50 years of Excellence, 50 years of Brotherhood
Phi Beta Sigma
Gulf Coast Region
PBS Gulf Coast Region is the regional governing body of Phi Beta Sigma chapters in Louisiana, New Mexico, and Texas. As a region, we offer resources, support, promotion, and guidance for members of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc.
At PBS Gulf Coast Region, we strive to foster a community of professionals who are dedicated to promoting excellence in their respective fields. Our goal is to provide opportunities for personal and professional growth, as well as networking and collaboration. We believe that by working together, we can make a positive impact on our communities and beyond.
The Brief Story of Sigma
"founded at Howard University..."
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity 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.
A. Langston Taylor
Leonard F. Morse
Charles I. Brown
From Vision to Reality
"dedicated to the inclusive we..."
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 to race, nationality, skin tone or texture of hair. They desired for their fraternity to exist as part of an even greater brotherhood which would be devoted to the “inclusive we” rather than the “exclusive we”.
"Culture for Service and Service for Humanity"
From its inception, the Founders also conceived Phi Beta Sigma as a mechanism to deliver services to the general community. Rather than gaining skills to be utilized exclusively for themselves and their immediate families, they 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 and Service For Humanity”.
"international organization of leaders..."
Today, Phi Beta Sigma has blossomed into an international organization of leaders. No longer a single entity, members of the Fraternity have been instrumental in the establishment of the Phi Beta Sigma National Foundation, the Phi Beta Sigma Federal Credit Union and The Sigma Beta Club Foundation. Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, founded in 1920 with the assistance of Phi Beta Sigma, is the sister organization of the Fraternity.
A Brief History of the
Gulf Coast Region of
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.
Soon after his initiation into our Band of Brothers, Herbert L. Stevens moved to the State of Texas. There, he continued "Our Cause" at Wiley College by chartering the Beta Chapter. Thus the first imprint of Sigma outside of the area of Washington D.C. was created in Texas, which would become known as the Western Region. Texas was later separated from the Western Region and became the "Lone Star" Region of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.
Years later, the State of Louisiana would be integrated into what would become our organization's only two state region and as a result, the Gulf Coast Region would be born. Over the years, the Gulf Coast Region flourished in many ways while providing a plethora of impactful events, scholarships, and service to our communities. Additionally, the Gulf Coast Region delivered our organizations 27th, 31st, and 32nd International Presidents.
At the 2013 International Conclave of the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, the state of New Mexico was added to our region's fold. Within the first year of integration, the Brothers of New Mexico added two chapters, increased their state's membership by 50% and hosted their first statewide conference.
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The Gulf Coast Region of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. is now comprised of the states of Texas, Louisiana, and New Mexico. We exist as consortium of positive and professional military and civilian men determined to continue our rich and historic legacy of providing the best in service through our programatic thrusts of Bigger and Better Business, Education, and Social Action and also through our Regional Initiatives. Dedicated to the principles of Brotherhood, Scholarship, and Service, it is our desire to provide our Gulf Coast Region communities with impactful and meaningful service and to enhance our communities as a positive part of our communities.