HISTORY

Founded by a group of business and professional college educated men, the Eta Sigma Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated was established in Raleigh, North Carolina in 1921. The chapter was officially chartered on November 13, 1922.

Since its inception, members of the Chapter have played prominent roles in business, education, government, law, religion, and civic affairs in and around the Raleigh Area. Eta Sigma, through the collective efforts of its members, have left a lasting legacy of brotherhood, scholarship and service that continues to this day.

Throughout the City of Raleigh you will find lasting monuments that honor the service of some of our beloved brothers. For example, on the Campus of Saint Augustine’s University you will find Boyer Residence Hall named after Brother Dr. James A. Boyer the school’s 7th president.

On the campus of Shaw University there is the George C. Debnam Building named after Dr. George Debnam, a prominent physician and leader who served thousands of African-American patients throughout his career.

What a joy it is to see children playing at the Junious N. Sorrell Park located just outside of downtown Raleigh. The City of Raleigh re-named the park in Brother Sorrell’s honor in 2017 in recognition of his service to the community. Brother Sorrell was a community organizer and activist who lent his voice towards efforts to improve the conditions existing in and around historic South Park neighborhood.

Over the years the chapter has benefited from the wisdom of great men such as the aforementioned brothers. Even now, the chapter enjoys the benefit of wise counsel from statesman, the Honorable Dr. Dudley E. Flood. Dr. Flood is widely known throughout the State as the Dean of Education. He was at the forefront of North Carolina’s efforts to de-segregate public schools. In 2019 the Public School Forum announced the launch of the Dudley E. Flood Center for Educational Equity and Opportunity. The Center is a hub that connects educators to key resource that will help improve the quality of education throughout North Carolina and beyond.

The brothers of Eta Sigma are honored to carry on the legacy of these great men who have come before us. Eta Sigma’s membership today reflects the same demographic of its founding membership. Within its present ranks are educators, lawyers, judges, business owners, ministers, physicians, technologist, financial experts, and men representing an array of professions.

We serve with pride. We serve with distinction. We are The Men of Sigma.