By Calvin O. Pressley
Grand Sire Archon, Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity

The Grand Boule of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity will observe the 100 anniversary of the organization's founding on June 26-30, 2004.

More than 900 members of the fraternity and their spouses will attend the Centennial Celebration in Philadelphia, the city of the fraternity's founding with its chapter, Alpha Boule.

The theme of the Centennial Celebration is: "Basking in Memories--Appreciating the Present---Forging the Future." Sigma Pi Fraternity today consists of 112 member boules (chapters) throughout the United States and in Nassau, with a membership comprising 4,200 distinguished African American men.

In 1904, an African American physician and pharmacist, Dr. Henry A. Minton, gathered five of his Philadelphia-based colleagues to form a fraternity. Their primary purpose was to create a forum wherein they could pursue social and intellectual activities in the company of peers. At the time, there were no black college fraternities, and black professionals were not invited to participate in the professional and cultural associations organized by the white community.

Dr. Minton tapped into a deep need. He and his colleagues deliberately chose to model their group after ancient Greek organizations, and they organized themselves as a boule, meaning "a council of noblemen." The Greek model was a logical one. The values of ancient Greece-- intellectual development, citizenship, democracy, law and culture-- were fundamental to the very values that sustained the fraternal relationships of the six men in Philadelphia.

The fraternity's membership provides the highest level of leadership in civic, social service, education, charitable and religious affairs in the communities in which they live. In getting to know the best of one another, the Grand Boule's purpose is the rounding out of the life of the African American male in a community marked by a spirit of cooperation and mutual assistance.

In l980, the Grand Boule of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity established the Boule Foundation. This 501© (3) organization, with assets of $7 million generated primarily by the membership, gives scholarships to deserving young men and women who are in pursuit of undergraduate and graduate education.

National and community groups are also supported by grants from the Foundation for programs consistent with the Foundation's goals and objectives.

Today, the Grand Boule of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity is the quintessence of African American male fellowship. It continues its tradition of observing, thinking`, and questioning. And it provides substance for the soul.

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