Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated was founded at Howard University in Washington, D.C., on January 9, 1914, by three African-American male students: Honorable A. Langston Taylor, Honorable Leonard F. Morse, and Honorable Charles I. Brown. The Founders sought to establish a Greek-letter fraternity built on the principles of brotherhood, scholarship, and service.

From the beginning, the Founders envisioned Phi Beta Sigma as an organization connected to the community, not separated from it. They believed men should be judged by their own character, ability, and merit rather than by family background, wealth, race, nationality, skin tone, or physical appearance. Their vision was rooted in the idea of the “inclusive we” and a commitment to serving humanity through the Fraternity’s motto, “Culture For Service and Service For Humanity.”

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Today, Phi Beta Sigma has grown into an international organization of leaders committed to service through initiatives such as the Phi Beta Sigma National Foundation, the Phi Beta Sigma Federal Credit Union, and the Sigma Beta Club Foundation. Phi Beta Sigma also shares a unique and historic bond with Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, which was founded in 1920 with the assistance of Phi Beta Sigma. Together, Phi Beta Sigma and Zeta Phi Beta are recognized as the only constitutionally bound brotherhood and sisterhood, united in service, scholarship, and community impact.