The idea behind a fourth Black fraternity came during the fall of 1913. Three outstanding young men, with the idea of creating yet another fraternity on the campus of Howard University, forged plans to bring Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity to reality. While still in his native Tennessee, the Most Honorable A. Langston Taylor first came up with the idea of creating a different kind of fraternity. One that was inclusive, rather than exclusive; one that didn't discriminate based on complexion of skin or texture of hair; and a fraternity that lived up to the motto "Culture for service and service to humanity".

After confiding in his friend and former roommate, the Most Honorable Leonard F. Morse on his idea of a new kind of fraternity, the two sought out the support of their friend and final member of the founding three the Most Honorable Charles I. Brown. While the three sped on their way towards founding a fraternity, nine other brothers from the Howard campus were selected for membership. Finally on the night of January 9, 1914 Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity was no longer just a dream, it was officially a national fraternity. The next set of business for the charter members was to get recognition on campus for the new fraternity, a task that took until April when the Board of Deans officially granted them recognition. Soon after publishing the announcement for the newest fraternity's recognition, Sigma was overwhelmed with requests from Howard University men to pledge. Despite the flood of applicants, only 14 outstanding men were accepted into the realm of Sigma.

The men of Alpha Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma quickly established themselves as leaders on campus, Bro. A.M. Walker became assistant editor of the Howard Journal , while the Most Honorable Bro. A. Langston Taylor earned the position of Circulation Manager. Meanwhile during the summer of 1914 the Honorable I.L. Scruggs located a fraternity house for the men of Alpha Chapter to reside in. Further testament to the rise of Sigma came in the winter of 1915, when the general board received a proposal from Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity for the two organizations to merge, after consideration the proposal was denied.  However, Phi Beta Sigma was the first (see our "FIRSTS") to initiate a program of cooperation between Greek-letter organizations, which today continues in the form of the National Pan-Hellenic Council.

Since 1914 Phi Beta Sigma has produced great men and great leaders; as the men who are responsible for taking this fraternity into the next century we dedicate ourselves to upholding the level of excellence and leadership that has been passed on to us...

 With a struggle, came progress and the forming of the Mighty Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Incorporated!!

W e are proud to engage in activities with other organizations which include:

 The American Cancer Society

Congressional Black Caucus

Leadership Conference on Civil Rights

National Alliance of Black Organizations

NAACP

National Coalition on Black Voter Participation

National Foundation of the March of Dimes

Birth Defects Division

National Urban League

Indiana Black Expo

and the United Negro College Fund