In 1978, I sensed that something was going very wrong with Phi Beta Sigma. I did not know exactly what was wrong; but I knew definitely that we were in for a long decline.
I will not elaborate at this time; but I will say this – several of our past officers wanted an organization much different from that which was conceived by our Founders. They chose the critical period when we were trying to convert from a part-time to a full-time operation to strike. Essentially – because of their intervention, Phi Beta Sigma never made the necessary conversion. Instead, P.R. was used to replace actual service to humanity.
I am writing today to ask you to do two things.
(1) I want you to take the time to read three essays that I have written. I know that some of you have read them previously; but I beg you to reread them now.
The first enclosed essay, “A Conflict of Models” tells how we moved from the structure that the Founders left to us to the one we operate by today. The second essay, “The Birth of G. O. M. A. B” tells how we slowly turned our backs on the motto the Founders gave us – “Culture for Service and Service for Humanity” (which focused on bringing benefits to those outside of Sigma) to the self promoting[…]theme.
The third essay “Established Upon the Principles”, is yet unfinished. I had abandoned finishing it because I didn’t think that anybody cared. Kevin Christian and others have strengthened me to fight for the Founders. I began it in my heart; I trust you to finish it in yours.
Please read all three essays. Please discuss them among yourselves and pass them on to every committed Sigma that you know. If you have any questions, write them down and e-mail me. I will answer any question that you ask and I can answer. If you have a burning question, call me. Once you understand what must be done, tell every Sigma that you know. And when people try to beat on you, stand up and push them back in the name of the Founders.
