![]() With the creation of the Iota Sweethearts, Inc. On September 26, 2014, Iota Sweethearts became an incorporated organization. More than just a support system for the fraternity, Iota Sweethearts evolved into a sisterhood that provides an atmosphere for hundreds of women to develop on a collegiate and professional level. The relationship, based on mutual respect, honor, commitment and dedication between Brothers and Sweethearts, individually as well as to the fraternity in general, has resulted in the positive growth and development of members and the organization over the years.Īs Iota Phi Theta continued to grow, so did Iota Sweethearts. Iota Phi Theta and Iota Sweethearts have enjoyed a special relationship unlike any other in the fraternal world. Be it serving as hostesses for regional meetings and national conferences or as a support team at a step show, Iota Sweethearts have always been there on the front lines providing vocal and moral support for the brothers of Iota. As the fraternity navigated the rocky waters of the early years, the brotherhood could always count on the support of the sweethearts. Brooks continued for many years through the Iota Sweethearts. Brooks was granted the title of "Eternal Sweetheart" shortly after the fraternity's official founding September 19, 1963. She was a vital resource in assisting the Brothers through a time of adversity in their early growth and development. Brooks was a member of the Morgan State staff, working for the registrar’s office, and in this capacity, she played a crucial “behind the scenes” role for the fraternity. In the early 1960′s at Morgan State University (then Morgan State College), Iota Phi Theta was blessed to have an invaluable ally in the person of Ms. Spruill, Coakley, Dorsey, and Gregory had known one another since grade school, and Spruill and Coakley’s friendship extended to when the two were pre-schoolers.Iota Sweethearts began as a recognized, respected and honored tradition of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. First of all, many were long-time friends. This group of men was unique for several reasons. The founders of Iota Phi Theta were: Albert Hicks, Lonnie Spruill, Jr., Charles Briscoe, Frank Coakley, John Slade, Barron Willis, Webster Lewis, Charles Brown, Louis Hudnell, Charles Gregory, Elias Dorsey, Jr., and Michael Williams. On September 19, 1963, at Morgan State College (now Morgan State University), 12 students founded what is now the nation’s fifth largest, predominately African-American social service fraternity: The Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Incorporated. T hree weeks later and less than 50 miles away, in Baltimore, Maryland, another group of men would make a different kind of history. deliver his historic “I Have a Dream” speech. On August 28th, 250,000 people participated in the historic “March on Washington” and heard Martin Luther King, Jr. On June 12th, Medger Evers, NAACP field secretary and civil rights leader, was assassinated at his home in Jackson, Mississippi by a segregationist. On April 12, America watched with horror and outrage as Birmingham Police Chief Eugene “Bull” Connor and his officers used water hoses and police dogs against peaceful civil rights demonstrators. History-making events occurred that would radically and permanently affect the country as a whole, and African-Americans in particular. (Note: The Centaur can appear in Green, Brown, or Gold but must ALWAYS have Red eyes.)ġ963 was a turbulent year. Additionally, Iota Phi Theta intakees are referred to as Centaurs. A Mythical beast with the head and torso of a man, and the body of a stallion, The Centaur is near and dear to all Men of Iota Phi Theta and its mythology, characteristics, and legacy are a binding force within the Brotherhood. Designed by Founder Charles Briscoe, the Shield of Iota Phi Theta was modified slightly several times during the early years of the Fraternity.īesides the Fraternity Shield, the next most readily identifying symbol of Iota Phi Theta is The Centaur. It is used by the fraternity upon its official stationery, membership certificates, and other documents. ![]() The Shield may be used only by official members of the fraternity on stationery, jewelry, and other personal effects. Its connotation, or meaning, is revealed by the initiation ritual. The Shield of Iota Phi Theta (significantly, not a “crest” or “Coat of arms”) is the most commonly used symbol of the Fraternity. Official Flower: Yellow Rose (Chosen by Eternal Sweetheart, Ms. Official Colors: Charcoal Brown (PMS 469) & Gilded Gold (PMS 871 Metallic) Motto: “Building A Tradition, Not Resting Upon One” Purpose: “The Development and Perpetuation of Scholarship, Leadership, Citizenship, Fidelity, and Brotherhood among Men.” Founding Place: Morgan State University – Baltimore, Maryland ![]()
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