“OUR CAUSE SPEEDS ON ITS WAY”

LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS
“OUR CAUSE SPEEDS ON ITS WAY”
Mu Beta Sigma Chapter
OF
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc.
From The Desk Of The President
Greetings Brothers:
The past four years have been very rewarding and successful for me. That success has not
come without a lot of hard work on your part. Thank you.
 We grew to become the largest chapter in the nation, currently 137 members. This
feat was due to a lot of effort given from many members working on it. However,
there are a few brothers (Rico McClarity, John Toombs, and Danny Mitchell) who
pushed their past chapter brothers to come home. Thank you brothers.
 We were successful in establishing the Mu Beta Sigma Foundation with 501 © 3
status of tax exemption.
 We have strengthened relationships with our four collegiate chapters, which
include Alpha Beta Eta, Theta Alpha, Rho Phi, and Phi. All of the chapter advisors
are motivated to assist and move the chapters forward.
 We have engaged Directors of our three programs and Sigma Beta Club. Thanks
go to the following brothers for leading Phi Beta Sigma Programs.
 Rico McClarity - Social Action
 Frank Williams – Education
 Amp Ball and Charles Helms – Bigger & Better Business
 Frank T. Williams – Sigma Beta Club
 We currently have John Toombs serving as treasurer of the Southwestern Region
and Michael Cristal serving as the International Director of Bigger & Better
Business.
As you can see we are a chapter that has been busy. “Our Cause Speeds On Its Way”,
but it’s not the time for us to become complacent.
Fraternally,
Brother Ivory W. Lyles
It’s Official
Arkansas Sigma
License
Mu Beta Sigma Chapter has
making history.
Mu Beta Sigma is the first Greek
Letter organization in Arkansas to
launch a fraternal plate. Show
your support for our HBCU
scholarship program by purchasing
a plate at a local revenue office.
DUE$
Dues are NOW due. They
are $250. If you recently came back
to the chapter by reactivation or
reclamation, you will not owe dues
until December of 2011 for the
2012 year. In order to help our
brothers maintain active status, the
chapter has establish a monthly
payment plan. We highly encourage
you to use this payment plan of $21
per month.
If you pay per month, by the
end of December, you will have
paid your dues for the year. The
chapter’s
financial
secretary,
Rameco Harris, is available each
meeting to provide receipts for
monthly dues. You may also pay
through
the
website
sigmaarkansas.org
“WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT”
Mu Beta Sigma
Has 501 (c) (3) status
January 2011 Mu Beta
officially became a 501(c )(3).
Therefore, we are now
qualified to receive tax
deductible bequests, devises,
transfers or gifts. Because of
this new status we are legally
known as Mu Beta Sigma
Chapter Foundation of Phi
Beat Sigma Fraternity. It is
our desire to maximize all
benefits of a nonprofit
organization.
LIVING THE LEGACY: BROTHERHOOD, SCHOLARSHIP, AND SERVICE
Mu Beta Sigma Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc located in Little Rock, Arkansas is beloved to have two brothers who, for more than 50 years,
have lived the Sigma Legacy of brotherhood, scholarship, and service.
Brother Reverend Colonel Leroy James , was initiated into Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., by Chi chapter at Morehouse College, in Atlanta, Georgia in
1953. Brother Lloyd Black became a proud member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. in 1954 while attending Arkansas AM&N College in Pine Bluff, Ark., which is
now the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.
Brother Black recalls his initiation experience. “I became a proud member of Sigma in the spring of 1954. I began the process in the fall of 1953,
we pledged all fall, over the summer, and part of the spring before being initiated in 1954.” Brother James tells a similar story of beginning the pledging process in
the fall of 1952, going home over the summer, and being initiated in the spring of 1953.
Brother Ivory W. Lyles, Chapter President, said these two brothers are considered “giants” in the Mu Beta Sigma Chapter because of their lifelong
commitment to Sigma and the living the legacy of Sigma brotherhood, scholarship, and service. “They accomplished so much in circumstances most brothers cannot
imagine. However, they have remained committed to Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc., and to the local chapter for more than 50 years,” said Lyles.
BROTHERHOOD
To both Brother Black and Brother James, living the legacy means staying true to brotherhood. Brother Black compares his collegiate chapter, Beta Theta, to a
family. Brother Black commented, “That relationship was evident by the caring, encouragement, and assistance to one another in time of need.” Brother James sees
brotherhood from a multifaceted lens. Brother James joined the military after graduating from college. Living in many cities in the United States and around the
world, he found local chapters of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., all committed to the traditions and legacy of the fraternity.
SCHOLARSHIP
Completing their baccalaureate education and attaining other educational advancements were high priorities for these two brothers. Brother James
graduated or completed coursework from Morehouse College; Andover Newton Theological School in Newton Centre, Ma.; Chaplaincy Basic Course at Fort Slocum,
New York; Chaplaincy Advance Course at Fort Hamilton, New York; and the Clinical Pastoral Education at Fort Knox, Ky.
After earning multiple degrees, Brother James became an educator himself and helped spread the cause of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., through his
distinguished academic work. He completed a bachelor’s at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, Brother Black earned a master’s in education at the University
of Arkansas at Fayetteville. He further studied at the University of Arkansas Little Rock, Southern University in Baton Rouge, la., and the University of Texas at
Austin. Brother Black served as a principal in the Clarendon, Helena-West Helena, and Pulaski County Special School districts, before retiring in 1993 as a principal in
the Little Rock School District. Additionally, he has taught English at Dimery’s Business College, Lemoyne-Owen College, and Arkansas Baptist College.
SERVICE
“I was one who received social and economic help from the brothers. Therefore as a Sigma man, I know it was important to give back,” commented
Brother Black regarding his dedication and understanding of service. Brother Black’s service includes membership on the board of the Arkansas Teacher’s
Association, president of the District Teachers Association, and director of the Retired Teacher’s Association. Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe recently appointed
him to the Arkansas Public School Life and Health Insurance Board. He won the election for position #9 on board of trustees of the Arkansas Teacher’s Retirement
System. Brother Black is an active member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Little Rock.
Brother James is a pastor, US Army Chaplin, and a community activist. He served as a US Army Chaplin for 21 years, to include over seas tours in South
Korea, Vietnam, and Germany. He retired at the rank of Colonel and is the recipient of the coveted Legion of Merit Award.
Service to Sigma highlights both men’s commitment to Sigma through attending monthly meetings and always being ready to share their financial
support for a Sigma project or event.
In 2010 the brothers of Mu Beta Sigma chapter honored Brother Black in its Sigma Profile, one of five inducted for his contributions to education and to
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. “The reason I have remained committed to Sigma for the past 57 years is the same reason I joined Sigma—practical service ideas and
inclusiveness.” Brother James stated, “Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. is great because it continues to focus on implementing our noble motto: Culture for service
and service for humanity.”
Brother Black is married to the late Erma and have one daughters and one granddaughter.
Brother James has a wife Mary, and he is a father of three. He has seven grandchildren, three great grand children, and one great great grandchild.
“Leadership and Learning are indispensable to each other.” - John F. Kennedy
NEW MEMBERS OF PHI BETA SIGMA
Social Action
Bigger Better Business
Anthony Ball
Director of BBB
Phone # (501) 960-3475
[email protected]
Rev. Charles Helms
Director of BBB
1900 Hidden Oaks
Jacksonville, AR 72076
Phone # (501) 765-5680
The Bigger and Better Business Programs has had some tremendous success this 2011
year under the new Directors. In the 2011 year the program has had seminars such as the
credit seminar this month, which has helped many of the members of this organization. The
seminar touched on things such as how to read your credit report, how to get your credit up
to par, and how to save money by making the right purchases.
The second half of the 2011 year the program has had a breakthrough in Networking.
One of the founding principal of the program is to help businesses within in the organization
exploit its members in their careers. We have come up with a way that has done this by having
a networking book. This book gives you the opportunity to see where the members work, so
when you are looking for services you may look within your organization first.
Little Rock Fire Dept. will be giving its entry exam in the next few months. This test
is only given once every two years. Starting pay is about $34,000. In five years your
will be making $51000 while only working about 121 days out of 365 days. You
must be between the ages of 21 and 35, have no felonies, valid license, and able to
pass a drug test.
“If we want to grow, we have to know.”
Frank Williams, Jr.
Director of Education
Phone # (501) 541-6112
Education
1st Saturday Sigma Story Time
For the 2011 Calendar Year, the Education Committee of the Mu Beta
Sigma Alumni Chapter partnered with the Dee Brown Library located at
6325 Baseline Rd Little Rock, AR to promote 1st Saturday Sigma
Storytime. Reading to children was a definite success. Children were read
too, allowed to answer questions, ask questions and use their imaginations.
Plans are in the making with Dee Brown Library to continue 1st Saturday
Sigma Storytime for the 2012 Calendar Year.
Goal/Objective: To help increase the literacy rate among school-age
children by reading to them. This would be achieved by spending 1 hour of
the 1st Saturday of each month reading to children from 11:00- 12:00
noon.
Statistics: State tests results from the Arkansas Department of Education
show that several students are struggling to read and fall below basic when
it comes to meeting/passing the basic requirements in literacy.
Research/Benefits of Reading to Children:
• Teaches children basics of how to read a book.
• Better communication skills and fluid vocabulary.
• Mastery of languages.
• More logical thinking skills.
• Acclamation to new experiences.
• Enhanced concentration and discipline.
• The knowledge that reading is fun!
Picture Description: Shows brothers taking turns reading to children in
the children section at the Dee Brown Library.
Frank J. Williams, Jr. - Director of Education
“MAKE A NOTE”
Upcoming Events
A. Mu Beta Sigma Chapter Prepare for Fall Intake: Members of Phi Beta Sigma chapters have begun
the process of identifying men who have the qualities and characters that qualify to become Men
of Sigma. For more information, please contact Bro. Lyles at (501) 837-8581 or Bro. McClarity at
(870) 562-3471.
B.
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. presents “Membership Retention: “ Members of Phi Beta Sigma
who have been inactive the past three years can step up and become national for ONLY $200.”
This will cover of all national, regional, state, and local dues for 2012. This offer is for a limited time
only.
C. “Turning Black Blue”: because we did not have Sigma-Zeta Round-up, on BLACK FRIDAY
we will have a major gathering of all members of Phi Beta Sigma and Zeta Phi Beta
November 25, 2011 at Holiday Inn Presidential (600 Interstate 30 L. R., AR).
THERE WILL BE A MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT
D. Zeta/Sigma 2011 Christmas Celebration: TBA
E. Centennial Countdown: The centennial two-year countdown celebration will be January
5-8, 2012 in Memphis, TN. In 2012, we will celebrate the life of The Honorable A.
Langston Taylor. The event will include a reception, placement of a historic land marker
on Beale Street, a Rededication ceremony, National Founders Day Program, and the
Centennial Touring Museum bus will depart for an across the nation tour.
F. Southwestern Regional: Southwestern Regional Conference, St. Louis, MO. The
Southwestern Regional conference will be held April 19-22, 2012 at the Holiday Inn
Select. Please go to www.pbssouthwestern.org for more information.
G. “Supper and Soul”: Arkansas Baptist College announced their “Supper and Soul”
featuring Gladys Night. This event is to be held Tuesday, January 17, 2012. Tickets are
$250.00.
H. Intake Certification: The President of Mu Beta Sigma chapter request all four collegiate chapter’s
members, chapter advisors, and any brother who would like to participate in intake to attend the
regional conference. The region has decided that certification will be conducted at the regional
conference only. No exceptions.
“An Empowering Word Lord”
Mark 3:27
No man can enter into a strong man's house, and
spoil his goods, except he will first bind the
strong man; and then he will spoil his house.
God made everything. He spoke everything into existence, but man. We were made
by the very hand of God. God formed us in his image. The Spirit of God breathed life into man. And
according to scripture, Christ have made us free. God made us into what were to be, but our choices
have made us into what we have become. In our creation we were made strong men of God, but the tricks
of the enemy and wilds of this world have replaced our true purpose and defined our roles. Some of our
choices have over taken our life, and we are now bound in our own house. Because we are bound, many
things have entered into our life, our home, our marriage, our family and our finances. Nowhere in the text
does it say we cannot overcome the things that have us bound. But I did read, in 2 Timothy 1:7 For God
hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
It is time for us as strong men of God to stand up in power, with the love of God, and speak with a
sound mind to the world. “I AM THE MAN GOD MADE.” Show the world that you love God and your family
first, above all things. Loose our life of all habits, and cast out every unclean thing that has come into our
life, our home, our marriage, our family and our finances. Be the strong man that God made you to be. Your
life, wife, family and home need you. Remember “YOU WERE MADE IN HIS IMAGE”
Trust In Him
Brother Robinson Chaplin
“Marching To Jubilee”
Howard University, Washington D.C.
Will you be ready?
Nationals Honors the efforts of Mu Beta
Sigma Chapter for reclaiming the largest
number of members and becoming the
largest chapter in the nation.
Alumni members of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity
Inc. that have been inactive or non-financial for
the past three years or more, have the
opportunity to reactivate for $200 with Mu Beta
Sigma Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc.
REACTIVATE FOR ONLY $200
With Mu Beta Sigma Chapter
wow
Only
$200
I’M IN
April 14, 2012
7:00 pm
Venue: Scimitar Shriners
#1 Schimitar Cir.
Little Rock, AR 72209
I have a major
announcement.
Do you want to leave a financial legacy for your family or
your beloved organization? Have you ever said to yourself. If I
had the money, I’d leave a financial legacy to my family or my
beloved organization ? If your answer is yes, then I may have a
solution to your concern. It does not cost as much money as you
think to leave a financial legacy. Many Americans think that you
must save your entire life and almost live in poverty to obtain
this goal. But the fact is, that is not true. Then what is the
answer to this solution? Well brothers, I’m glad you asked. It’s
life insurance.
Yes, life insurance. Many Americans fail to
understand the true power of life insurance. Many of us try to
create a financial legacy by setting aside personal savings,
buying and selling real estate and etc. Whereas, those are good
ways to leave a legacy, notwithstanding, it’s not the best way
because of the challenges that these alternative methods bring.
With savings, you have to be very discipline, earn a good rate of
return, and pray that you do not have a costly emergency, health
concerns or a premature demise. With real estate, you must be
able to buy low and sell high, and be able to weather economic
conditions of the housing market.
However, with life insurance, this product can easily weather the
challenges that the other methods cannot. First, unlike the
other alternatives, life insurance create an immediate legacy
with its death benefit whereas the other two has to accumulate a
legacy. Second, the life insurance death benefit is not contingent
on market interest rates or a seller’s market. Third, if you
become disabled whereas you cannot earn wages from your
regular profession or job, you can request a waiver of premium
benefit that will continue to pay your premiums. Fourth, if this
legacy is for your beloved organization (ex. Phi Beta Sigma
Fraternity, Inc.), if you itemized on your tax return you can
make the fraternity owner of the policy and write-off
the
premiums as charitable giving. Fifth, and the last reason for
using life insurance as this magical tool is that the premiums
you pay are considered to be discounted dollars because the
premium is a small cost of the total value of the death benefit.
Now that you know that you can still leave a legacy for your
family and/or beloved organization, then let’s go out and start a
legacy.
Fraternally,
Bro. Curtis S. Woods, LUTCF, CLU, CHFC
Member of the Southwestern Region Distinguished Service
Chapter, LM 1602
Brothers of
Phi Beta Sigma
Fraternity Inc. of
Mu Beta Sigma Chapter