Founded on September 19, 1963, at Morgan State College (now Morgan State University), Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. stands as one of the prominent African American fraternities in the United States. With a focus on service, brotherhood, and community leadership, Iota Phi Theta has grown substantially since its inception and continues to make a significant impact through various initiatives and partnerships.
History of Iota Phi Theta
The foundations of Iota Phi Theta are in a period of American history characterized by the civil rights movement, and the significance behind its formation cannot be underestimated. As a new group in the 60s, when public and social life had begun to change as Black Americans were fighting for equality, socially and politically, this fraternity was needed.
Their older, non traditional student status also contributed to their ability to craft a different experience than what existed in most fraternities. Many were military veterans, and others had families at home or full time jobs on the side. This combination of life experience engendered a brotherhood not only based on academic success but leadership, citizenship, and community engagement.
Iota Phi Theta spread to nearby campuses over the course of a few years, and in 1967 established chapters at Hampton Institute (Beta Chapter) and Delaware State College. It continued to centralize until it became nationally incorporated in 1968, which led to chapter growth throughout America and beyond (including the Bahamas & Korea). Today, the fraternity has more than 300 chapters in operation and prides itself on their founding motto: “Building a Tradition, Not Resting Upon One!”
Symbols of Iota Phi Theta
Symbols are an important way of reflecting the identity and value system through which Iota Phi Theta functions. The image of the centaur is central to their organization style, as the mythological creature serves as a symbol depicting strength (human) balanced with intelligence (animalistic side). This stands for the fraternity’s goals toward better men, presenting a need to focus on both the physical aspect and the mental side when born into this world, especially in moments of weakness.
Dark, charcoal brown and gleaming gold fraternity colors also symbolize the idea of strength mixed with excellence. Brown stands for resilience and durability, whereas gold is symbolic of accomplishment and ambition. While reminiscent of one country’s flag, these symbols together tell members to work for success but walk with a purpose and realize that they have an obligation.
All of these elements, in addition to Iota Phi Theta’s hand sign and traditional chant, make their presence unmistakable at public events or gatherings. These cultural markers create a sense of unity and community among its members, who now feel joined in purpose.
Activities and Community Engagement
The Iota Phi Theta has a long history of community service and civic engagement that sets the fraternity apart from its other counterparts. The activities of the fraternity replicate what had been put there in its genesis leadership, service, and advocacy. Throughout the years, Iota Phi Theta has created numerous initiatives to help better health, education, and economic opportunities, particularly in African American communities.
A core initiative is I-S.H.I.E.L.D., an organization established in 2016, which tackles all kinds of abuse such as human trafficking, sexual assault/abuse, domestic violence, and elder abuse. This program reflects the fraternal commitment to building a culture of safety and showing that awareness enables people to take action when necessary. Iota Phi Theta has also established a partnership with the American Red Cross in disaster reliefs, blood drives, and health campaigns, making them the first NPHC member to do so.
In addition, the fraternity helps with economic uplift by promoting financial literacy programs coordinated through firms such as Chase Bank and the Small Business Association. These efforts give people and small business owners the education to learn how they can achieve financial success for life. In the health sector, Iota Phi Theta is part of initiatives around St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and The Ora Lee Smith Cancer Research Foundation to advance affordable access care treatment options and help in cancer research developments.
The Bottom Line
The ideals of leadership, service, and brotherhood exemplify Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. From its birth during the civil rights movement to now, both nationally and internationally, through all types of platforms available, Pi Epsilon continues for good. I-S through service initiatives H.I.E.L.D., financial literacy programs, and health campaigns all exemplify Iota Phi Theta continuing to live up to its motto: “Building a Tradition, Not Resting Upon One.” Throughout the Farelf’s 300+ chapters, it leaves a beacon of inspiration and guidance to aspire future generations to perform with integrity in professional life.
