[tld221]

Originally Posted by Sen's Revenge

Prairie View and FAMU have both had chapters of Sigma Lambda Beta. I'm not sure why the media is running with this story in this way. I have respect for LTPhi, but they are not the first Latino fraternity at an HBCU.

What EYE don't understand is how LTPhi claims being the first Latino fraternity (1975) but Phi Iota Alpha considers themselves the "oldest Latino fraternity in existence" (1931).

In December of 1931, the most profound historical event in the history of Latino Fraternities took place in Troy, NY. Delegates from Phi Lambda Alpha Latino Fraternity and Sigma Iota Latino Fraternity assembled with the objective of forming a strong and extensive Fraternity to address the needs of Latin Americans in universities in the U.S. On December 26, 1931, the first day of a three-day convention, Phi Iota Alpha Latino Fraternity was born as both groups agreed on the merger contract to unify under one name, one banner, one organization and one ideal.

In 1975, there were no Latino fraternities in existence in the United States. The Greek-letter organizations of the time primarily catered to Anglo and African-American students and graduates. Lambda’s founders, as men of vision, realized there was a need to unite the Latino students, develop their leadership skills, impart upon them the value of an education, and instill in them a commitment to their community and culture. The traditional student club would not suffice to accomplish such lofty goals. Hence, Latino unity and brotherhood would be achieved through a long recognized institution – the fraternity. This newest addition to the Greek system would be the first in the nation, by identity and by name: Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity, Incorporated.

Originally Posted by LatinaAlumna

I thought Texas Southern had a least one or two Latino fraternities prior to this. I wonder how this chapter was declared "the first."

Not according to their website: http://archive.tsu.edu/pages/1842.asp