Our History

National History

Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. was founded at Howard University in Washington, D.C., January 9, 1914, by three young African-American male students.

The founders, Honorable A. Langston Taylor, Honorable Leonard F. Morse, and Honorable Charles I. Brown, wanted to organize a Greek letter fraternity that would truly exemplify the ideals of brotherhood, scholarship, and service.

The founders deeply wished to create an organization that viewed itself as "a part of" the general community rather than "apart from" the general community. They believed that each potential member should be judged by his own merits rather than his family background or affluence...without regard of race, nationality, skin tone or texture of hair. They wished and wanted their fraternity to exist as part of even a greater brotherhood which would be devoted to the "inclusive we" rather than the "exclusive we".

Rather than gaining skills to be utilized exclusively for themselves and their immediate families, the founders of Phi Beta Sigma held a deep conviction that they should return their newly acquired skills to the communities from which they had come. This deep conviction was mirrored in the Fraternity's motto, "Culture For Service, Service For Humanity."

As time went on and with life changes, each one of the seven chartering members of Eta Rho Sigma lived in the Greater Houston area and had just started out in their respective careers after the chartering of Eta Rho Sigma Chapter. Unfortunately, after a few years of existence, the chapter became dormant in active membership in the Fraternity; however fortunately, the Chapter’s charter remained intact.

In October 2006, Bro. Johnnie R. Sandles was approached by a group of brothers who wanted to revive the Eta Rho Sigma Chapter. At the same time, members of the Sam Houston State University Alumni Association had requested of Sandles to make an attempt to get more former students and alumni involved in the University’s activities. With requests to get more Sigma men involved on two fronts, Bro. Sandles wrote a letter-of-request to then Regional Director Bro. Jerry Green, requesting permission to activate the chapter.

At this time, thirteen brothers either transferred into or reactivated with Eta Rho Sigma in 2007, reuniting with the organization to continue their commitment to the Fraternity’s motto “Culture for Service and Service for Humanity.”

Through the efforts of chapter members the chapter’s constitution was ratified, Chapter policy and procedures manual drafted, the formation of the chapter’s 501(c)3 entity “The C.A.U.S.E. Foundation” was formed the chapter’s First Founders’ Day Scholarship Banquet and also being afforded the privilege of initiating its first member into our wondrous band through the chapter. Brother Brit Bell was initiated on November 5, 2010.

In July 2014, the chapter reached a pinnacle of membership growth during the Centennial Celebration as one of the top 20 chapters throughout Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. in being named “Centennial Chapter” which is a designation reserved for Chapter’s membership exceeds 101+ active members. The Eta Rho Sigma Chapter ended the 2014 year at 125 members.

As we continue to move forward, The Eta Rho Sigma Chapter will continue the legacy of focusing on issues that affect youth and families in order to strengthen communities. We are focused on the ideals on the high ideals set forth by our Honorable Founders of “Brotherhood, Scholarship and Service”.