Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. Memphis Alumni Chapter will celebrate its 90th anniversary this weekend with a Taste of Sigma Soul Murder Mystery and Taste of Soul Exhibit Friday, and a Masquerade on Saturday.
The Memphis Alumni Chapter, Tau lota Sigma, was chartered June 7, 1935. The five charter members were Dr. C. S. Jones and Jessie. D. Springer, A.B. Bland, T.O. Fuller and Louis B. Hobson. For nearly 90 years, the chapter has sought to build a mechanism to deliver services to the general community.
“The 90th celebration is an opportunity for the brothers of Tau Iota Sigma to reflect, remind and remember all the work we have done in our fraternity, in our chapter and in the Memphis community,” said Durrell Parham, chairman of the 90th anniversary planning committee.
“Today, the Tau Iota Sigma Chapter continues to strive for healthy communities, educating and mentoring young men from ages 8–18, and promoting and honoring community leaders through our African American Image Awards,” Parham added.
The Taste of Sigma Soul Murder Mystery will begin at 7 p.m. Friday at The Great Hall and Conference Center, 1900 S. Germantown Rd., following a ribbon cutting at 6:45 p.m.
“The Taste of Soul Exhibit allows the members and the community to see some of the projects and different accomplishments the chapter has achieved, and also see some of the historical members of the chapter and the Memphis and Shelby County community,” said Anthony Kimbell, Tau Iota Sigma historian.
The Saturday gala will begin at 7 p.m. at the Renasant Convention Center, 255 N. Main Street. During the gala, the chapter will pay tribute to the late Rev. Ezekiel Bell, a fraternity member who pastored Parkway Gardens Presbyterian Church and Redeemer Baptist Church in Memphis. It will also honor its seven adopted Memphis schools.
National fraternity leaders slated to attend the gala include: Phi Beta Sigma International President David Turner, who was installed in August; 35th Past International President Michael Cristal; International Executive Director Phillip “Flapp” Cockrell; Southwestern Regional Director Brandon Hill; Past International Executive Director Daryl Anderson; and International Director of Collegiate Affairs Monteleto Irby.
