Archive for September, 2007

Jena 6

Sigma Men Support Jena 6 – Denounce Unequal Justice

“Members of the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity cannot and WILL NOT sit idly by as unequal justice continues its romp across this country,” states Paul Griffin, International President of one of the nine largest African-American fraternal organizations in the country. “We will march, we will sign petitions, we will educate ourselves and the public, and we will erase every badge of second class citizenship because that is why this fraternity exists.” Griffin made these comments recently, following the fraternity’s board meeting during which their Jena 6 Resolution was approved.

The Jena 6 are six young black males who have faced overly aggressive prosecution and extended incarceration based on a series of racially motivated encounters in Jena, Louisiana.

On Thursday, September 20, supporters of the Jena 6 and protestors of the apparent unequal judicial system will arrive in Jena for a march. A “Justice for Jena” petition to Gov. Kathleen B. Blanco will be presented at the Louisiana State Capitol by the NAACP on the 19^th.

Sigma has charged its brothers, individually and chapters, collectively, as well as partnering organizations, to support this effort and all efforts related to the Jena 6.

According to John White, International Director of Social Action, Phi Beta Sigma Brothers will “wear the color black on the 20^th, in a show of solidarity and support. Brothers are also requested to sign the Jena Six Petition; and all Brothers are encouraged to join the march on the 20^th, meeting at 7:30a.m. at the LaSalle Parish Courthouse in Jena, Louisiana, under the Phi Beta Sigma banners.”

Additionally, Chapters of Phi Beta Sigma are directed to write Donald W. Washington, United States Attorney for Louisiana Western District, concerning the unequal justice embodied in the Jena Six case, requesting further investigation. More information may be found on the fraternity’s website, www.pbs1914.org. A copy of the complete Resolution is also located on the website.

Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, founded 1914 at Howard University, continues to champion the cause for equality and equal justice, not only in Jena, Louisiana, but the world over, in an effort to continue the legacy of our illustrious Founders, perpetuating Culture for Service, and Service for Humanity.

1020 Colorado Street

I am happy to report that on yesterday (09/07/07) a consortium, led by Brother Jonathan Mason, successfully closed on the purchase of 1020 Colorado Street in Manhattan, Kansas. This important landmark is once again in the hands of members of Phi Beta Sigma.

Much love to the Brothers who joined together, in the face of many obstacles, to preserve for Sigma a tangible symbol of its prior greatness.

The Delta Chapter was established personally by Founder Charles Ignatius Brown within a few years of his graduation from Howard University. The Delta Chapter was possible because of the commitment of Founder Brown and the commitment of Kansas State to the education of African-Americans following the emancipation. Among the many stellar graduates of KSU (particularly those in Veterinary Medicine) were a number of Sigmas who then went to Tuskegee at the request of Brother George Washington Carver. Many of these men, Sigmas among them, were the men who established the now world -famous Veterinary Medicine program at Tuskegee. 1020 Colorado Street is the place where the young Sigmas perfected their allegiance to “Culture for Service and Service for Humanity”.

Somewhere in Heaven, Founder Brown is smiling from ear to ear.

Blue Phi !!!

Godbless.