Mu Beta Sigma Chapter

OF

Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc.

“OUR CAUSE SPEEDS ON ITS WAY”

LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS

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

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.

It’s Official 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.

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”

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

NE

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Social Action

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.

Rev. Charles Helms

Director of BBB

1900 Hidden Oaks

Jacksonville, AR 72076

Phone # (501) 765-5680

Bigger Better Business

“If we want to grow, we have to know.”

Anthony Ball

Director of BBB

Phone # (501) 960-3475

Dolemite1914@yahoo.com

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.

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

Frank Williams, Jr.

Director of Education

Phone # (501) 541-6112

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.

“Marching To Jubilee”

Howard University, Washington D.C.

Will you be ready?

“An Empowering Word Lord”

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

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.

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

Only $200

wow 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