A Fraternity of "Firsts"

FRATERNITY HISTORY     ZETA UPSILON CHAPTER HISTORY     TABLE OF CONTENTS     FAMOUS FRAT     PHOTOS

We are often called the Fraternity of African Presidents, Kings and Princes. We weren't the first
African-American Greek-Letter Fraternity to be founded... However, we are definitely the
Fraternity of Firsts...

First to have Presidents of other countries in its membership (Bros. Kwame Nkrumah, Dr.
Nnamdia Azikiwe, and Nelson Mandela).

First Greek-letter Fraternity to be recognized by Howard University April 15, 1914. (Omega Psi
Phi wasn't until October 28, 1914)

First to hold a joint International Convention with another African-American Fraternity (Omega Psi
Phi)

First to be offered a chance to merge with another Fraternity (Kappa Alpha Psi...Thanks, but no
thanks!!!)

First to establish a chapter South of the State of Virginia before the year 1915.

First and ONLY Black Greek Letter Fraternity to establish a constitutional bond with a Sorority
(Zeta Phi Beta)

First to establish a youth auxiliary program (Sigma Beta Club)

First to own and operate a Credit Union for its members

First and ONLY Black Greek-Letter Fraternity to have one of its members on the face of a U.S.
Coin. (George Washington Carver: The 1951 Half Dollar) Only 2 African Americans have EVER
been on the face of a US coin: George Washington Carver and Booker T. Washington--who was
not Greek

First to establish chapters in the Continent of Africa

First to establish Graduate/Alumni Membership

First to establish an Graduate/Alumni Chapter

First to use the cane . . . (it was used for style)

First to use the Dogmatic Image (not the Q's)

First to come with the idea for the NPHC (National Pan-Hellenic Council)

First to use a Coat of Arms (Shield)

First to use a fraternity "motto"

Lastly, many Fraternities may have supported the Million-Man March, but only
PHI BETA SIGMA FRATERNITY, INCORPORATED can lay claim to not only
supporting, but also sponsoring the March in its International Headquarters.

If you didn't know...now you know!!!

Often IMITATED, but never DUPLICATED!