ALPHA ALPHA CHAPTERPhi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. Get the App

Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. · Wilberforce University

Celebrating a CentennialMen of 100 Years · 1927 – 2027

The Alpha Alpha Chapter has carried Brotherhood, Scholarship, and Service at the oldest HBCU operated by African Americans for a century. Our cause speeds on.

Alpha Alpha Chapter seal — Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., chartered April 19, 1927
1927 100Years 2027

Our principles

Brotherhood

A bond among men devoted to the "inclusive we" — judging each by his own merit and lifting as we climb.

Scholarship

A century of academic excellence rooted in the soil of Wilberforce University, founded 1856.

Service

"Culture For Service and Service For Humanity" — returning our gifts to the communities we come from.

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1927 – 2027 · Men of 100 Years

The Centennial

The weekend

Schedule

Will you be there?

RSVP

What's ahead

Events

Gatherings, observances, and the moments that mark our century of service.

About the fraternity

A Brief History

Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity was founded at Howard University in Washington, D.C., on January 9, 1914, by three young men who wanted a Greek-letter fraternity that would truly exemplify the ideals of brotherhood, scholarship, and service.

The Founders deliberately conceived the Fraternity as "a part of" the general community rather than apart from it. They believed each member should be judged by his own merits — without regard to background, affluence, nationality, or appearance — and they devoted themselves to the "inclusive we" rather than the "exclusive we."

That conviction is carried in the Fraternity's motto, "Culture For Service and Service For Humanity." A proud member of the Divine Nine, Phi Beta Sigma is constitutionally bound to its sister organization, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., founded in 1920.

"I believe in all that Phi Beta Sigma represents and I will herald and defend it even against the world."

— Bro. Abraham M. Walker, first initiate of the Alpha Chapter

At a glance

Founded
January 9, 1914
Birthplace
Howard University, Washington, D.C.
Principles
Brotherhood · Scholarship · Service
Motto
Culture For Service and Service For Humanity
Sister org.
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. (1920)
A. Langston TaylorHonorable Founder
Leonard F. MorseHonorable Founder
Charles I. BrownHonorable Founder

Our story · Our cause speeds on

Chapter History

The Alpha Alpha Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. was chartered on April 19, 1927, planting the Fraternity's principles at one of the most storied institutions in American higher education.

Our home, Wilberforce University, was founded in 1856 and stands as the oldest private historically Black college or university owned and operated by African Americans. To build a chapter here was to join a legacy of self-determination and scholarship that predates the Fraternity itself.

For nearly a century, Alpha Alpha brothers have lived out "Culture For Service and Service For Humanity" on campus and in the surrounding community. In 2027 we celebrate our Centennial — one hundred years of men committed to a cause that speeds on.

Across the decades, Alpha Alpha has been shaped by extraordinary men. In 1948, Bro. Demetrius C. Newton — who would go on to become a celebrated civil rights attorney and Alabama legislator — served as Dean of the chapter's Membership Intake Process. In later years, Hon. Bro. James "Chewy" Stephens (DSC #206) played a pivotal role in rebuilding Alpha Alpha through some of the chapter's darkest days.

Chapter facts

Chapter
Alpha Alpha
Chartered
April 19, 1927
Institution
Wilberforce University
Founded
Wilberforce, 1856
Centennial
1927 – 2027
1856

Wilberforce University is founded — the oldest HBCU owned and operated by African Americans.

1914

Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. is founded at Howard University.

1927

The Alpha Alpha Chapter is chartered at Wilberforce on April 19.

1948

Bro. Demetrius C. Newton serves as Dean of the chapter's Membership Intake Process.

2027

Alpha Alpha celebrates its Centennial — Men of 100 Years.

Brothers serving Wilberforce

Phi Beta Sigma at Wilberforce Today

A century after our charter, Sigma men hold key leadership roles at the University the chapter calls home.

Highest honor

Distinguished Service Chapter

The Distinguished Service Chapter

Implemented in 1929, the Distinguished Service Chapter is the highest honor the Fraternity bestows on a member. The Distinguished Service Key recognizes Sigma men whose exemplary work for the Fraternity and outstanding accomplishments serve the greater society.

Alpha Alpha honorees

Those who serve

Chapter Leadership

The brothers entrusted with guiding Alpha Alpha through its Centennial year.

Interested in membership

Join the Brotherhood

Phi Beta Sigma Alpha Alpha Chapter Centennial Save the Date flyer
Culture for Service · Service for Humanity

Become a Man of Sigma

Phi Beta Sigma seeks men of character who are committed to scholarship and to serving their communities. Membership is a lifelong commitment to the principles of Brotherhood, Scholarship, and Service.

If you are a Wilberforce student or a community member interested in learning about Alpha Alpha and the path to membership, we'd be glad to connect with you.

Connect with Alpha Alpha

Email our chapter to express interest or to learn about upcoming intake informationals.