| Iota Phi Theta | |
|---|---|
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ΙΦΘ
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| Founded | September 19, 1963 Morgan State University |
| Type | Social |
| Emphasis | Service |
| Scope | International United States The Bahamas South Korea |
| Motto | Building A Tradition, Not Resting Upon One! |
| Colors | Charcoal Brown █ and Gilded Gold █ |
| Symbol | Centaur |
| Flower | Yellow Rose |
| Chapters | 270 |
| Nickname | Iotas, Centaurs, Outlaws, Thetamen |
| Headquarters | Baltimore, Maryland, USA |
| Homepage | www.iotaphitheta.org |
Iota Phi Theta Fraternity (ΙΦΘ) is a nationally incorporated, predominantly African-American collegiate fraternity. It was founded on September 19, 1963 at Morgan State University (then Morgan State College) in Baltimore, Maryland. At present, it consists of over 70,000 members. There are currently around 300 undergraduate and alumni chapters, as well as colonies located in over 40 US states, the District of Columbia, the Bahamas and South Korea.
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The fraternity was founded by twelve men in the midst of the Civil Rights Movement even though there were already 4 other prominent Historically Black Fraternities at the time. Influences included organizations such as the Black Panthers, SNCC, plus individuals like Malcolm X, and Stokely Carmichael. Iota brothers participated in various protests and sit-ins throughout the city of Baltimore. The founders were distinguished from their peers as they were all non-traditional students. Older than their peers, many had served in the military, working full-time while attending classes, and having families. On September 19, 1963, in the height of the Civil Rights' Movement, these twelve founders gathered together on the steps of Hurt Gymnasium on the campus of Morgan State College (now known as Morgan State University) and formed Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. The fraternity was formed as a support system for men of color during the turbulent U.S. social climate of the time.
Iota Phi Theta sought to eradicate segregation with a protest that was organized against the Northwood Shopping Center in Baltimore, Maryland shortly after its founding. Big Brothers of America was supported throughout the 1960s and 1970s.In fact, in 1974, then Grand Polaris, Thomas Dean appeared in a local television commercial on behalf of Big Brothers of America. Their idealism continues to strive with service initiatives to involve the fraternity with the NAACP, The United Negro College Fund, The National Sickle Cell Foundation, The Southern Christian Leadership Conference, The National Federation of the Blind, and Project IMAGE. Most recently, the establishment of the National IOTA Foundation and Iota Youth Alliance helped extend Iota Phi Theta idealism regarding service and the building of traditions in the community.In 1992, the fraternity established the National Iota Foundation, a Tax-Exempt entity whose purpose is to assist the needy through scholarships and other financial assistance. Since its creation, the foundation has distributed over $250,000 in programs and services. They have a strong commitment to bring about empowerment to the African American community.
Since its founding date, Iota Phi Theta has continued to grow and has become the fifth-largest, and fastest growing predominantly black fraternal organization in the United States. As of now, there are over 30,000 members in the United States and overseas. A key appeal of Iota Phi Theta is, as an organization, it refuses to have its members bind themselves to a defined fraternal image but celebrates the individuality of its members. More importantly, its members continue to build upon the fraternity's commitment to success and excellence with individual and collective achievements in such fields as politics, education, law, business, medicine, and the performing arts.
One of the most prestigious and nationally recognized chapters of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. is the Alpha Psi Chapter. Located in New Jersey's Rutgers University - New Brunswick, it is a prime example of the excellence that is Iota.
The fraternity holds membership in the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), an umbrella organization comprising nine (9) International Historically African-American Greek letter Sororities and Fraternities, and the North-American Interfraternity Conference (NIC).
The Iota Sweethearts are a recognized, respected and honored tradition of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. and have a long history of affiliation with Iota. This history harkens back to the days of the fraternity' founding and the circumstances of the day.
During the founding of the nation's fifth largest predominately African-American fraternity, Iota had an ally in a woman named Ms. Audrey Brooks. Ms. Brooks was a member of the Morgan State University staff and in this capacity, she played a crucial "behind the scenes" role for the Fraternity.
The spirit and dedication of Ms. Brooks lives today through the Iota Phi Theta Sweetheart Organization and with good reason. As Iota Phi Theta went through their early years, its Brotherhood could always count on the support of their Sweetheart organization. They serve as hostesses for a national meetings and perform as a support team at step shows, amongst other things. Today, Iota Sweethearts (many of whom are wives of Iota Men) continue to support the organization. [1]
Like many things about Iota Phi Theta, the Sweetheart organization represents a departure from the norm as practiced by other groups. Most notably, Iota Phi Theta Sweethearts do not "pledge." Additionally, the Iota Sweetheart organization is not to be seen or construed as a substitute for a Sorority. In fact, thousands of Iota Sweethearts have gone on to join NPHC sororities. Iota Phi Theta is an avid supporter of these sororities and their activities. In keeping with this support and respect, they frown upon any activities undertaken by the Sweetheart Organization that might be seen as competitive to, or disrespectful of, these organizations.[2]
In a Sweetheart Workshop held during the 1999 Iota Phi Theta Conclave, Ms. Brooks stated, "The Purpose of Iota Sweethearts is to smile and be gracious on behalf of Iota. Anything else is inappropriate."
Miss Audrey S. Brooks became the Eternal Sweetheart of the Iota Phi Theta Fraternity shortly after its founding in 1963. During this time, Ms. Brooks worked on the staff at Morgan State University, in the office of the Registrar. She was a vital resource to Iota Phi Theta and many, many times she was able to assist the Brothers in the early growth and development of the Fraternity. It is interesting to note that Ms. Brooks also had a vested interest in Iota Phi Theta's success because her son, Bro. Wesley Jennings, was a member of Iota Phi Theta's first class of pledges. [3]
In recognition of her efforts, Ms. Brooks was granted the title of "Eternal Sweetheart", an honor she wore proudly for the rest of her life. Ms. Brooks was a continual supporter of Iota Phi Theta and was a frequent guest at Iota Conclaves and workshops. As recently as five months before her passing, she attended the Fraternity's 40th Anniversary Conclave in Chicago. Ms. Brooks always felt it was important to exemplify the role of Iota Sweethearts to both in word and in deed. More importantly, she served as a "Surrogate Mom" to Iota Phi Theta. She considered all Iota Men to be her sons and all Iota Sweethearts to be her daughters. Iota Phi Theta's official flower, the Yellow Rose was chosen by Ms. Brooks and Brothers wear it proudly as a tribute to her. [3]
The Feelings of the entire Iota Family can be summed up in the words to Iota's Sweetheart Song ...
Iota Sweetheart, fair as a flower,
A precious gem to see.
Oh lovely maiden, girl of the hour,
You are the one for me.
With a love so true, there is no one but you,
Our heart show what we mean.
Iota Sweetheart, know that I love you,
Iota Phi Theta Queen
While joining the NPHC was an important objective for the Fraternity, the greater priority was to enter an affiliation that would provide resources and relationships essential for Iota’s long-term growth & development. With that in mind, Iota Phi Theta successfully petitioned for membership in the National Interfraternity Conference (NIC) in 1985. The NIC is a federation of 75 men’s national and international fraternities.While the NIC experience was (and remains) an unqualified success, Iota continued to dialogue with the NPHC. In an encouraging turn of events, the NPHC adopted a constitutional amendment which provided for expansion at it’s 1993 national convention. Several years later, an expansion committee developed criteria for potential new member organizations and a procedure by which they might apply.
Upon receiving the criteria and procedure in 1996, Iota Phi Theta submitted a formal application to the NPHC expansion committee. This application was carefully reviewed by the committee and was delivered to the NPHC Executive Board for determination.After careful consideration and deliberation, Iota Phi Theta’s membership application was approved unanimously and effective November 12, 1996, Iota Phi Theta was accepted as a full member of the National Pan-Hellenic Council with all rights, privileges, and responsibilities thereto.
To commemorate and formalize Iota’s entry, the NPHC conducted a formal induction ceremony at its February, 1997 leadership conference. This ceremony was attended by hundreds of Iota Men, including the Grand Council and a number of the Fraternity’s founders as well as hundreds of well-wishers and supporters from the NPHC community
Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. takes pride in its continued effort to facilitate and participate in various community service ventures and initiatives throughout various communities, especially the disenfranchised.[4]
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