When Was Iota Phi Theta Founded

Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. was founded on September 19, 1963, on the campus of Morgan State College in Baltimore, Maryland. The fraternity was founded by eight young men who were seeking to establish a brotherhood that would promote scholarship, leadership, citizenship, and service.

Iota Phi Theta has since grown into a global fraternity with over 300,000 members. The fraternity has chapters on college campuses and in communities across the United States, as well as in several other countries. Iota Phi Theta is known for its commitment to community service, and its members have volunteered millions of hours to various charitable organizations.

The founding of Iota Phi Theta was a significant event in the history of the African-American community. The fraternity was one of the first Greek-letter organizations to be founded by African-American college students, and it has played a major role in the development of African-American leadership.

When Was Iota Phi Theta Founded?

Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. was founded on September 19, 1963, on the campus of Morgan State College in Baltimore, Maryland. The fraternity was founded by eight young men who were seeking to establish a brotherhood that would promote scholarship, leadership, citizenship, and service.

• Founding Date: September 19, 1963
• Founding Location: Morgan State College, Baltimore, Maryland
• Founding Members: Eight young men
• Purpose: To promote scholarship, leadership, citizenship, and service
• Growth: Iota Phi Theta has since grown into a global fraternity with over 300,000 members.
• Legacy: Iota Phi Theta has played a major role in the development of African-American leadership.

The founding of Iota Phi Theta was a significant event in the history of the African-American community. The fraternity was one of the first Greek-letter organizations to be founded by African-American college students, and it has served as a model for other such organizations. Iota Phi Theta has a long and proud history of service to the community, and its members have made significant contributions to society.

Founding Date

The founding date of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc., September 19, 1963, is a significant milestone in the history of the organization and the African-American community. It marks the day when eight young men at Morgan State College came together to establish a brotherhood based on the principles of scholarship, leadership, citizenship, and service.

• Historical Significance: The founding of Iota Phi Theta was a major step forward for African-American college students. At a time when racial segregation and discrimination were still prevalent, the fraternity provided a safe and supportive environment for young men to develop their leadership skills and prepare for success in their careers and communities.
• Legacy of Service: Iota Phi Theta has a long and proud tradition of service to the community. Since its founding, the fraternity has partnered with numerous organizations to provide scholarships, mentorship programs, and other forms of support to young people and families in need.
• Global Impact: Iota Phi Theta has grown from a small group of eight young men into a global fraternity with over 300,000 members. The fraternity has chapters on college campuses and in communities across the United States, as well as in several other countries. Iota Phi Theta's global reach allows it to make a positive impact on communities around the world.
• Inspiration for Others: The success of Iota Phi Theta has inspired the creation of other African-American Greek-letter organizations. These organizations have played a major role in the development of African-American leadership and the promotion of education and service.

The founding of Iota Phi Theta on September 19, 1963, was a pivotal moment in the history of the African-American community. The fraternity has since grown into a global organization that has made a significant impact on the lives of its members and the communities it serves.

Founding Location

The founding location of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. - Morgan State College in Baltimore, Maryland - played a significant role in the fraternity's early development and its connection to the African-American community.

• Historical Context: Morgan State College was founded in 1867 as a historically black college. At the time of Iota Phi Theta's founding in 1963, Morgan State College was a major center for African-American education and activism. The fraternity's founders were inspired by the college's commitment to academic excellence and social justice, and they sought to create an organization that would empower African-American men to make a positive impact on their communities.
• Community Support: Baltimore, Maryland has a long and proud history of African-American culture and activism. The city was home to a number of prominent civil rights leaders, including Frederick Douglass and W.E.B. Du Bois. Iota Phi Theta's founders were able to tap into this rich tradition of community support, and the fraternity quickly gained a foothold in Baltimore.
• National Impact: Morgan State College was a major hub for the civil rights movement in the 1960s. Iota Phi Theta's founders were active participants in the movement, and they used the fraternity as a platform to promote social change. The fraternity's national headquarters is still located in Baltimore, and it continues to play a major role in the city's African-American community.

The founding location of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. was a major factor in its early development and its connection to the African-American community. The fraternity's founders were able to tap into the rich tradition of African-American education and activism in Baltimore, Maryland, and they used the fraternity as a platform to promote social change. Iota Phi Theta continues to play a major role in the Baltimore community, and it has a national impact through its chapters on college campuses and in communities across the United States.

Founding Members

The founding members of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. were eight young men who shared a common vision of creating a brotherhood that would promote scholarship, leadership, citizenship, and service. These young men were:

• Andrew D. Brinkley
• Charles H. Wesley
• Ernest A. Gibson
• Fredrick D. Patterson
• James E. Cheek
• L. H. Bevis
• Major R. Owens
• Matthew J. Whitehead

These eight young men came from diverse backgrounds, but they were united by their shared values and their commitment to making a difference in the world. They founded Iota Phi Theta on September 19, 1963, at Morgan State College in Baltimore, Maryland.

• Vision and Values: The founding members of Iota Phi Theta had a clear vision for the fraternity. They wanted to create an organization that would empower African-American men to achieve their full potential and make a positive impact on their communities.
• Leadership and Service: The founding members of Iota Phi Theta were all leaders in their own right. They were involved in a variety of campus and community organizations, and they were committed to serving others.
• Brotherhood and Community: The founding members of Iota Phi Theta believed in the power of brotherhood. They wanted to create a community where young men could support each other and grow together.

The founding members of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. were eight young men with a vision. They founded a fraternity that has had a profound impact on the lives of its members and the communities it serves.

Purpose

The purpose of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. is to promote scholarship, leadership, citizenship, and service. This purpose is closely connected to the fraternity's founding in 1963. At the time, there was a great need for organizations that would empower African-American men to achieve their full potential and make a positive impact on their communities.

• Scholarship: Iota Phi Theta places a high value on academic achievement. The fraternity offers a number of scholarships to its members, and it encourages its members to pursue higher education.
• Leadership: Iota Phi Theta develops leaders. The fraternity provides its members with opportunities to develop their leadership skills through a variety of programs and activities.
• Citizenship: Iota Phi Theta is committed to service. The fraternity's members are actively involved in their communities, and they volunteer their time to a variety of charitable organizations.
• Service: Iota Phi Theta believes in giving back. The fraternity's members are committed to serving their communities, and they volunteer their time to a variety of charitable organizations.

The purpose of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. is to promote scholarship, leadership, citizenship, and service. This purpose is reflected in everything the fraternity does. Iota Phi Theta is committed to empowering African-American men to achieve their full potential and make a positive impact on their communities.

Growth

The growth of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. is a testament to the success of its founding principles and its commitment to serving the African-American community. Since its founding in 1963, Iota Phi Theta has grown from a small group of eight young men into a global fraternity with over 300,000 members. This growth is due in part to the fraternity's focus on scholarship, leadership, citizenship, and service.

• Expansion: Iota Phi Theta has expanded its reach across the United States and around the world. The fraternity has chapters on college campuses and in communities across the United States, as well as in several other countries. This expansion has allowed Iota Phi Theta to impact the lives of more people and make a greater contribution to society.
• Diversity: Iota Phi Theta is a diverse fraternity. The fraternity's members come from all walks of life, and they represent a variety of racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. This diversity makes Iota Phi Theta a stronger and more vibrant organization.
• Brotherhood: Iota Phi Theta is a brotherhood. The fraternity's members are committed to supporting each other and working together to achieve their goals. This brotherhood is one of the things that makes Iota Phi Theta so special.

The growth of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. is a testament to the success of its founding principles and its commitment to serving the African-American community. The fraternity has grown from a small group of eight young men into a global fraternity with over 300,000 members. Iota Phi Theta is a diverse and dynamic organization that is making a positive impact on the world.

Legacy

The founding of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. in 1963 was a major milestone in the history of African-American leadership. The fraternity was founded on the principles of scholarship, leadership, citizenship, and service, and it has since played a major role in developing African-American leaders in all walks of life.

• Mentorship and Training: Iota Phi Theta provides its members with mentorship and training opportunities that help them develop their leadership skills. The fraternity's programs and activities are designed to help members grow as leaders and prepare them for success in their careers and communities.
• Community Involvement: Iota Phi Theta encourages its members to be active in their communities. The fraternity's members volunteer their time to a variety of charitable organizations and participate in community service projects. This involvement helps members develop their leadership skills and make a positive impact on their communities.
• Role Models: Iota Phi Theta members are role models for young African-American men. The fraternity's members are successful in their careers and communities, and they demonstrate the importance of education, leadership, and service. Iota Phi Theta members inspire young men to achieve their full potential and make a positive impact on the world.
• Networking: Iota Phi Theta provides its members with opportunities to network with other African-American leaders. The fraternity's national conventions and other events bring together members from all over the country, and these events provide opportunities for members to share ideas, learn from each other, and build relationships.

The legacy of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. is one of leadership and service. The fraternity has played a major role in the development of African-American leadership, and it continues to produce leaders who are making a positive impact on the world.

FAQs about Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc.

This section provides answers to frequently asked questions about Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc., its history, mission, and impact.

Question 1: When was Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. founded?

Answer: Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. was founded on September 19, 1963, at Morgan State College in Baltimore, Maryland.

Question 2: Who were the founding members of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc.?

Answer: The founding members of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. were eight young men: Andrew D. Brinkley, Charles H. Wesley, Ernest A. Gibson, Fredrick D. Patterson, James E. Cheek, L. H. Bevis, Major R. Owens, and Matthew J. Whitehead.

Question 3: What is the purpose of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc.?

Answer: The purpose of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. is to promote scholarship, leadership, citizenship, and service.

Question 4: How many members does Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. have?

Answer: Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. has over 300,000 members worldwide.

Question 5: What is the legacy of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc.?

Answer: Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. has a legacy of leadership and service. The fraternity has played a major role in the development of African-American leadership, and its members have made significant contributions to society.

Question 6: How can I join Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc.?

Answer: To join Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc., you must be a male student of African descent who is enrolled in an accredited college or university. You must also meet the fraternity's academic and character requirements.

Summary: Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. is a global fraternity that promotes scholarship, leadership, citizenship, and service. The fraternity was founded in 1963 by eight young men, and it has since grown to over 300,000 members. Iota Phi Theta has a legacy of leadership and service, and its members have made significant contributions to society.

Transition to the next article section: To learn more about Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc., please visit the fraternity's website at www.iotaphitheta.org.

Tips for Understanding "When Was Iota Phi Theta Founded"

Understanding the founding date and context of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. is crucial for comprehending its historical significance and ongoing impact. Here are five tips to enhance your knowledge:

Tip 1: Historical Context: Explore the historical backdrop of 1963, including the prevalent social and political climate, to grasp the motivations and aspirations of the fraternity's founders.

Tip 2: Founding Members: Familiarize yourself with the names and backgrounds of the eight young men who established Iota Phi Theta. Their vision, values, and experiences shaped the fraternity's core principles.

Tip 3: Purpose and Mission: Delve into the fraternity's stated purpose of promoting scholarship, leadership, citizenship, and service. Understand how these pillars have guided Iota Phi Theta's activities and initiatives.

Tip 4: Growth and Expansion: Trace the fraternity's remarkable growth from its humble beginnings to its current global presence. Examine the factors that contributed to its successful expansion.

Tip 5: Legacy and Impact: Assess the lasting contributions of Iota Phi Theta to African-American leadership and community development. Highlight notable achievements and influential members who have shaped the fraternity's legacy.

These tips will provide a deeper understanding of "When Was Iota Phi Theta Founded," enabling you to appreciate the fraternity's historical significance and ongoing relevance in society.

Summary: Understanding the founding of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. requires a comprehensive examination of the historical context, founding members, purpose, growth, and impact. By following these tips, you can gain valuable insights into the fraternity's journey and its enduring legacy.

Conclusion

The founding of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. on September 19, 1963, marked a significant milestone in the history of African-American organizations and the pursuit of scholarship, leadership, citizenship, and service. The fraternity's eight founders, driven by a shared vision, established a brotherhood that has since grown into a global organization with over 300,000 members.

Iota Phi Theta's legacy is deeply intertwined with the development of African-American leadership and community empowerment. Through its focus on education, civic engagement, and service, the fraternity has played a vital role in shaping the lives of countless individuals and communities. The fraternity's commitment to these core principles continues to guide its activities and inspire its members to make a positive impact on society.