Phi Beta Sigma is founded at Howard University on the principles of brotherhood, scholarship, and service.
At a Glance
- Date
- 9 January 1914
- Location
- Washington, D.C.
- Key people
- A. Langston Taylor, Leonard F. Morse, Charles I. Brown
- Category
- Organizations & Institutions
- Source
- Phi Beta Sigma founding records · Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity
What It Meant Then
Its motto, 'Culture for Service and Service for Humanity,' tied fraternal life to community uplift.
What It Means Now
Phi Beta Sigma continues as a Divine Nine organization with chapters worldwide.
Cite this page
- MLA
- “Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Founded.” Black-History.com, 30 Sept. 2026, https://black-history.com/on-this-day/phi-beta-sigma-fraternity-founded/.
- APA
- Black-History.com Editors. (2026, September 30). Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Founded. Black-History.com. https://black-history.com/on-this-day/phi-beta-sigma-fraternity-founded/
- Chicago
- Black-History.com Editors. “Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Founded.” Black-History.com. September 30, 2026. https://black-history.com/on-this-day/phi-beta-sigma-fraternity-founded/.
Editorial Note
By the Black-History.com editors. Last reviewed 30 September 2026. To suggest a primary source or a correction, write to editors@black-history.com or use our corrections form.