BLACK MEN MATTER SERIES┃ Alpha Alpha Omega┃ Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc.
Publication Information
| Interviewee | Alpha Alpha Omega Chapter, Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. |
| Interviewer | Lana Reid |
| Collection | The Male Perspective: Black Men Matter Oral History Collection |
| Interview No. | 170 |
| Publisher | Conversations in Color |
| Rights Holder | Conversations in Color (501(c)(3)) |
| Original Format | Recorded Video Interview |
| Language | English |
| Original Air Date | November 20, 2024 |
| Publication Date | July 2026 |
| Location | Virtual Interview |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21432128 |
𝗙𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘𝗗 𝗦𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗘𝗦: The Men of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc.
𝗧𝗛𝗜𝗦 𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗞
Alpha Alpha Omega
Alumni Chapter
Indianapolis, Indiana
Chartered in 1993
This episode of “The Male Perspective” features Bro. Cedric Jones, who currently serves as Polaris of the Alpha Alpha Omega Alumni Chapter. Having been a member of the fraternity for over twenty years, Cedric offers insights into the organization’s motto, “Building a Tradition, Not Resting Upon One,” illustrating how it manifests in the brotherhood’s legacy through its initiatives, recruitment efforts, and ongoing growth. He also shares the invaluable sense of community and network that takes place across the Divine Nine organizations, which creates an impact not only on individuals but also in the communities they serve.
For more information on Alpha Alpha Omega:
https://www.instagram.com/indyiotas
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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)
“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.
KNOW YOUR NEIGHBOR : “Know Your Neighbor” community engagement will aim to foster connectivity and a sense of community in local neighborhoods through our video contest. The program seeks to encourage interaction among neighbors in their immediate area and create a sense of community that can lead to thriving, connected and safer areas.