Black Men Matter Series: Beta Sigma Omega Alumni Chapter – Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc.

By Lana Reid | December 25, 2024

As part of the ongoing Black Men Matter Series, this feature highlights the Beta Sigma Omega Alumni Chapter of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. and their commitment to leadership, service, and community impact in Evanston.

Spotlight: Beta Sigma Omega Alumni Chapter

Beta Sigma Omega
Alumni Chapter
Evanston, Illinois
Chartered in 2009

Iota Phi Theta’s Legacy and Community Impact

This episode of “The Male Perspective” features Bro. Kendric Johnson, the chapter’s current Polaris, and Bro. Carlos Garrido, one of the charter members of the chapter. As the chapter sees an influx of new members and expands its presence in Evanston, they highlight the ongoing community service efforts of Beta Sigma Omega, through local and national initiatives of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc.

For more information on Beta Sigma Omega:
https://www.facebook.com/BSOIotas
https://www.instagram.com/bso_iotas/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/294578930971
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On September 19, 1963, at Morgan State College (now Morgan State University), 12 students founded what is now the nation’s fifth largest, predominately African-American social service fraternity: The Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Incorporated.

The Honorable Founders of Iota Phi Theta were: Albert Hicks, Lonnie Spruill, Jr., Charles Briscoe, Frank Coakley, John Slade, Barron Willis, Webster Lewis, Charles Brown, Lewis Hudnell, Charles Gregory, Elias Dorsey, Jr., and Michael Williams.

…many of these men were what are now referred to as “Non-Traditional Students” and were 3-5 years older than the average college student. Gregory, Willis, and Brown were all service veterans, and Brown, Hicks, and Briscoe were married with small children. Of this group of 12, several were also working full-time jobs and all were full-time students.

Based upon their ages, heightened responsibilities, and increased level of maturity, this group had a slightly different perspective than the norm for college students. It was this perspective from which they established the Fraternity’s purpose, “The development and perpetuation of Scholarship, Leadership, Citizenship, Fidelity, and Brotherhood among Men.” Additionally, they conceived the Fraternity’s motto, “Building a Tradition, Not Resting Upon One!” (https://iotaphitheta.org)

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“The Male Perspective” is hosted by Lana Reid, the founder of Conversations in Color, a nonprofit 501(c)3 grassroots organization dedicated to providing uplifting and community building spaces of dialogue for Black voices.

Conversations in Color’s Current Initiatives:

• THE MALE PERSPECTIVE: The purpose of “The Male Perspective” is to dispel stereotypes and increase awareness of the experiences of Black men through open discussions, thought-provoking interviews, and sharing personal experiences that serve as a platform to highlight the diversity and depth of the Black male experience.
• SISTAS REBUILDING SISTERHOOD: “Sistas Rebuilding Sisterhood,” is an intergenerational group of Black women who come together for relaxed and non-judgmental gatherings to exchange ideas, experiences and collaborate in a collective effort to improve the quality of sisterhood interactions in our day to day lives.

TAPESTRY OF BLACK VOICES AWARDS: The “Tapestry of Black Voices Awards” honors our local communities and showcases the incredible creativity and voices of Black communities throughout the United States.