IOTA PHI THETA: THE FOUNDING AND ASCENDANCY
The Fall of 1963 was a wonderful time to be young, Black, and a college student in America. For African-Americans, hope was not only alive, it was brighter than ever. It was students who filled the buses and took the freedom rides in the deep south. Sometimes they were jailed, injured and killed. But in 1963 the movement was in full swing.
At Morgan State College (within view of the memorial statue of Frederick Douglas) Albert Hicks, Lonnie Spruill Jr., Charles Briscoe, Charles Brown, Louis Hudnell, Charles Gregory, Elias Dorsey Jr., Michael Williams, Frank Coakley, John D. Slade. Barron Willis and Webster Lewis congregated on the steps of Hurt Gymnasium and conceived IOTA PHI THETA.
While forming a philosophy for IOTA, the founders were mindful of their responsibility to reflect the changing times. The organization was to be relevant, not just to be. It was to encourage brotherhood, not stamp out individuality. It was for leaders, not just for followers.
Although we agreed basically with each other we founders in many ways , were very different. We reacted to the changing times in different ways. But the goal we had in common was that our fraternity would bestow upon each brother, within the bounds of established rules of good governance, and non-offensive behavior, the freedom to define himself.
IOTA has become, not a dream, but a magnificent reality — a glimpse of the higher life, the broader possibilities of a new black man — of humanity, which is granted to the man who, amid the rush and roar of living, pauses to learn what living means.
–
John D. Slade
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
I would like to know the cost of the book. As we would like to include it for all of our new intakes as a way to ensure they understand the history of the frat from the founders viewpoint. Is there a bulk discount
I view the preface above to be an intriguing analogy… multiple threads coming together to grow one strong ever growing vine. 46 years of evolution, defining and redefining the five stars in reverence to the founders vision is ever so clear. Brothers in the form of new growth fibers continue to strengthen the vine with focus and direction, understanding that the vine of Iota Phi Theta will continue to rise to greater heights as the sky is the limit. I am Proud to Be an IOTA MAN, I am Proud of the Brothers who came before me, and I am Proud of the Brothers who selflessly continue to protect the candle and flame.
I view the preface above to be an intriguing analogy… multiple threads coming together to grow one strong ever growing vine. 46 plus years of evolution, defining and redefining the five stars in reverence to the founders vision is ever so clear. Brothers in the form of new growth fibers continue to strengthen the vine with focus and direction, understanding that the vine of Iota Phi Theta will continue to rise to greater heights as the sky is the limit. I am Proud to Be an IOTA MAN, I am Proud of the Brothers who came before me, and I am Proud of the Brothers who selflessly continue to protect the candle and flame.
Brother Coleman, yes there is a bulk sale discount. The costs of the books will be listed shortly. Someone from IOTAICON Publishing, will be in touch.
Brother Jackson, thank you so much for your comments. Ow- Ow
I have not been at such a large gathering of the Brothers of Iota Phi Theta in over 15 years. Though it was a sad occasion I felt honored and blessed to be able to attend the services for our founder Dr. Elias Dorsey. The catheral ran over with the Brown and Gold and the day’s events reminded me of thirty four year ago when I first saw the Brothers of the Notorious Nasty Nu around campus and why I choose IOTA. Every single Brother makes IOTA PHI THETA Fraternity Inc the very unique organization that it still is today. IIPTTDID ! Please send me ordering information.
OW-OW Frat! I wish I had the opportunity to attend the memorial for Founder Elias Dorsey Jr. The brothers of the Alpha Mu Omega Grad Chapter in Dallas, TX held our memorial service Saturday, 07/31/10 at the African American Museum. Iota will continue to be a big part of our lives and we hope to make a big footprint in the community as well as push our fraternity to even greater heights! ShOWT out to everyone everywhere. Founder Slade, I personally appreciate your energy, strength and words of encouragement. I need this book ASAP!