Brothers;
On behalf of the entire
brotherhood of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, worldwide, I extend our warmest
greetings to you as you recommit yourself to Iota. It is my hope that together
we will continue to build on our foundation of Scholarship, Leadership,
Fidelity, Citizenship, and Brotherhood for all men.
Because of the continued support of all of our members, we have been able to
choose paths that benefit the organization in general and our Brotherhood,
specifically. This “process of progress” can only keep its course if you stay
with Iota. We want you! And if you have not been with us for a while, we want
you back!
We are extremely proud of our forty-three year legacy of Brotherhood in the Bond
and our rich and illustrious history. 1963 was a turning point in our
Nations collective histories as the plight of Black Americans took center stage
when by taking a stand for freedom America and the World had to take a look at
what America was hiding on the social and political landscapes. America was the
watchdog for the World but failed miserably in the area of civil and human right
for all in her own country. The March on Washington on August 28, 1963 increased
the social consciousness of the Nation and in particular 12 distinguished Black
Students from Morgan State University who decided to answer the call to not just
make a difference in America but to go home and mobilize, energize and motivate
other to take a stand and then deliver on “The Dream”. Iota Phi Theta was
founded on September 19, 1963 during the height of the Civil Rights Movement
less than three weeks after one of the greatest shows of solidarity in the
history of Black Americans.
Our Founders saw Iota as not just another Fraternity but as a 20th Century
“Concept” where the ideal of a Brotherhood for men of color on college campuses
is built on a foundation designed for the overall development of tried and true
leaders, who are held in the highest respect and greatest esteem by their peers,
Universities, and in their Communities. The cornerstone of the college
experience starts with the pursuit of knowledge and skills, which is the core of
our 1st principle, which is Scholarship. We then stand firmly on the principles
of Scholarship, Citizenship, Leadership, Fidelity and Brotherhood better known
as Our Cardinal Principles. Throughout the world you will find Iota Men who have
excelled in almost every walk of life. The 21st Century vision for Iota is to
continue our pursuit to fraternal excellence, Service to the Community and
justice for all.
The Grand Council, Board of Directors and the entirety of the Brotherhood of
Iota Phi Theta encourage you to voice your opinion on every topic that comes to
your mind. We will always hear you and we will always respond. With you making
the commitment back to Iota it allows us to move collectively forward at a
quicker pace to our ultimate goal.
Stick with Iota on every level, and you will see positive results on every level. Since 1963, we have done what no one else has been able to do which is “ Build A Tradition Not Rest Upon One”!
Brothers, we are asking that you serve Iota first and reap the benefits of your commitment.
Sincerely,
Larry D. Frasier
19th International Grand Polaris
Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc.