City of Birmingham celebrates 100-year legacies of 3 Black Greek organizations

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ( WIAT ) — The City of Birmingham is honoring the centennial anniversaries of three Black Greek letter organizations.

Three Legacies, One Century is a photo exhibition of the histories of three groups and their service to the city. The Tau Sigma Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Alpha Phi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and the Omicron Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority were all founded in 1924.

The free exhibit will be on display through Sept. 2024, on Mondays through Fridays, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the second floor of City Hall.

“Sustaining an organization for 100 years is a major feat,” said Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin. “These college-educated African Americans maintained their mission to serve our community for decades in spite of the many challenges and tribulations; persisting through Jim Crow, through segregation and inspiring others, by building up our community, offering scholarships, educating young people, and serving as role models.”

• Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., is an international organization comprised of 225,000 college-educated men, built primarily on promoting brotherhood, scholarship, and service. Over its 100-plus years of existence, the fraternity has focused on improving the global community through dedicated service. Birmingham’s Tau Sigma Chapter was charted on Jan. 9, 1924. Joseph Fenderson is the chapter president.
• Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. was founded as the first international fraternal organization on the campus of a historically black college on Nov. 17, 1911, in Washington, D.C. Its cardinal principles are manhood, scholarship, perseverance, and uplift. Birmingham’s Alpha Phi Chapter was chartered on July 5, 1924. Robert Averhart is the chapter president.
• Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., an international service organization, was founded on the campus of Howard University in Washington, D.C. in 1908. It is the oldest Greek-letter organization established by African American college-educated women. Birmingham’s Omicron Omega Chapter was chartered on Oct. 24, 1924. Pauline Parker is the chapter president.

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