History of Phi Sigma Philos

It was 1985 when Mrs. Theresa B. Leeke, Basileus of Phi Sigma Chapter, appointed Soror Alma Cooper Hawkins to organize a Phi Sigma Philo chapter. The Phi Sigma Philos was organized on April 13, 1985 with the following members:

Lillie Brown
Christine Ford
Mae Frances Frazier
Rosetta Knight
Lillie McLane
Sylvia Parojonig
Essie Peters
Virginia Thomas
Cleora Tolbert

The advisors, Sorors Ruth Booker, Adina Carter, Evelyn Chase and Alma C. Hawkins, took them under their wings. Mrs. Christine Ford was elected President. During Philo Ford's five-year tenure, the Philos participated as well as contributed to the NAACP, the March of Dimes, The Johnson Foundation and Sickle Cell Anemia Program at Howard University, Well-Babies Program and Africare. Also the Philos obtained a lifetime membership with the Phyllis Wheatley YWCA.

In 1987, Mmes. Dorothy Monk, Helen Hasty, Nyoka Thomas and Priscilla Tillery were inducted. Soror Jane Wilson was appointed to the advisory staff in 1988, and Catherine Thomas and Eunice Wise were inducted, with Philo Brown receiving a formal induction. In 1990, Mmes. Thelma Goodwin, Anita Harris, Lillie Harrison and Lita Poole Edwards were inducted and Philo Maxine Steele transferred into the chapter. In 1992, Mmes. Cornelia Goode, Dianne S. Stephens and Beverly Ashby Thomas were inducted, bringing the membership to 20 active members.

In 1992, our hearts were saddened with the passing of our charter member Philo Lillie B. McLane and in 1993, the Lord called our advisor and star mentor Soror Alma C. Hawkins home. In 1994, another charter member, Philo Rosetta S. Knight, laid down the torch and in 1995, Philo Cleora Tolbert said good-bye.

In addition to its rich history, Phi Sigma Philos have also been recognized on the Regional and National levels. Philo Beverly Thomas represented the Phi Sigma Philos in the Lady Philo Pageant (scholarship fund) and was crowned Lady Philo at the Northeast Region Conference held in Philadelphia, PA. She was also first runner up at the Boule in Winston-Salem, NC. That same year, Philo Mae Frances Frazier was elected to the office of International Philo Vice-President and then went on to serve two terms as International Philo President. Mrs. Rose P. Elliott was appointed their new advisor. Three new members were inducted Carolyn Berry, Pamela H. Heckstall, and Matnita Green.

Phi Sigma Philos had an increase in membership for the year 1999-2000, bringing our total number of active members to fifteen. The following new members were inducted in December 1999: Kathryn Johnson, Doris Rogers Montgomery and Claudia Thomas. In April 2000, Angenetta Littlejohn was inducted.

At the 58th Northeast Region Conference held in New York City, the Phi Sigma Philos worked hard and achieved many awards. For the second year in a row, they placed first in each of the following areas: "First Lady Philo Pageant", Arts and Crafts and Scrap Book. At the Boule in August, they placed second in the areas of Membership Development and Attendance. Philo Beverly Thomas represented the NE Region well as the first runner-up in the "First Lady Philo Pageant".

In the year 2001, Phi Sigma Philos inducted four ladies: Barbara A. Haynes, Lavonne Lewis, Annette V. Thomas and Christine Vaughn. The 21st Century will bring new challenges for Phi Sigma Philos but we will continue to strive and fulfill Sigma's motto: "Greater Service Greater Progress".

submitted by Philo Lillie D. Brown
Historian

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