The Realization of a Dream ...On October 14, 2000, in a ceremony attended by Iota Founders, honored guests, and hundreds of Brothers from throughout the nation, Iota Phi Theta held the official ribbon-cutting building dedication of our International Headquarters Facility!

Via the National Iota Foundation and through the tireless efforts and support of thousands of Brothers Nationwide, the dream of "having a home of our own" has become a reality!

1600 N Calvert St.

Baltimore, Maryland 21202

A Historical Overview of Iota Phi ThetaA Historical Overview of Iota Phi Theta

Notable Iota MenNotable Iota Men

Symbols & InsigniaSymbols & Insignia

Service InitiativesService Initiatives

Iota at a GlanceIota at a Glance

Organizational StructureOrganizational Structure

IOTA PHI THETA AT A GLANCE

Founding Date: September 19,1963

Founding Place: Morgan State University - Baltimore, Maryland.

Purpose: "The Development and Perpetuation of Scholarship, Leadership, Citizenship, Fidelity, and Brotherhood among Men."

Motto: "Building A Tradition, Not Resting Upon One"

Official Colors: Charcoal Brown & Gilded Gold

Number of Chapters & Colonies: 198

Number of Initiated Members: Approximately 19,000

National Service Initiatives:The National Iota FoundationThe I.O.T.A. Youth AllianceThe Digital Heritage Initiative

National Affiliations:The National Interfraternity Conference (NIC)The National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC)

National Governing Body:The Grand Council -

Grand PolarisGrand Vice-PolarisExecutive DirectorGrand SecretaryGrand TreasurerUndergraduate RepresentativeDirector of Undergraduate AffairsDirector of Graduate AffairsDirector of Marketing & TechnologyRegional Polari (11)

Click on the National Click on the National Headquarter to return Headquarter to return to table of contents.to table of contents.

Click on the Centaur to Click on the Centaur to view the next topic.view the next topic.

You have reach the end of this topic.You have reach the end of this topic.

SYMBOLS & INSIGNIAS

The Official ColorsThe Official Colors

The Official Colors of Iota Phi Theta are Charcoal Brown and Gilded Gold.

The Shield of Iota Phi ThetaThe Shield of Iota Phi Theta

The Shield of Iota Phi Theta (significantly, not a "crest" or "Coat of arms") is the most commonly used symbol of the Fraternity. Its connotation, or meaning, is revealed by the initiation ritual.

  The CentaurThe Centaur

Besides the Fraternity Shield, the next most readily identifying symbol of Iota Phi Theta is The Centaur.

A Mythical beast with the head and torso of a man, and the body of a stallion, The Centaur is near and dear to all Men of Iota Phi Theta and its mythology, characteristics, and legacy are a binding force within the Brotherhood.

Click here to hear the centaur song.

The Yellow RoseThe Yellow Rose

The Yellow Rose is the official flower of the Fraternity.

The Hymn of Iota

The Hymn of Iota was composed in 1963 by Brother Richard Johnson.

Click on picture to hear Hymn.

The Hand SignThe Hand Sign

This is the official hand-sign of Iota Phi Theta. It is used by Brothers as a means of recognition and identification

Click on the National Click on the National Headquarter to return Headquarter to return to table of contents.to table of contents.

Click on the Centaur to Click on the Centaur to view the next topic.view the next topic.

You have reach the end of this topic.You have reach the end of this topic.

NOTABLE IOTA MEN

Iota Phi Theta has always placed an emphasis on striving for excellence. To that end, Iota Men have made their mark in all fields of endeavor - Business, Athletics, Entertainment, and Government.

Here are just a few of the Iota Men who have achieved recognition for their accomplishments in their professions.

POLITICS & GOVERNMENT

ATHLETICS

MEDIA & ENTERTAINMENT

BUSINESS

POLITICS & GOVERNMENT

Bro. Billy Ocasio: City Councilman, Chicago, IllinoisInitiated at Alpha Lambda Chapter, (University of Illinois) , Spring, 1980

Bro. Bobby Rush: United States Congressman, D-IllinoisInitiated at Eta Omega Chapter (Chicago Alumni), Fall 1997

ATHLETICS

Bro. Vaughn Booker: Defensive Lineman, Cincinnati BengalsInitiated at Beta Epsilon Chapter, (University of Cincinnati), Spring 1992

Bro. Elvin Hayes: NBA Hall of FameInitiated at Alpha Omega Chapter, (Baltimore Alumni), 1976

                                   

             

ATHLETICS

                                               

Bro. Chidi Iwuoma: Cornerback, Detroit LionsInitiated at Gamma Zeta Chapter (University of California - Berkeley), Spring 1997

Bro. Dave Leitao: Head Basketball Coach,DePaul University, ChicagoInitiated at Omicron Chapter (Northeastern University), Fall, 1980

ATHLETICS

                                               

Bro. Melvin Lister: 2000 Olympic Team, Long JumpInitiated at University of Arkansas Colony, Spring 2000

Bro. Calvin Murphy: NBA Hall-of-FameInitiated at Alpha Omega Chapter, (Baltimore Alumni) , 1974

                             

          

ATHLETICS

                                               

Bro. Marquis Smith: Safety, Cleveland BrownsInitiated at Gamma Zeta Chapter (University of California - Berkeley), Spring 1997

Bro. Michael Thompson: Offensive Lineman, Atlanta FalconsInitiated at Delta Beta Chapter (Tennessee State University), Fall, 1998

ATHLETICS

                                               

Bro. Kirby Wilson: Assistant Coach, Tampa Bay BuccaneersInitiated at Alpha Lambda Chapter, (University of Illinois), Spring 1982

Click on the National Click on the National Headquarter to return Headquarter to return to table of contents.to table of contents.

Click on the Centaur to Click on the Centaur to view the next topic.view the next topic.

You have reach the end of this topic.You have reach the end of this topic.

MEDIA & ENTERTAINMENT

                                               

Bro. T.C. Carson: Television Actor , (Formerly of "Living Single")Initiated at Alpha Lambda Chapter (University of Illinois) , Spring 1981

Bro. Spencer Christian: former Weather Anchorman, "Good Morning America"Initiated at Beta Chapter (Hampton University) , Spring 1968

MEDIA & ENTERTAINMENT

                                               

Bro. George Nock: Award-winning Fine Artist (and former Washington Redskins Running Back)Initiated at Alpha Chapter (Morgan State University), Spring, 1967

BUSINESS

                                               

Bro. Raymond Grady: President & CEO, Evanston Hospital, Evanston IllinoisInitiated at Alpha Chapter (Morgan State University) , Spring 1970

Bro. Zemira Jones: President & General Manager, ABC/Disney Radio, Chicago, IllinoisInitiated at Nu Chapter (University of Maryland) , Spring 1972 

BUSINESS

                                               

Bro. Shelley Stewart: Senior Vice President, Invensys plcInitiated at Omicron Chapter (Northeastern University) , Spring 1973

Bro. Joseph Williams: President,Hibernia Southcoast Capital, New Orleans, LAInitiated at Omicron Chapter (Northeastern University), Spring 1974

BUSINESS

                                               

Bro. Ed Wood: Senior Vice PresidentLiberty Bank & Trust, New Orleans, LAInitiated at Alpha Chapter (Morgan State University), Spring, 1972

Click on the National Click on the National Headquarter to return Headquarter to return to table of contents.to table of contents.

Click on the Centaur to Click on the Centaur to view the next topic.view the next topic.

You have reach the end of this topic.You have reach the end of this topic.

SERVICE INITIATIVES

From the beginning of its existence, Iota Phi Theta has sought to "Make a Difference." One of the very first activities of the newly-formed Iota was participation in the protests at the segregated Northwoods Shopping Center in Baltimore, Maryland. The founders of the Fraternity considered themselves "Militant" at a time when militancy was not an entirely popular stance.

This commitment to service has been a constant thread throughout the history of Iota Phi Theta. In the late 1960's and early 1970's, Iota was a strong supporter of the "Big Brothers of America" program. In fact, in 1974, then Grand Polaris, Thomas Dean appeared in a local television commercial on behalf of Big Brothers of America.

The commitment to service has continued and is manifested in the activities of local chapters of the Fraternity. A partial listing of involvements undertaken by Iota Phi Theta chapters includes:

•The NAACP

•The United Negro College Fund

•The Southern Christian Leadership Conference

•Project IMAGE

•The National Federation of the Blind

•The National Sickle Cell Foundation

In 1993, the Fraternity created 2 important National initiatives that remain the primary focus of its service thrust. These Initiatives are The National Iota Foundation and The IOTA Youth Alliance.

Additionally, in 2001, the Fraternity has undertaken a new program called, The Digital Heritage Initiative. This initiative is a collaborative effort between Iota Phi Theta, Africana.com, and Microsoft Corporation.

THE NATIONAL IOTA FOUNDATION:

The National Iota Foundation is a Tax-Exempt, 501(c)(3) organization founded by Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. to serve as a clearinghouse for funding and programs for worthwhile endeavors. Since its creation, the Foundation and its subsidiaries have distributed over $250,000 in grants, aid, and services.

THE IOTA YOUTH ALLIANCE:

The IOTA Youth Alliance is a national umbrella program through which individual chapters of Iota Phi Theta address the needs of Black Youth in their communities. Under the auspices of the Alliance, chapters either work with existing organizations or create new ones based on the requirements and available resources in their locality. In order to insure continuity, each of the Fraternity's chapters is strongly encouraged to prioritize youth alliance activities as a part of their programmatic thrust.

The Digital Heritage Initiative.

In an effort to continue to serve our communities in new and innovative ways, the Iota Phi Theta Fraternity is pleased to announce our latest national service program, The Digital Heritage Initiative. This initiative is a collaborative effort between Iota Phi Theta, Africana.com, and Microsoft Corporation.

The Digital Heritage Initiative.

Each of the Fraternity's chapters nationwide will donate a copy of the highly acclaimed Africana Encyclopedia to an elementary or secondary school in its local area. For each copy of the Encyclopedia donated by the Fraternity, Microsoft Corporation will donate 10 copies of Encarta Africana, the CD-ROM multimedia version of the encyclopedia. Additionally, each of the recipient schools will receive proprietary access to proprietary learning resources on the Africana.com website. The total value of the donation will exceed $100,000.

Click on the National Click on the National Headquarter to return Headquarter to return to table of contents.to table of contents.

Click on the Centaur to Click on the Centaur to view the next topic.view the next topic.

You have reach the end of this topic.You have reach the end of this topic.

A Historical Overview of Iota Phi ThetaA Historical Overview of Iota Phi Theta

A Historical Overview of Iota Phi Theta

PERSPECTIVE ...

1963 was a turbulent year. History-making events occurred that would radically and permanently affect the country as a whole, and African-Americans in particular ...

On April 12, America watched with horror and outrage as Birmingham Police Chief Eugene "Bull" Connor and his officers used water hoses and police dogs against peaceful civil rights demonstrators.

On June 12th, Medger Evers, NAACP field secretary and civil rights leader, was assassinated at his home in Jackson, Mississippi by a segregationist.

On August 28th, 250,000 people participated in the historic "March on Washington" and heard Martin Luther King, Jr. deliver his historic "I Have a Dream" speech

A Historical Overview of Iota Phi ThetaA Historical Overview of Iota Phi Theta

... Three weeks later and less than 50 miles away, in Baltimore, Maryland, another group of men would make a different kind of history.

A Historical Overview of Iota Phi ThetaA Historical Overview of Iota Phi Theta

A Historical Overview of Iota Phi ThetaA Historical Overview of Iota Phi Theta

BEGINNINGS ...

On September 19, 1963, at Morgan State College (now Morgan State University), 12 students founded what is now the nation's fifth largest, predominately African-American social service fraternity: The Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Incorporated.

A Historical Overview of Iota Phi ThetaA Historical Overview of Iota Phi Theta

The founders of Iota Phi Theta were: Albert Hicks, Lonnie Spruill, Jr., Charles Briscoe, Frank Coakley, John Slade, Barron Willis, Webster Lewis, Charles Brown, Louis Hudnell, Charles Gregory, Elias Dorsey, Jr., and Michael Williams.

The Honorable Founders of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc.

A Historical Overview of Iota Phi ThetaA Historical Overview of Iota Phi ThetaThis group of men was unique for several reasons. First of all, many were long-time friends. Spruill, Coakley, Dorsey, and Gregory had known one another since grade school, and Spruill and Coakley's friendship extended to when the two were pre-schoolers.

Even more uniquely, many of these men were what are now referred to as "Non-Traditional Students" and were 3-5 years older than the average college student. Gregory, Willis, and Brown were all service veterans, and Brown, Hicks, and Briscoe were married with small children. Of this group of 12, several were also working full-time jobs and all were full-time students.

A Historical Overview of Iota Phi ThetaA Historical Overview of Iota Phi Theta

Based upon their ages, heightened responsibilities, and increased level of maturity, this group had a slightly different perspective than the norm for college students. It was this perspective from which they established the Fraternity's purpose, "The development and perpetuation of Scholarship, Leadership, Citizenship, Fidelity, and Brotherhood among Men." Additionally, they conceived the Fraternity's motto, "Building a Tradition, Not Resting Upon One!"

A Historical Overview of Iota Phi ThetaA Historical Overview of Iota Phi Theta

GROWTH ...

The Fraternity functioned as a local entity until the first interest groups were established in 1967 at Hampton Institute (Beta Chapter) and Delaware State College (Gamma Chapter). Further expansion took place in 1968 with chapters being formed at Norfolk State College (Delta Chapter) and Jersey City State College (Epsilon Chapter). The Fraternity was officially and legally incorporated on November 1, 1968 as a National Fraternity under the laws of the State of Maryland.

A Historical Overview of Iota Phi ThetaA Historical Overview of Iota Phi Theta

The first steps toward moving the Fraternity from a regional to a more national scope were taken with the creation of Upsilon Chapter (Southern Illinois University) in 1974. It was also during this period that the Fraternity's first 4 Graduate chapters were formed: Alpha Omega (Baltimore, MD, 1965), Beta Omega (Washington, DC, 1970), Gamma Omega (Hampton, VA, 1973), and Delta Omega (Boston, MA, 1973).

A Historical Overview of Iota Phi ThetaA Historical Overview of Iota Phi Theta

These chapters created the framework for the growth and development of the organization in the Northeast, Southeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Midwest Regions of the country. The next regional expansion occurred in 1983 with the establishment of the Alpha Chi (San Francisco State University) and Xi Omega (San Francisco Alumni) chapters in California.

Today, Iota Phi Theta consists of over 198 chapters located in 40 States and the District of Columbia. The scope of the organization extends throughout the nation, from California to New York; from Wyoming to Florida; and from Wisconsin to The Bahamas Islands.

A Historical Overview of Iota Phi ThetaA Historical Overview of Iota Phi Theta

SUMMARY ...

As Iota Phi Theta continues to grow and strengthen, so will its commitment to make meaningful contributions to society in general, with particular emphasis in the African-American community. Throughout America, Iota Phi Theta has come to represent excellence in all areas. The Fraternity is, and shall forever remain dedicated to its founders' vision of "Building a Tradition, Not Resting Upon One!"

Click on the National Click on the National Headquarter to return Headquarter to return to table of contents.to table of contents.

Click on the Centaur to Click on the Centaur to view the next topic.view the next topic.

You have reach the end of this topic.You have reach the end of this topic.

Officers & StructureOfficers & StructureOrganizational Structure and Leadership

From its inception, Iota Phi Theta has always recognized the need for strong, effective leadership at every level of the organization. Iota Phi Theta's national governing body is The Grand Council.

The Grand Council is responsible for the governance of the fraternity between National Conclaves, which occur biennially. There are two nationally-elected officers to the council and the remainder are appointed (except Regional Polari, which are elected by their respective regions.)

Organizational Structure and LeadershipOrganizational Structure and Leadership

The Fraternity also has a Board of Directors which consists of elected members from each region as well as Executive Members, who are individuals who have previously served in the capacity of either Grand or Grand Vice Polaris.

The nationally-elected officers of the Grand Council are the Grand Polaris, the Grand Vice-Polaris, and the Second Grand Vice-Polaris.

Organizational Structure and LeadershipOrganizational Structure and Leadership

Bro. Steven T. Birdine, Grand PolarisInitiated at Kappa Omega Chapter (Champaign, IL Alumni)Spring, 1982.

Organizational Structure and LeadershipOrganizational Structure and Leadership

Bro. Karl Price, Esq., Grand Vice-Polaris Initiated at Alpha Omicron Chapter (Kentucky State University)Spring, 1981

Bro. Alastair Hunte, Second Grand Vice-Polaris Initiated at Delta Xi Chapter (Stephen F. Austin University),Spring, 2000

Organizational Structure and LeadershipOrganizational Structure and Leadership

The appointed members of the Grand Council are:

Grand Treasurer: Bro Derek DavisInitiated at Alpha Iota Chapter (Wilberforce University), Spring, 1981

  Assistant Grand Treasurer: Bro. Ben LewisInitiated at Alpha Chapter (Morgan State University), Spring, 1968

Organizational Structure and LeadershipOrganizational Structure and Leadership

Grand Secretary: Bro. Robert ClarkInitiated at Alpha Lambda Chapter (University of Illinois), Spring, 1980

Director of Marketing: Bro. Dwayne DixonInitiated at Alpha Eta Chapter (Southern University), Spring, 1980

Organizational Structure and LeadershipOrganizational Structure and Leadership

Director of Information Technology:

Bro. Michael HolmanInitiated a Alpha Phi Chapter (NY Metro-Pace University)Fall, 2000

Director of Undergraduate Affairs:

Bro. Ted GrahamInitiated at University of Nebraska Colony,Spring, 1996

Organizational Structure and LeadershipOrganizational Structure and Leadership

Director of Community Service:

Bro. Derek BarteeInitiated at Delta Lambda Chapter (University of Virginia), Fall, 1999

Director of Leadership Development: 

Bro. Antonio D. HillInitiated at Psi Chapter (Coppin State University),Spring, 2000 

Organizational Structure and LeadershipOrganizational Structure and Leadership

Director of Graduate Affairs: Bro. Ron JonesInitiated at Alpha Chapter (Morgan State University),Fall, 1966

National Historian: Bro. Wayne DorseyInitiated at Alpha Chapter (Morgan State University),Fall, 1971

Organizational Structure and LeadershipOrganizational Structure and Leadership

National Chaplain: Bro. Talbert SwanInitiated at Beta Beta Chapter (University of Massachusetts)Spring 1985

National Historian: Bro. Clifton DurantInitiated at Alpha Chapter (Morgan State University), Spring, 1969

Organizational Structure and LeadershipOrganizational Structure and Leadership

Managing Editor, "The Centaur" Newsletter:  Bro. Carter BordenInitiated at Sigma Chapter (Boston College),Spring, 1973

Editor, "The Centaur" Newsletter: 

Bro. Mikki RobinsonInitiated at Upsilon Chapter (Southern Illinois University-Carbondale), Spring, 1982

 

Organizational Structure and LeadershipOrganizational Structure and Leadership

Assistant to the Grand Polaris: 

Bro. Nate WilliamsInitiated at Alpha Iota Chapter (Wilberforce University), Fall, 1981

Organizational StructureOrganizational Structure

The fraternity is divided into eleven regions, each of which is administered by a Regional Polaris. Each Regional Polaris is elected by his respective region. The Regional Polari are also members of The Grand Council.

Organizational StructureOrganizational Structure

Ohio Valley Regional Polaris: Bro. Darren SanfordInitiated at Alpha Mu Chapter, (Central State

University),Spring, 1983

Regional Scope:KentuckyMichigan

OhioTennessee

West Virginia

Organizational StructureOrganizational Structure

Midwest Regional Polaris: Bro. Mikki RobinsonInitiated at Upsilon Chapter (Southern Illinois University-

Carbondale), Spring, 1982

Regional ScopeIllinoisIndiana

IowaMinnesotaMissouri

Wisconsin

Organizational StructureOrganizational Structure

New England Regional Polaris: Bro. Craig SantosInitiated at Beta Phi Chapter (Uinversity of

Massachusetts-Dartmouth),Spring, 1991

Regional Scope:Connecticut

MaineMassachusettsNew Hampshire

Rhode IslandVermont

Organizational StructureOrganizational Structure

Northeast Regional Polaris:

Bro. Jason Witcher, Esq.Initiated at Beta Xi Chapter (Kean University),

Spring, 1992

Regional Scope:New JerseyNew York

Pennsylvania

Organizational Structure and LeadershipOrganizational Structure and Leadership

Mid-Atlantic Regional Polaris:

Bro. Herbert Berry, Jr.Initiated at Nu Chapter (University of Maryland),

Spring, 1973

Regional Scope:Delaware

District of ColumbiaMaryland

Organizational Structure and LeadershipOrganizational Structure and Leadership

Southeast Regional Polaris:

Bro. Aaron WestInitiated at Rho Chapter (Towson State University),

Spring, 1986

Regional Scope:North CarolinaSouth Carolina

Virginia

Organizational Structure and LeadershipOrganizational Structure and Leadership

Gulf Coast Regional Polaris:

Bro. Daryle SwatzieInitiated at Tau Chapter (American International

College),Spring, 1983

Regional Scope:Alabama Florida

Georgia MississippiThe Carribean

Organizational Structure and LeadershipOrganizational Structure and Leadership

Southern Regional Polaris: 

Bro. Chris O'BannerInitiated at Beta Nu Chapter (Northern Illinois

University),Spring, 1988

Regional Scope:Arkansas Louisiana,

Oklahoma Texas

Organizational Structure and LeadershipOrganizational Structure and Leadership

Western Regional Polaris: 

Bro. Bro. Eldridge MooreInitiated at Alpha Eta Chapter (Southern Univeristy),

Fall, 1996

Regional Scope:Colorado Kansas

Nebraska New MexicoWyoming

Organizational Structure and LeadershipOrganizational Structure and Leadership

Far West Regional Polaris:

Bro. Roderick DonaldInitiated at XI Omega Chapter (San Francisco Alumni),

Summer, 1995

Regional Scope:Alaska Arizona NevadaArizona California OregonHawaii Idaho Washington

Click on the National Click on the National Headquarter to return Headquarter to return to table of contents.to table of contents.

Click on the Centaur to Click on the Centaur to view the next topic.view the next topic.

You have reach the end of this topic.You have reach the end of this topic.