E³ = Embracing, Educating & Empowering
Young Men Through Mentoring

Sigma Community Enrichment Initiative (SCEI) is a New Jersey 501(c)(3) Non-Profit organization that provides youth and young adults with strong enduring professional services that will change their lives for the better. We believe that in order to reverse the negative stereotypes associated with Black boys we have to teach them academically, socially, and emotionally. Because of our belief we spend countless hours nurturing the potential of every young man in our program. The Young Men's Empowerment Conference has become the preeminent gathering of middle school and high school young men across the state of New Jersey. The goal of the conference is to improve the outcome of Young Men of Color in the areas of education, understanding the criminal justice system, and capacity building so they can manifest their destiny and become successful contributing members of society. 

Since its inception Chi Sigma Chapter has met the needs of the community by providing hot meals, clothing, toys,
and over $75,000 in scholarships to deserving college-bound high school seniors. Chi Sigma Chapter has the
largest Mentoring program (known as the "Sigma Beta Club") in the entire fraternity, including active Male
Mentoring programs in the city of Newark located at Rutgers NJ Medical School and West Side High School,
in Irvington at Irvington High School, in Roselle at Abraham Clark High School, and in Plainfield at Stillman Elementary School and Plainfield High School.

This is the third year of collaboration for this event, but the work goes far beyond this annual conference. This event rests on and supports long-term mentoring relationships between young men and successful men of color from the community.




A CONVERSATION ON BROTHER
DR. GEORGE WASHINGTON CARVER

Bro. Sam Reynolds, Alpha Chi Sigma Chapter, recently had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Mrs. Hazel Turner of Ozark, AL. Mrs. Turner was privileged to not only meet Dr. George Washington Carver, but she talked with him and serve him his meals while attending Tuskegee Institute (now Tuskegee University) in 1942 as a student pursuing a degree in commercial dietetics. Bro. George Washington Carver was a phenomenal scientist and botanist, Mrs. Turner is a retired educator and a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.

PHI BETA SIGMAS COLLEGIATE LEADERS ATTEND THE AFLV CENTRAL CONFERENCE

The Central Fraternal Leadership Conference and the National Black Greek Leadership Conference comprise the AFLV Central Conference, held in Indianapolis, IN.  Together, the coinciding events brought together more than 2,800 participants to create the ideal setting for networking and idea sharing. This was is the largest gathering of undergraduate fraternity and sorority leaders from councils and chapters in the United States.
 
AFLV Central features joint workshops and presentations as well as a curriculum that was address specific issues facing many councils within our fraternal communities. This exciting opportunity provides inclusive programming and collaboration between campus administrators, national organizations, and students to address issues like risk management, intake, intra-council relationships, and liability issues. Also included is specific information on current events and issues that impact the fraternity/sorority community on campus.
 



"Flying all the way from California to Indianapolis was a trip within it self, but the experience and knowledge gained was all worth it. Sitting down with professionals and Greeks from all walks of life and different areas of work and expertise was truly astonishing. Serving as the current Western Regional 2nd Vice Director, I was glad to have be presented in front of other Sigma men, who had a burning desire to invest into themselves and their respective chapters and areas for the better was amazing. All of
them stood attentively eager to seek new information and pass the message when they get back. Outside of the fellowship, entertainment and shenanigans that took place, a multitude of networking occurred, so much so that I'm motivated to travel more and grow myself and get better prepared for life after college. I hope one day I can be in my respective field of engineering and motivate others to take advantage of opportunities like these and provide any assistance that may be requested. With that being said, thank you AFLV Central 2017, for continuing to push me
to do my best." 
~ Bro. Kevin Archangel
2nd Vice Western Regional Director

"The experience that I had at AFLV was second to none. 
I was able to interact with brothers, as well as members from other organizations, in an environment where it didn't seem like all business all of the time.  Ironically, it was a very busy weekend, but I, along with everyone else there, was eager to attend the sessions that were provided.  At this conference, I learned a lot about myself and became better equipped as a leader.  I also experienced the power and the privilege of belonging to an international brotherhood.  Membership has its privileges and I am humbled to be able to take advantage of it."
~Bro. Rashid Troupe
2nd Vice Southwestern Regional Director | Beta Epsilon

"Brotherhood. Scholarship. Service. These three principles are what make a true Sigma man! As a collegiate who attended AFLV I came in with an open mind to learn how
to expand my knowledge not only for Greek Life on my campus but for my Chapter. I learned how to better my networking skills with others across different councils. 
I learned various ways to talk to alumni/grad chapter members to help assure we bring in good quality men
into our organization and assure that when we need
help, that they are here for our collegiate members.
I also learned how to better myself as a Sigma man
to make sure that I live by those principles everyday
that our founders founded this great fraternity upon." 
~ Bro. Malineski Russell
Alpha Xi Alpha,  East Tennessee State University



SIGMA BROTHERS ATTEND
24th ANNUAL DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. SCHOLARSHIP BREAKFAST

The Brothers of Theta Rho Sigma and Rho Sigma Chapters of Miami Dade County attended the 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project's 24th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship Breakfast  with distinguished guest Speaker Congressman Bro. John Lewis.  This annual breakfast was hosted by Congresswoman Fredricka Wilson representing Florida's 24th District. Other distinguished guest included the Sigma Beta Club, Senators Marco Rubio and Bill Nelson of Florida and was viewed live on CNN and other national media networks



ALPHA ALPHA BETA SIGMA HOST 
1st ANNUAL SKI TRIP AT APPLE MOUNTAIN

The Alpha Alpha Beta Sigma, Metropolitan Detroit Chapter's Sigma Beta Club held its first Ski Trip at Apple Mountain in Freeland, MI. Over 55 Sigma Beta Club members, family, and friends participated in the ski trip. These young men raised their own money for this ski trip by hosting a poetry slam in December 2016.

ACTING DEAN OF STUDENTS
WORKS TO UPLIFT OTHERS ON CAMPUS AND AT CHURCH

Bro. Joshua Busby, Southwestern Regional Director has two long-term relationships that define who he is - his alma mater and his church. Both places helped raise him, and now he serves them.
As the acting dean of students at Langston University, Busby encourages and corrects students who are much like he was
when he came to first arrived on the campus as a freshman in 2002.

He didn't know what he wanted to do in life or recognize what he could achieve. By his senior year, he was student body president, active in many student organizations and had developed strong relationships with his peers and faculty. "A lot of faculty who taught me are still there. They are still encouraging me. I'm a young professional. I'm going to make mistakes," said Busby.



BRO. MICHAEL ELAM ELECTED HALIFAX COMMUNITY COLLEGE'S NEXT PRESIDENT

With the approval out of the way, Elam said he and HCC's Board
of Trustees were still working out the final details of his contract.
In addition, he said his wife, Maxine, are still looking at areas to move once he takes office.

He has more than three decades of experience and was president at two other community colleges: College of the Mainland in Texas City, Texas and Roanoke-Chowan Community College in Ahoskie.

With his swearing-in ceremony on the horizon, the upcoming president couldn't contain his joy. "I'm excited. I am extremely excited," he said. "I don't know if you'd call it nervousness, but the excitement is building, and I can't wait to get there and get to work."

Chreatha Alston, the state community college system's director
of engagement services, said the state board gave Elam its approval after receiving the final recommendations from the
local board of trustees.



Fire Management | S easonal Fire Positions

1. Supervisory Range Technician-Fire (GS-0455-06) Seasonal: 2 Locations, Kansas and Nebraska 
    (Closes 2/7/17)https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetail/462974900/

2. Supervisory Wildland Firefighter-Forestry Tech (GS-0455-07) Seasonal: 3 Locations, Montana 
    (Closes 3/28/17)https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetail/458024000/

3. Fire Logistics Dispatcher (GS-2151-04/05) Seasonal: 3 Locations, Montana
    (Closes 2/21/17)https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetail/457589700/

4. Lead Wildland Firefighter-Forestry Tech (GS-0455-06) Seasonal: 3 Locations, Montana 
    (Closes 3/28/17)https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetail/457589800/ 

5. Lead Wildland Firefighter-Forestry Tech (GS-0455-06) Seasonal: 1 Location, Nebraska
    (Closes 2/28/17)https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetail/457590000/

6. Supervisory Wildland Firefighter-Forestry Tech (GS-0455-07) Seasonal:  6 Locations, Nebraska and S. Dakota
    (Closes 2/28/17)https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetail/457590200/

7. Wildland Firefighter-Forestry Tech (GS-0455-03/05) Seasonal: 11 Locations, California, Nevada, Oregon,
    Washington  (Closes 2/28/17)https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetail/457684400/

8. Wildland Firefighter-Forestry Tech (GS-0455-03/05) Seasonal: 10 Locations, Colorado, Montana, Nebraska, 
    N. Dakota, Utah  (Closes 2/21/17)https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetail/456873700/

DMV BLUE AND WHITE PRESIDENTS
COUNCIL HAPPY HOU
R

Omicron Delta Sigma Chapter hosted District of Columbia, Maryland & Virginia (DMV) Blue and White Presidents Council Happy Hour with area chapter presidents from Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority.  This meet and greet served as an opportunity for chapter presidents to gain familiarity of their colleagues in the Blue and White community.  Brother Kendrick O. Faison, Chapter President of Omicron Delta Sigma served as host of the event. In attendance were brothers Bro. Germaine Norman, Chapter President of Zeta Chi Sigma, Bro. Dean Smith, Chapter President of Alpha Sigma Chapter, Bro. James Bradley, Chapter President of Pi Zeta Sigma Chapter, Bro. Dion Coward, Chapter President of Omicron Zeta Sigma Chapter and Bro. Solomon Isaac, Chairman of the Presidents Council and Immediate Past President of Zeta Chi Chapter. The event served as an outlet to discuss best practices and highlight chapters accomplishments.

SOUTH CAROLINA STATE CONFERENCE

Because of the storm Hurricane Matthew, South Carolina suffered major disaster and many brothers were affected, thus the State Conference was rescheduled for the 2017 year, and brothers responded in massive numbers. Over 126 brothers in attendance. 

Bro. W. JaRodd Webb, Sr., SC State Director awarded the 2016 State Director's Award to Mr. Willie McCleod of the Historic Friendship 9. He was one of the participants in one of the numerous nationwide sit-in's for Civil Rights. Hon. Brother Larry Blanding was presented an award created in his honor The Larry Blanding Outstanding Service Award, given to an Alumni Brother for outstanding service to the State of South Carolina and Sigma. Hon. Brother Rev. Larry D. McCutcheon was presented an award created in his honor The Rev. Larry D. McCutcheon Trailblazer Award, given to a Collegiate Brother for outstanding service to the State of South Carolina and Sigma
.



 


IOTA NU SIGMA OUT SUPPORTING BLACK OWNED BUSINESSES

The Brothers of Iota Nu Sigma, Chicago, IL, ended the year in fellowship. Twenty Brothers from the chapter started their day early eating at Peach's Restaurant on 47th Street, supporting a locally black owned business. The time together was a great closure for the year and served as a spring board into a great 2017.

Associate Director of Communication | North-American Interfraternity Conference (NIC)
 
This person will lead digital communication, focusing on social media management, email marketing and web development. Other key responsibilities would be creating campaigns and engagement around the brand of
fraternity, advocacy programs, and NIC and NIC Foundation programs. 
 
Click here to DOWNLOAD the full job description.


Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. is always in search of top-quality individuals to join our team of talented professionals. The international headquarters operation has several departments with focused areas of administrative support, customer service, membership services, finance and accounting, marketing and communications and retail sales. If you possess proven skills in these primary areas, please submit your resume to:

Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.
Attn: Sammie L. Walthour, International Executive Director
145 Kennedy Street, NW
Washington, DC 20011


SHARE YOUR NEWS
Do you have news, exciting information or events which you want to share with the brothers in our Weekly Update? Please send items of interest, along with a good quality picture to Bro. Christopher Fleming a [email protected], no later than Monday of each week.