January, 2009 begins a momentous and  historic year for all Americans and particularly African Americans. It is especially so for Sigma men, when on Founder's Day we begin the 5-year countdown to Celebration of 100 years of Brotherhood, Scholarship and Service. On that date, we convene special leadership planning meetings in Washington, DC; we lay a wreath at the place of our founding on the campus of Howard University and at the resting place of one of our revered founders, the Hon. Bro. A. Langston Taylor; and we engage in activities in communities everywhere to which the spirit and service of Sigma has spread, heralding this milestone in our history.
Help us mark the moment, remember and signify the Founders' vision from the Hill, when in 1914 our cause took flight. Let every chapter in its own special way mark the day of our establishment as a national fraternity and your chartering as a local chapter on your campus and in your community, in furtherance of "Culture For Service and Service For Humanity". Invite charter members, involve college or public officials, chapter alumni and chapter elders in your activities.
On January 9, 2009, mark this birthday with joyful celebration and reflective pride. This might include:
- Prayer Breakfast
- Press Release, Newspaper Article
- Wreath Laying
- Release of Balloons
- Release of Doves
- Rededication Ceremony
- Chapter History Display
- Wear the Blue & White
Let your Sigma pride show, and begin the process of planning your chapter's participation in the national celebration, the documentation of your chapter history for inclusion in a national display and for posterity as part of your chapter archives.
Watch the international website as we initiate the countdown clock and we roll out celebration plans, regional and national, leading up to and culminating in 2014. Thanks to the Regional Directors for their assistance.
Phi Beta Sigma comes alive at the Chapter level. It is there that the spirit of Brotherhood and the joy of Service takes on true, substantive form and special meaning, knowing and working with our Brothers. We appreciate the rich history and the importance of each chapter.
We are all privileged to witness this day, to represent the aspirations and continue the mission of generations of Sigma men. We give thanks for each of you, for the Fraternity of Bros. A. Langston Taylor, Leonard F. Morse, Charles I. Brown, James Weldon Johnson, A. Philip Randolph, Alaine Leroy Locke, William E. Doar, Jr., John Lewis, Edolphus Towns, our International Presidents - past and present, and all those who led a people and helped pave the way for inauguration of a new day of opportunity, change, hope for justice and equality for all. "From western plains to eastern hills", send up a "shout of praise" to be heard around the nation! Let Sigma shine on January 9.
God bless you on this 95th Founders Day and always.
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