phi beta sigma fraternity, incorporated

Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. was founded at Howard University in Washington, D.C., on January 9, 1914, by three young African American male students. The founders, Honorable A. Langston Taylor, Honorable Leonard F. Morse, and Honorable Charles I. Brown, sought to organize a Greek-letter fraternity that would exemplify the ideals of brotherhood, scholarship, and service.

The founders envisioned an organization that saw itself as “a part of” the general community rather than “apart from” it. They believed that each potential member should be judged by his own merits, rather than his family background or affluence, and without regard to race, nationality, skin tone, or hair texture. They aspired for their fraternity to exist as part of a greater brotherhood, devoted to the “inclusive we” rather than the “exclusive we.”

From its inception, Phi Beta Sigma was conceived as a mechanism to deliver services to the general community. The founders held a deep conviction that their skills should be returned to the communities from which they came, rather than used exclusively for themselves and their immediate families. This belief is embodied in the fraternity’s motto: “Culture For Service and Service For Humanity.”

Today, Phi Beta Sigma has grown into an international organization of leaders. Beyond the fraternity itself, its members have been instrumental in establishing the Phi Beta Sigma National Foundation, the Phi Beta Sigma Federal Credit Union, and The Sigma Beta Club Foundation. Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., founded in 1920 with the assistance of Phi Beta Sigma, serves as the sister organization to the fraternity.

Chartered: September 1, 1964
Chapter Charter Members: Jesse Williams Sr., Milton Smith, Raymond Dawson, G. Lincoln Caddell, Eugene Bowman, and Judge Joseph Roulhac

Since its founding, the Delta Rho Sigma Chapter has been a pillar of excellence, leadership, and service in the Akron community. Guided by the principles of Brotherhood, Scholarship, and Service, the chapter has left an indelible mark through impactful programs, community engagement, and a legacy of accomplished members.

Signature Programs

Over the years, the Delta Rho Sigma Chapter has championed several initiatives to uplift the community and inspire future leaders:

• Black Applause: Celebrating the achievements of the Black community.
• Sigma Beta Club: Mentorship for young men, fostering leadership and personal development.
• Akron City Park Maintenance: Enhancing community spaces for all residents.
• University of Akron Endowed Scholarship: Supporting higher education for deserving students.
• Milton G. Smith Golf Tournament: A longstanding event promoting camaraderie and raising funds for chapter programs.
• Voter Registration: Encouraging civic engagement and empowering voters.
• Akron Foodbank Distribution: Fighting food insecurity in our community.

Notable Members

The Delta Rho Sigma Chapter takes pride in its members who have exemplified excellence in their respective fields:

• Judge Joseph Roulhac: First African American judge in the City of Akron.
• Jesse Williams Sr.:
  • 2nd African American Vice President, Goodyear Tire & Rubber.
  • First Energy Board Member.
• Marco Sommerville:
  • Deputy Mayor, City of Akron.
  • 3rd Ward Councilman and City Planning Director.
• Hon. Carter D. Womack:
  • 4th Ward Councilman.
  • Two-time International President of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.

Legacy of the Sigma Beta Club

The Delta Rho Sigma Chapter’s Sigma Beta Club has nurtured a generation of leaders who have gone on to excel across diverse industries:

• A. Van Jordan: English Professor, University of Michigan.
• Leland Jones: Actor, Meet the Browns.
• Leon Harris: CNN and NBC Washington, D.C. News Anchor.
• Bro. Mark Pillow: President and GM, Goodyear Canada.
• Bro. Tommy Johnson: Assistant VP of Corporate Treasury, Butterfield Bank – Bermuda.
• Bro. Tyrone Parnell: VP, Distribution Sector Americas, IBM.
• Bro. Omar Reid: SVP, Human Resources, Harris Health System, Houston, TX.
• Bro. James Jones: Engineer, Ford Motor Company.
• Bro. Raheem Reid: Attorney and Cybersecurity Expert.
• Steve Fitzhugh:
  • Former NFL Player, Denver Broncos.
  • NFL Player Engagement and Transitional Coach.
• Bro. Scott McClain: Director, Ohio Council of Community Schools.