month march,
International Grand Basileus Mary Breaux Wright (center) and Phi Beta Sigma International President Jonathan A. Mason, Sr. (2nd from right) with several members of the Council of Presidents during their 2013 annual meeting.
to raise $1 million to be donated to the A. Philip Randolph Institute, National Action Network, and Howard University. President Mason is determined to achieve this objective as he emphasizes “Culture for Service, Service for Humanity” in his administration.
and sister bond is stronger than it’s ever been. Zeta Phi Beta Sorority has the right president at the right time. [International Grand Basileus] Wright is dynamic, enthusiastic, and embodies everything that a Zeta represents. I am proud to call her my sister and excited to work with her.”
“I told the Sigma brothers when I became president that celebrating is one thing, but service is legacy. Our goal is to present checks to these organizations at the march and we cannot come up short. We invite everyone to join us and make this a reality,” President Mason said.
Beyond the exhilarating events of centennial, President Mason wants to ensure that Sigma is on the front line of change and activism in local communities.
In July 2014, the Centennial experience will open with a gospel concert featuring the iconic Pastor Shirley Caesar and Dr. Bobby Jones. The soul band Maze featuring Frankie Beverly will also rock the house as a part of a soulful line up of artistic talent joining the celebration. Zeta Soror Syleena Johnson is headlining a Day Party, and a hip-hop concert featuring Wale will immediately follow the Centennial step show. President Mason said he is ecstatic to work side by side with Grand Basileus Wright and the sisters of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority as the fraternity unveils its Centennial plans. He affirms a heartfelt desire to uphold the constitutional bond of Sigma and Zeta as envisioned by the founders of each organization. The sorority will host its international convention in Washington, D.C. to coincide with the fraternity’s historic celebration. Joint activities will unite brothers and sisters in memorable experiences until July 2014. “This brother
“There is no excuse for one black child to receive a subpar education. There is no excuse for one of our future leaders to end up in jail because they don’t have a mentor to help guide and direct them. There’s no excuse for us to stand idly by and watch the violence that is permeating our communities,” he said. The leadership challenge is not only for the brothers of Phi Beta Sigma, but for all of the “Divine Nine” fraternal organizations. President Mason is motivated as a change agent to achieve his vision for the fraternity. He says, “As you work to shift paradigms accept the fact that the going will get rough, but perseverance and faith conquers all. We’ll thunder back along the line, our cause speeds on its way.”
March on brothers!
THE ARCHON MAGAZINE | SPRING 2014
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