Perspective:

1963 was a year of significant change, particularly for African-Americans. Amidst the turbulence, a group of men in Baltimore, Maryland, created history by founding a fraternity that would become a major force in the African-American community.

Beginnings:

On September 19, 1963, 12 students at Morgan State College (now Morgan State University) founded Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Incorporated. These Honorable Founders were Albert Hicks, Lonnie Spruill, Jr., Charles Briscoe, Frank Coakley, John Slade, Barron Willis, Webster Lewis, Charles Brown, Lewis Hudnell, Charles Gregory, Elias Dorsey, Jr., and Michael Williams. Many were long-time friends and “Non-Traditional Students,” balancing full-time jobs, families, and studies. They established the fraternity with the purpose of fostering Scholarship, Leadership, Citizenship, Fidelity, and Brotherhood among men.

Growth:

The fraternity began as a local entity but expanded with interest groups in 1967 at Hampton Institute and Delaware State College. By 1968, Iota Phi Theta had chapters at Norfolk State College and Jersey City State College and was officially incorporated as a national fraternity in Maryland. Today, Iota Phi Theta has over 300 chapters in 40 states and internationally in Japan, Korea, and the Bahamas. The fraternity’s expansion included the creation of its first graduate chapters, which helped establish its presence in various regions across the United States.

Summary:

Iota Phi Theta continues to grow and remains committed to contributing to society, particularly within the African-American community. The fraternity upholds its founders’ vision of “Building a Tradition, Not Resting Upon One!” and represents excellence across the nation and beyond.