PHI BETA SIGMA - Beta Iota Chapter

The Beta Iota chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. was founded in the 1940's but because of WWII it was forgotten. In December of 1978 an inspired young black man wanted to bring Beta Iota back to Western New York. Having nine men ready to endure the storm Beta Iota was reinstated in the Spring of 1978. Today, this prominant chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. is made up of 18 strong lines:

The Nasty Nine - Spring '78
5th Dimension - Spring '79
3rd Horizon - Spring '80
Positive Image - Fall '80
Suns of the Nile - Spring '82
Conscious Disciples - Spring '83
Descendants of Imani - Fall '83
Confrontation - Spring '85
Pyramid of Knowledge - Fall '85
 External Flame - Spring '86
Resurrection - Fall '87
Resolution - Spring '89
Mo' Better Blues - Fall '90
Determination - Spring '91
Umoja - Fall '91
Positivity - Fall '92
Final Four - Spring '94
The Seven Survivors of the Storm - Fall '94
Today, Beta Iota comprises of three schools: Buffalo State College, Canisius College, and the University of Buffalo.

Recent community service projects:

  1. Organizing a step team at a local elementary school. The group calls themselves "The Foot Clan," and are preparing for local competition.

  2. Aided the buffalo VISTA program at a festival in the Perry Projects in Buffalo. Performed a step show, and discussed staying in school and continuing on to higher education.

  3. Sponsored, along with the lovely ladies of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Omicron Mu chapter, a Kid's Day event, vending children's newspapers. The proceeds funded projects to aid children.

  4. Posting bibliographies of famous Black people on campus and the surrounding Buffalo area, informing people concerning Black history.

  5. Annual event of pure culture, featuring African American acts and events.

  6. Co-sponsorship of a Spring ball with the African American Society at Canisius.

  7. Acted as security for the Black Student Union of the University at Buffalo, at their annual "Hip-Hop, Open Mic Night".

  8. Involved in a Pan-Hellenic event along with members of the Great Eight, other fraternities, students of local universties, and people of the community collecting food and clothing for the homeless. Proceeds benefited the Buffalo City Mission.

  9. Volunteered for the Haunted Catacombs VI in the Walden Galleria Mall in Cheektowaga, N.Y.

  10. Organized a Homeless Sleepout to experience how it feels to be a homeless person in Buffalo, N.Y. Involved in the sleepout were students from surrounding universities and people from the community.
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