From the Desk of Herman "Skip" Mason hmason1906@aol.com Iota Chapter, Spring 82(Morris Brown College/Atlanta, Georgia) Eta Lambda Chapter since 1984 Historian, Pastor, Author, Entrepreneur and Lecturer

Vol. 1 No. 19 - Tuesday, May 11, 1999
"Finding The Good and Praising It"

SIGMA PI PHI: THE BOULE- The First Black Fraternity (on record)
What separates Sigma Pi Phi and Alpha Phi Alpha. One was the first black
fraternity for professional men and the latter the first for collegiate men.
The question still begs however is Sigma Pi Phi the ultimate fraternity for
African-American men or will Alpha or 100 Black Men do? For African-American
men of stature and prominence is it the group you want to belong to? Men
such as Vernon Jordan(Omega), Andrew Young(Alpha), L. Douglas Wilder(Omega), American Express President Kenneth Chenault, most black college presidents and the most prominent physicians, attorneys, dentists, and corporate leaders are members. They do not step or chant, you hardly ever see any members in T-shirts or jackets with the Greek letters plastered on it. It has a quarterly publication, and biennial conventions.

Membership is exclusive. There is no Smoker, no informational seminar, no
application packet, no cluster weekend, no lines, etc. It is one of the most
exclusive fraternities for African-American men. No, it is not Alpha, Kappa,
Omega or Sigma. It is called Sigma Pi Phi (the Boule). It was founded in 1904
in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and its membership includes men from all Greek
letter organizations as well as those who are not. it is not just another
Greek letter organization according to Lawrence Otis Graham in his book "Our
Kind of People"

Dr. Henry Minton(who later joined Alpha Phi Alpha) invited five of his
colleagues, all doctors working in Philadelphia to join him in organizing a
social organization that would "bring together a select group of men with a
minimum degree of superior education and culture-men who were congenial,
tolerant, and hospitable." Minton was well educated and married into the
Wormley family of Washington. He was responsible for opening the first two
hospitals in Philadelphia, both Douglass and Mercy.

It's the organization most professional men want to join, but its membership
is invitational only. While 100 Black Men of America (of which I am a member
of) is invitational too, there is a distinguishable difference sometimes too
difficult to verbalize. Having socialize and presented to the members of
Sigma Pi Phi, the members are much older (in most cases and very well
established in their careers). In the meeting that I attended in Atlanta (the
chapter known as Kappa Boule), they feast on prime rib and the trimmings each
month and conduct the business with very little fanfare and discussion. They
all seem to be on one accord and no personal agendas, perhaps because they
have reached the highest point in their career. You very seldom read about
their activities in the news.

>From the Greek languages, they use terms such as
Boule- Council of Noblemen (or women as the AKA's also use the term for the
National Gatherings)
Archons- members of the Boule
Sire Archon- President of the Boule
Other officers are Grammateus, Thesauristes, Rhetoricus, etc.

One of our Alpha Brothers, the distinguished Dr. Huel Perkins, Executive
Assistant to the Chancellor at Louisiana State University and a graduate of
Southern University, residing in Baton Rouge served as the Sire
Archon(National President of Sigma Pi Phi) a few years ago. In my research,
there was no uncovering of physical or tangible evidence that proved that any
one of the Jewels were members of Sigma Pi Phi. I thought perhaps Jewel
Callis, but was unable to substantiate the claim as I researched his papers.
In addition, Dr. Charles Harris Wesley, who was a member and its Historian
makes no mention in his work on Callis or in the Boule's history book.
However, one half (15) of our 30 General Presidents were and are members of
"the Boule" including:

-4th General President Charles Garvin - Tau Boule, Cleveland, Ohio
-12th General President Raymond W. Cannon- Omicron Boule(Charter Member),
Minneapolis, Minn(who was a founding
member of his boule)
-13th General President B. Andrew Rose - Sigma Boule, Dayton, Ohio
-14th General President Charles Wesley- Sigma Boule(Dayton, Ohio) & Epsilon
Boule, Washington, DC
-15th General President Rayford W. Logan - Epsilon Boule(Washington,D.C.) &
Alpha Beta Boule-
-18th General President Frank L. Stanley- Psi Boule, Louisville, Kentucky
-19th General President Myles A. Paige- Xi Boule, New York City
-21st General President Thomas W. Cole - Beta Xi Boule, Central Florida
-22nd General President Lionel Hodge Newsom - Beta Delta Boule, Charlotte,
North Carolina
-23rd General President Ernest Morial - Alpha Alpha Boule, New Orleans,
Louisiana
-24th General President Walter Washington - Beta Gamma Boule, Jackson,
Mississippi
- 25th General President James Williams- Beta Rho Boule, Kent, Ohio
-27th General President Charles Teamer - Alpha Alpha Boule, New Orleans, LA
-28th General President Henry Ponder - Chi Boule(Nashville, Tenn) & Epsilon
Boule(Washington)
-29th General President Milton C. Davis -(Tuskegee.Montogmery chapter)


*My apologies if any General President's name was omitted. These names were
compiled from several sources including their history book and other
biographical sources on the General Presidents.
Volume One of the History of Sigma Pi Phi was written by the illustrious Dr.
Charles Harris Wesley. It was published in 1954 to celebrate the
organizations 50th Anniversary. The Second volume was written by Alpha
brother Dr. Hobart Jarrett. It was published in the mid 1990s.

Additional Source:
Graham, Lawrence Otis. Our Kind of People. Harper Collins Publishers.
New York: 1999.
Schomburb Clipping File

FROM THE LIPS OF A JEWEL:

"Education has surely failed us unless it has given the individual power and
strength and force of character necessary to go forward in reaching whatever
adjustment of the environment may be necessary.

Jewel Henry Arthur Callis (at a Go To High School/Go To College Mass Meeting
in Atlanta, Georgia, May 18, 1930)

FROM THE LIPS OF A PAST GENERAL PRESIDENT:

"An unselfish body organized for wholly unselfish reasons and maintained on
the highest principles composed of men of honor with trained minds, is it not
a nucleus for wonderful organization of Negro men?

Frederick H. Miller, 3rd General President
1916

SKIP'S FAVORITE QUOTE FOR THE DAY

If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you, but make allowance for
their doubting too:..."

Rudyard Kipling

SKIP'S SCRIPTURAL QUOTE FOR THE DAY:
Be Careful not to do your acts of righteousness before men, to be seen by
them. If you do, you will have no reward from your father in heaven. So when
you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do
... to be honored by men..

Matthew 6:1

Brothers, there is a new publication called Legacy published by a sister of
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority in Atlanta. To obtain copies of it, contact Tracy
Lynne Harden at
LEGACY@NETNOIR.NET or (404)209-7318. It is published six times a year and
the subscription rate is $12.00. It is a great effort and another opportunity
to learn and dialogue about African-American Greek life.

LETTERS FROM THE BROTHERS

Skip,

I like that idea from Bro. Rod Teamer, especially since I know his father is
a fellow Alpha Phi alum !! Not to mention my line brother's grandfather, the
original Thomas Winston Cole. I look forward to your historical moments
daily, second only to my morning talk with God. As I look forward to my 10th
year in the fraternity, I'm glad I have these daily reminders that I made the right decision. Big shout out to all my AUC brothers holding it down; Alpha Phi, Iota, and
Alpha Rho. Especially, Alpha Rho !!! Skip, maybe one day you can put a
historical moment together about the Fall of 1989, a time of infamy that
will go down in the history of all African American Greek life.

Take care and God bless.
Brian Haskell, The Fly Chapter
Alpha Phi, November 18, 1989, #12/ Kappa Phi Lambda, Columbia MD

Good afternoon Brother Mason,

My name is Brother Broderick Daye and I was initiated into ALPHADOME in the
fall of 1986 at Drake Univ. Alpha Nu chapter. I just want to say that I
really enjoy your updates and every work day during my lunch after I go &
work out that I am reading the historical updates that you are producing.

I just want to tell you to keep up the good work. I am forwarding them to all
the Bro's in Iowa that have access to email. I am going to suggest to our
Intake Director that these historical updates be included in our candidates
process. I am even finding myself learning more info about the fraternity.

Once again, keep up the good work.
Fraternally,

Bro. Broderick 'Boo' Daye

I LIKE THESE KINDS OF LETTERS:

Bro. Mason,

I love what I have just read for the first time!!! If you would be so
brotherly as to add me to the list, I would be fraternally grateful! When
you've passed the knowledge to me, rest assured it won't stop here!
Take care and 000000000000006!

John Haynes III, Benefits Coordinator
SKIP'S NOTE-Brothers, that's what I want you to do, pass it on!

NOW THERE GOES AN ALPHA MAN:
Bro. Mason,

If at all possible I too would like to have Bro. Rev. Tyler if it is the Mark
Tyler from Oakland CA. I am a Bro. at Alpha Psi Chapter at Lincoln
University in Jefferson City, MO. Rev. Tyler was pastor at Quinn Chapel AME
when I first came to college.
Like many other great men Rev. Tyler carried himself in the most noble, and
distinguished, yet humble way. He is truly one of my main reasons for
joining this prestigious organization. Or if you could possibly give him my
address:

Bryan Shaw "Bishop"
UAS Revelations 10 F.S.
FA '97
shawb@exec.molot.com


AN EDITORIAL COMMENT FROM A BROTHER:

Fighting with One Arm Behind Our Backs!
by
Brother Thomas A. Tatum

Since the wee hours of the morning of November 21, 1981, there has been one
reverberating theme that I remember in my head: "Regardless of what you may
believe, your work in Alpha is just beginning." Over the past sixteen
years, this point has been proven itself incessantly. I have also added a
new twist on that original theme: ...there will always be work for Alpha to
do. However, this also begs the question, ...will Alpha always be there?

History has been shown that Alpha has been the vanguard for social and
political change and justice. From W. E. B. Dubois to pushing for passage of
legislation for the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Monument, Alpha continues to
strive for excellence. Locally, we have seen chapters attempt to make sure
that their community has a sentinel to promote education in our schools,
feeding and clothing the needy, and providing positive role models for our
male youth.

These battles are being waged by an organization that is less that half
strength. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. has been working with this
membership shortage for a long time. Our problem is multiple: an older
membership population that may provide ideas, but believe that they have
served their time; Country Club Brothers who like to be seen at the social
functions, but refuse to get their hands dirty; College Brothers who will
not make the transition from college to alumni chapters but who "sell like
hell" their home chapter; Graduate Brothers who believe that their "Lambda"
must be protected as all times, those who wish to enter and be productive,
but do not have the gray hair to prove it; Brothers for whatever reasons
feel that they cannot be active in a chapter for they do not agree with the
national office, local chapter directives, or have personal problems with
individuals, past or present. There is a strong contingent of "Brothers"
who feel the recent changes of intake are beneath them, unless the wood is
good, then they cannot be apart of such a soft organization. I ask these
Brothers, "WHO MADE YOU THE EIGHTH JEWEL?" In spite of these distractions, the Fraternity continues to advance, to remain viable, there is no other
choice.

There has been a push for reclamation of the population of Brothers that have
not been active for whatever reasons. Many chapters have been successful in
their reclamation efforts. Seminars and workshops are held at the local,
regional and national levels to teach creative ways to bring Brothers back
into the fold. Some Brothers state that all that they needed was a reminder
of why they joined this Fraternity. Many believe that this reasoning is akin
to a spouse needing a reminder of why they got married and what the vows that
were taken actually meant.

The main problem is that individuals pledge, intake, join a CHAPTER instead
of the FRATERNITY. I recently attended a reunion of one of the local
undergraduate chapters; of the over 50 people who came through, at least 35
were not active. When you talk to these Brothers, many of the reasons that
are given have been spoken above. "The Frat is not the same, it's going
downhill...," "I don't get along with...," "I'm to busy with family, work
etc." EXCUSES, nothing but crutches to lean on. I know because I use to say
the same things for a period of five years when I was inactive. Inactive
Brothers love to gravy train whenever there is a convention, step-show, dance
or reunion of the Brotherhood. To be a member of an active chapter puts you
in the position of actually doing something. Alpha's are committed to the
community; the work rarely subsides. In these days where citizens of our
community see recognition from a "shout-out" on an urban contemporary radio
station; where young African-American males see their future in professional
sports than in academic and/or entrepreneurial endeavors; where young
African-Americans use the word "NIGGER" as a term of endearment.....
BROTHERS ARE NEEDED TO STEP UP AND CORRECT THIS TIDE.

The change must be formed within. College Brothers must be challenged to
cross that chasm after graduation and align themselves with a graduate
chapter, personally and yes, financially. Graduate chapters should
accommodate the College Brother (financially) to become a member. There
should not be any animosity shown to these Brothers simply because they are
moving from the college ranks. Many of the graduate Brothers should be able
to relate. In the same stroke, College Brothers should not have any
misconceptions about alumni chapters. To all Brothers involved, you took an
oath to a national organization, not to a particular segment to that
organization. There is one undeniable fact for all Brothers, unless you are
called to Omega Chapter prematurely, you will be an Alumni Brother longer
than a College Brother.

Each of us must continue to do are part in this struggle. The MLK Monument
must be built, no matter the active status of Brothers. Social injustice
must continue to be fought on the all levels, the needy must be fed and
clothed, even if Alpha is the only organization left standing in the gap.
Fortune 500 companies which many of us support, use racial stereotypes such
as Blacks as cannibals, freaks with tails and other abominations in visual
marketing in Latin and South American countries. In global world, this is
detrimental. Alpha's must confront these issues with a strong voice.
Congress will address whether to extent reparations in the form of $20,000
and a letter of apology to persons of Japanese ancestry who were interned
during World War II. I do not know about you Brothers, but I'm willing to
drop my demands for a mule in lieu of 40 acres. Brothers, we have got to
stand like grown men to confront these issues as one.

THE QUESTION IS BROTHER, WHICH HAND DO YOU FIND YOURSELF IN, THE HAND THRUSTED FORWARD, OR THE ONE BOUND SHEEPISHLY TO THE REAR?


~A PHI A ~~ A K A ~~ D Kappa Alpha Psi ~~ I O Theta~ ~Q Psi Phi
~~S G Rho ~~ Phi Beta Sigma S~ Z etaPhiBeta ~~

FROM THE PAN HELLENIC ARCHIVES


A BROTHER WANTS SOME CLARITY

Hey Skip!! First and foremost, keep up the good work that you are doing in
honor of our beloved A Phi A. I have a question re. today's SHM in which the
following statement was made, "Did you know that the name of one of the first
initiates of Omega Psi Phi and a charter member of Alpha Chapter was Jesse
Jackson." Is this a coincidence or is this THE Reverend Jesse Jackson known
to most of us today? My understanding is that he (Rev. Jackson) is an honorary member of Omega Psi Phi. I look forward to your response and your next issue of SHM. May your light continue to shine so that all men see your good deeds!!

Fraternally,
Maitresse Martin (F'88 Zeta Pi - UGA)

Jesse Jackson was initiated into the chapter of Omega Psi Phi at North
Carolina A & T in the early 1960's. I have the exact date, but could not put
my hands on it.

TOMORROW'S ISSUE- The Evolution of the Sphinx Club(Pledging) - 1920s Part one
(Two views on pledging from Thurgood Marshall and Langston Hughes)

ON THE DRAWING BOARD FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE WEEK:

Thursday-Were the Jewels Masonic members? (So many brothers think they know)
Friday- DuBois's involvement in Alpha: Was it the pride of his heart?
This list is subject to change!


Please forward email addresses to be added to the list. The list is growing
by leaps and bound. Send your Questions, queries, comments to
hmason1906@aol.com

DISCLAIMER: THIS PAGE IS NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE NATIONAL ORGANIZATION. ALL COMMENTS ARE THOSE OF THE EDITOR. SOURCES ARE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST. APOLOGIES IN ADVANCED FOR ANY SPELLING ERRORS.