Alpha phi Alpha brothers wanting to be in the Boule

[Professor]

SIGMA PI PHI: THE BOULE- The First Black Fraternity (on record)
What separates Sigma Pi Phi and Alpha Phi Alpha. One was the first black
fraternity for professional men and the latter the first for collegiate men.
The question still begs however is Sigma Pi Phi the ultimate fraternity for
African-American men or will Alpha or 100 Black Men do? For
African-American
men of stature and prominence is it the group you want to belong to? Men
such as Vernon Jordan(Omega), Andrew Young(Alpha), L. Douglas
Wilder(Omega), American Express President Kenneth Chenault, most black
college presidents and the most prominent physicians, attorneys, dentists, and
corporate leaders are members. They do not step or chant, you hardly ever see
any members in T-shirts or jackets with the Greek letters plastered on it. It has a
quarterly publication, and biennial conventions.

Membership is exclusive. There is no Smoker, no informational seminar, no
application packet, no cluster weekend, no lines, etc. It is one of the most
exclusive fraternities for African-American men. No, it is not Alpha, Kappa,
Omega or Sigma. It is called Sigma Pi Phi (the Boule). It was founded in 1904
in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and its membership includes men from all Greek
letter organizations as well as those who are not. it is not just another
Greek letter organization according to Lawrence Otis Graham in his book "Our
Kind of People"

Dr. Henry Minton(who later joined Alpha Phi Alpha) invited five of his
colleagues, all doctors working in Philadelphia to join him in organizing a
social organization that would "bring together a select group of men with a
minimum degree of superior education and culture-men who were congenial,
tolerant, and hospitable." Minton was well educated and married into the
Wormley family of Washington. He was responsible for opening the first two
hospitals in Philadelphia, both Douglass and Mercy.

It's the organization most professional men want to join, but its membership
is invitational only. While 100 Black Men of America (of which I am a member
of) is invitational too, there is a distinguishable difference sometimes too
difficult to verbalize. Having socialize and presented to the members of
Sigma Pi Phi, the members are much older (in most cases and very well
established in their careers). In the meeting that I attended in Atlanta (the
chapter known as Kappa Boule), they feast on prime rib and the trimmings each
month and conduct the business with very little fanfare and discussion. They
all seem to be on one accord and no personal agendas, perhaps because they
have reached the highest point in their career. You very seldom read about
their activities in the news.

>From the Greek languages, they use terms such as
Boule- Council of Noblemen (or women as the AKA's also use the term for the
National Gatherings)
Archons- members of the Boule
Sire Archon- President of the Boule
Other officers are Grammateus, Thesauristes, Rhetoricus, etc.

One of our Alpha Brothers, the distinguished Dr. Huel Perkins, Executive
Assistant to the Chancellor at Louisiana State University and a graduate of
Southern University, residing in Baton Rouge served as the Sire
Archon(National President of Sigma Pi Phi) a few years ago. In my research,
there was no uncovering of physical or tangible evidence that proved that any
one of the Jewels were members of Sigma Pi Phi. I thought perhaps Jewel
Callis, but was unable to substantiate the claim as I researched his papers.
In addition, Dr. Charles Harris Wesley, who was a member and its Historian
makes no mention in his work on Callis or in the Boule's history book.
However, one half (15) of our 30 General Presidents were and are members of
"the Boule" including:

-4th General President Charles Garvin - Tau Boule, Cleveland, Ohio
-12th General President Raymond W. Cannon- Omicron Boule(Charter Member),

Minneapolis, Minn(who was a founding
member of his boule)
-13th General President B. Andrew Rose - Sigma Boule, Dayton, Ohio
-14th General President Charles Wesley- Sigma Boule(Dayton, Ohio) & Epsilon
Boule, Washington, DC
-15th General President Rayford W. Logan - Epsilon Boule(Washington,D.C.) &
Alpha Beta Boule-
-18th General President Frank L. Stanley- Psi Boule, Louisville, Kentucky
-19th General President Myles A. Paige- Xi Boule, New York City
-21st General President Thomas W. Cole - Beta Xi Boule, Central Florida
-22nd General President Lionel Hodge Newsom - Beta Delta Boule, Charlotte,
North Carolina
-23rd General President Ernest Morial - Alpha Alpha Boule, New Orleans,
Louisiana
-24th General President Walter Washington - Beta Gamma Boule, Jackson,
Mississippi
- 25th General President James Williams- Beta Rho Boule, Kent, Ohio
-27th General President Charles Teamer - Alpha Alpha Boule, New Orleans, LA
-28th General President Henry Ponder - Chi Boule(Nashville, Tenn) & Epsilon
Boule(Washington)
-29th General President Milton C. Davis -(Tuskegee.Montogmery chapter)


*My apologies if any General President's name was omitted. These names were
compiled from several sources including their history book and other
biographical sources on the General Presidents.
Volume One of the History of Sigma Pi Phi was written by the illustrious Dr.
Charles Harris Wesley. It was published in 1954 to celebrate the
organizations 50th Anniversary. The Second volume was written by Alpha
brother Dr. Hobart Jarrett. It was published in the mid 1990s.

Additional Source:
Graham, Lawrence Otis. Our Kind of People. Harper Collins Publishers.
New York: 1999.
Schomburb Clipping File

FROM THE LIPS OF A JEWEL:

"Education has surely failed us unless it has given the individual power and
strength and force of character necessary to go forward in reaching whatever
adjustment of the environment may be necessary.

Jewel Henry Arthur Callis (at a Go To High School/Go To College Mass Meeting
in Atlanta, Georgia, May 18, 1930)

FROM THE LIPS OF A PAST GENERAL PRESIDENT:

"An unselfish body organized for wholly unselfish reasons and maintained on
the highest principles composed of men of honor with trained minds, is it not
a nucleus for wonderful organization of Negro men?

Frederick H. Miller, 3rd General President
1916

written by Bro. Skip Mason

[AKA2D '91]

Thanks Professor for that information. I did know how Sigma Pi Phi came about and the difference between it (if you will) and Alpha Phi Alpha. You know, there is always that "debate." Heyyyy, don't interpret that as I know Alpha's bizness, b/c I do not. I just know that "general" info. LMAO. I'm not an authority on ya'll stuh, I'm not trying to know ya'll stuh.

Even though I'm not one to spend my spare time researching OTHER organizations (b/c AKA continues to keep me on my toes, so many things going on, therefore, I have to keep abreast of OUR goings on ) I was glad to see some familiar names. My mother's former teacher Dr. Perkins and Marc Morial's late father, Ernest aka "Dutch".

[The Original Ape]

I had to clarify a bit of your information. Our 25th General President is from AKRON, OHIO; not Kent Ohio. He crossed at Alpha Tau(undergrad), and is currently a member of Eta Tau Lambda Chapter.

[Kimmie1913]

That was an interesting piece. I am always amazed at the debates that seem to go on about the relationship of A Phi A to Sigma Pi Phi. My father is both an Alpha and an Archon in the Boule. (Younget member ever of the Baltimore chapter- Yeah Daddy!) But the culture of the two has always been different to me.

[APOcalypz]

Originally Posted by Kimmie1913

That was an interesting piece. I am always amazed at the debates that seem to go on about the relationship of A Phi A to Sigma Pi Phi. My father is both an Alpha and an Archon in the Boule. (Younget member ever of the Baltimore chapter- Yeah Daddy!) But the culture of the two has always been different to me.

Hey hey, How do I get in touch with the Baltimore Boule?

[prayerfull]

Just FYI, Sigma Pi Phi has a national website that may be of interest of some to view. Here's the link:

http://www.sigma-pi-phi.net

[Blackwatch]

Personnally, I do not see the big deal concerning the Boule'. It seems to me to be a situation where people want to join because it signifies some kind of status in the black community. Many may argue that it is the same way with the "Pan" orgs, but one thing that seperates the Boule' is that membership is truely an elitist priviledge, only by invitation with no smokers, interest meetings, or any opportunity for the public at large to join. This seems to heighten the interest in the group. You cannot possibly know the workings of the Boule' without having an interest in it, because they do no publicize their workings or philanthropies. Any claims to be a community serviced based org. are discredited when the membership is only extended to certain "types" of people (or people who have reached a certain "level of success" in a "professional" field, in other words, rich!!!). This is the elitism that has plagued the "pan" for years but was only speculative at best, while this elitism is verifiable through the Boule'. I am not one to say that any group cannot discriminate in its membership, but when you base membershhip on the criterion of financial success, I often wonder what real purpose can you serve the black community. How much of the black community can afford to be members? Your career success and financial standing are no commentary on nor indication of your moral character, if indeed moral character is something that they consider when extending membership. I read several posts on the message board of the Boule' website, and one post seemed to sum up the whole Boule' ideal when a man, who I guess was trying to become a member, states in a closing remark "...continue to aspire to the high ideals of success, prosperity, and blessings." High ideals of success, prosperity and blessings? Where are the manly deeds, self sacrifice, service, righteousness, brotherly love, and all other altruistic themes that characterize fraternity? It seems to me that the boule' is a bunch of financially succesful men who relish in the power that they have to discriminate on that basis, and to have people panting after inclusion into this group. The black community does not need a "country club" mentality from the "talented tenth" of the black community. The Boule' to me is nothing more than a glorified status symbol, devoid of much true worth to the black community.

And I will probably start another thread concerning Brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha wanting to be in this group. WHY?????!!!!!!
Blackwatch!!!

[06pilot]

Originally Posted by Blackwatch

Personnally, I do not see the big deal concerning the Boule'. It seems to me to be a situation where people want to join because it signifies some kind of status in the black community. Many may argue that it is the same way with the "Pan" orgs, but one thing that seperates the Boule' is that membership is truely an elitist priviledge, only by invitation with no smokers, interest meetings, or any opportunity for the public at large to join. This seems to heighten the interest in the group. You cannot possibly know the workings of the Boule' without having an interest in it, because they do no publicize their workings or philanthropies. Any claims to be a community serviced based org. are discredited when the membership is only extended to certain "types" of people (or people who have reached a certain "level of success" in a "professional" field, in other words, rich!!!). This is the elitism that has plagued the "pan" for years but was only speculative at best, while this elitism is verifiable through the Boule'. I am not one to say that any group cannot discriminate in its membership, but when you base membershhip on the criterion of financial success, I often wonder what real purpose can you serve the black community. How much of the black community can afford to be members? Your career success and financial standing are no commentary on nor indication of your moral character, if indeed moral character is something that they consider when extending membership. I read several posts on the message board of the Boule' website, and one post seemed to sum up the whole Boule' ideal when a man, who I guess was trying to become a member, states in a closing remark "...continue to aspire to the high ideals of success, prosperity, and blessings." High ideals of success, prosperity and blessings? Where are the manly deeds, self sacrifice, service, righteousness, brotherly love, and all other altruistic themes that characterize fraternity? It seems to me that the boule' is a bunch of financially succesful men who relish in the power that they have to discriminate on that basis, and to have people panting after inclusion into this group. The black community does not need a "country club" mentality from the "talented tenth" of the black community. The Boule' to me is nothing more than a glorified status symbol, devoid of much true worth to the black community.

And I will probably start another thread concerning Brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha wanting to be in this group. WHY?????!!!!!!
Blackwatch!!!

Just because you are in a so called "elitest" organization does not mean you cannot serve your community. In fact, you can probably serve it better with finances. Just because they "select" their membership and do not publisize their works is not a bad thing. The problem with most people today is they want recognition for what they do instead of just doing as good deed and moving on to the next one. They "need" to recognized and patted on the back for some reason.

I have no problem with the Boule. Its their thing so let them have it. Years ago, The Pan Greeks were more selective than they are today and in my personal opinion, the fact that we are not selective anymore is pat of the reason we get the wrong people in our iorganizations and they do stupid things that give our organization bad names.

[ladygreek]

Originally Posted by 06pilot

Years ago, The Pan Greeks were more selective than they are today and in my personal opinion, the fact that we are not selective anymore is pat of the reason we get the wrong people in our iorganizations and they do stupid things that give our organization bad names.

How far back do you mean? Members have been doing stupid stuff (hazing) for over 40 years now to my recollection.

[06pilot]

Originally Posted by ladygreek

How far back do you mean? Members have been doing stupid stuff (hazing) for over 40 years now to my recollection.

I'm not talking about hazing. I'm talking rape, assault, and other felonies. I'm talkig about greek on greek drive by shootings.

[ladygreek]

Originally Posted by 06pilot

I'm not talking about hazing. I'm talking rape, assault, and other felonies. I'm talkig about greek on greek drive by shootings.

Then speak on your own org and leave the rest of us out of that conversation.

[Blackwatch]

Jumping from the post about the Boule', I wanted to see what others thought about Men of Alpha Phi Alpha being in the Boule' and wanting to be in the Boule'. It seems to me when I talk to a brother who wants to be in the Boule', the question of why he joined Alpha (and how he got in ) pops up in my head. When a brother talks about wanting to be in the Boule and when I meet a brother in the Boule', I often wonder why he "accepted the invitation"(you can't join or "pledge") to the Boule' ? What is in the Boule' that is not in Alpha (other than a more exclusive and financially prosperous membership)? I think this just lends more to my theory that the Boule' is a status symbol, and possibly that brothers who want to be in the Boule' possibly see Alpha as a status symbol as well. What does everyone think?

Blackwatch!!!!!

[AKA2D '91]

I think that if someone wants to join Alpha (or any other organization other than Alpha) or the Boule, that's them. If they obtain membership OR if the body feels comfortable with inviting the person, then I do not have a problem with it at all.

[Professor]

Alpha and the Boule are two very different organizations although both have history that is longstanding and noteworthy. I don't mind saying that I look forward to receiving an invitation in the near future. Much like Alpha, to be in the company of distinguished men is a great honor. For me, membership is just another avenue to represent Alpha and to network with black men that are about uplifting my people, which is always my reasoning for various associations. I do agree that there is prestige in membership of the Boule but there is also a great prestige in Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

[Professor]

It is important to note that the Boule is a determining force in our community. Just because its membership mainly extends to Blacks with money does not make its members better than any one else. In fact, as you somewhat described, many folk see membership in BGLO hold similar perceptions that are often true. We both know that folk that hold membership to Alpha, Kappa or Omega, etc. tend to feel accomplished. In fact, my quest for Alpha was really based upon the fact that many Brothers that I know are remarkable in their careers, education and community. The Boule is just another avenue whereas membership is not exclusive to college educated men.

Also, I know for a fact that every member of the Boule is not wealthy by my description. Many are just accomplished and make ends meet. I certainly don't have the financial resources as some but I do bring other qualities and skills to the table.