WHEREAS, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated was founded on January 9, 1914, at Howard University in Washington, D.C. by three students – A. Langston Taylor, Leonard F. Morse, and Charles I. Brown – who sought to organize a Black Greek letter fraternity to exemplify the ideals of brotherhood, scholarship, and service; and
WHEREAS, Winston-Salem’s Delta Sigma Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. was chartered on December 10, 1923, by five professional men – Dr. William H. Bruce, Dr. Ashley L. Cromwell, Dr. Rufus S. Hairston, Dr. Jon R. Henry, and Dr. Cicero Neely – who, after completing their education at schools including Howard University School of Dentistry, Meharry Medical College, and Leonard Medical School of Shaw University, started their practices in the Columbia Heights section of the city; and
WHEREAS, the Delta Sigma Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. members have worked to exhibit the Fraternity’s motto of Culture for Service and Service for Humanity by awarding scholarships, conducting cultural programming, sharing resources to community residents, and holding events to support minority businesses, among many other pursuits; and
WHEREAS, accomplishments by Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. members include involvement in academics, business, medicine, law, politics, athletics, and other professions; and
WHEREAS, during its 109 years of existence, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. has focused on improving the global community through innovative problem solving and visionary service; and
WHEREAS, on Saturday, December 9, 2023, the Delta Sigma Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated will host its chapter’s Centennial Gala at the Benton Convention Center in Downtown Winston-Salem;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim December 9, 2023, as a day “IN RECOGNITION OF THE 100th ANNIVERSARY OF DELTA SIGMA CHAPTER OF PHI BETA SIGMA FRATERNITY, INC.” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.