source: https://youtu.be/Li4sHBXSqYo

In what has been a series of unfortunate events in the past year and a half, a growing number of African American youth, and now in a more recent set adults, have been the target of police officers to a seemingly much to frequent deadly extent. On Saturday, August 23rd, 2014, Phi Beta Sigma teamed up with National Action Network, in an effort to create a united front against the heavily blossoming trend of police inequality and brutality. The March for Justice, as its been titled, included  6 busses of activists, both young and old, in the Staten Island area of New York City. 

Alpha Delta Chapter President, Sherland Kellman (shown above to the far left), has been one of the leading participants in the attempt to buck this trend. The march, which included members of the Phi Beta Sigma from across the city, as well as other organizations and multiple groups of NAN members, was in Staten Island due to the recent police brutality case which lead to the death of Eric Garner. Mr. Garner's case gained national recognition, due to the fact that it was considered to be a case of excessive force captured on video. Notable audible is the man gasping for air and stating " I can't breathe".
The march and protest was a peaceful one, in support of Mr. Garner's family, the entire group was chanting "no justice, no peace! no racist police!" and of course "I can't breathe". The march started from the location of Eric Garner's death to the Staten Island Yankees' stadium with Bro. Rev. Al Sharpton leading the way.

- Brother Cabril DeAbreu

The A. Philip Randolph Institute was established by Asa Philip Randolph in 1966. Asa Philip Randolph is credited with organizing and initiating the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, one of the most iconic and largest political rallies for human rights in United States history. Speakers at the March included Martin Luther King (SCLC), Floyd McKissick (CORE), John Lewis (SNCC), Roy Wilkins (NAACP), Witney Young (National Urban League) and Walter Reuther (AFL-CIO). Martin Luther King concluded the March with his famous "I Have a Dream" speech. The San Francisco Chapter carries on Asa Philip Randolph's legacy today continuing the fight for jobs and freedom.

http://3forthefounders.com/

3 FOR THE FOUNDERS During the Centennial Celebration, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., will hold a Unity Rally on the campus of Howard University, the birthplace of Sigma. The Unity Rally highlights the life and legacy of Sigma Brother A. Philip Randolph in the advancement of equal rights, opportunity and justice for all.

Leading up to the rally, Phi Beta Sigma will sponsor 3 FOR THE FOUNDERS, a fundraising campaign to support five of our nation’s most valuable causes. The benefactors of this fundraiser will be the A. Philip Randolph Institute, National Action Network, Howard University, Hosea Williams Feed the Homeless & Hungry Project, and Sigma Beta Club Foundation.

Brothers of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity and sisters of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority can establish your own virtual giving page and solicit donations of $3 and higher. Please establish your own giving page, make your contribution and start collecting donations. Your contribution total will be highlighted in the Centennial Event Journal.
 http://3forthefounders.com/

On Friday, April 4th, 2014, Brothers of Zeta Pi Sigma( The Hawaii chapter) presented International Director of Education, Bro. Jean B. Lamothe a $ 300 check for the Centennial Book Scholarship Program.
Bro. Netter a member of the chapter stated “Although chapters are being asked to submit $100, our chapter decided to contribute $100 dollars for each of our Founding Fathers. What better way to pay tribute to them”
Bro. Dr. Michael Baslee, Western Regional Director of Education commented that he is excited about this initiative & has personally reached out to every chapter president of the Western region to ensure their participation in our national education project.Bro. Jean B. Lamothe, International Director of Education thanked Zeta Pi Sigma for their generous donation & encouraged all the chapters of the region to join in the effort to supply 100 high school students & members across the country with book scholarships. Brothers & chapters across the country should be forwarding their scholarship contributions directly to their Regional Directors of Education.http://www.phibetasigma1914.org/announcements/zeta-pi-sigma-donates-check-to-centennial-book-scholarship-program/

“Saving Lives Everyday!” During the months of April, May and June of 2014, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. members and chapters throughout the nation, will collect canned goods and non-perishable food items to benefit the Hosea Williams Feed the Hungry & Homeless Program in Atlanta, GA, as well as similar programs in the Washington, DC area.

Beginning in April, members are encouraged to send donated items to the Fraternity’s International Headquarters, located at 145 Kennedy Street, NW, Washington, DC 20011. During the organization’s Centennial Celebration from July 16-20, 2014 at the Marriott Wardman Park, the collected goods will be displayed, transported and distributed to the food programs in Atlanta and Washington.

The late, Hosea Williams, was a principal leader of the civil rights movement, political figure, ordained minister and member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity. Renowned for his militancy and his ability to organize demonstrations and mobilize protesters, he helped coordinate the 1965 protest march in Alabama from Selma to Montgomery.

Headed by his daughter Elisabeth Williams-Omilami, the program’s mission is to examine and raise public awareness about the many problems facing families and individuals that are living in poverty or are at risk of slipping into poverty. The program then seeks to mobilize products, volunteers and financial resources to solve those problems, or to ease the burden caused by the problems.

http://www.phibetasigma1914.org/announcements/can-food-drive-to-benefit-the-hosea-williams-feed-the-hungry-homeless-program/

File Your Taxes Free In-PersonIf you need help filing your federal and state taxes in person, here are some trusted services that can help you for free in your community:

1. Volunteer Income Assistance (VITA)Program:IRS-certified volunteer tax preparers offer free tax help to households with incomes of $52,000 and below in 2013. VITA sites are usually located at community and neighborhood centers, libraries, schools, shopping malls and other local places. To find the nearest VITA site, call 1 (800)-906-9887 (toll-free) or search for the closest location online.

2. AARP Tax Aide program:IRS-certified AARP volunteers offer free tax help to people ages 60 and up with low to moderate incomes. Tax preparation and help is available from February 1-April 15 at 6,500 locations. Some sites offer help in several languages. Some sites will also assist people under age 60, but you must call to verify. Enter your zip code into this AARP Tax-Aide Site Locator to find a tax help location near you.

Remember, the deadline to file your taxes is Tuesday, April 15, 2014.

myfreetaxes.com/phibetasigmafraternityincfsa
http://www.myfreetaxes.com/get-organized/file-in-person/

Nationwide is excited about the continued partnership with Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc and the Affinity team  lead by Anne Ariva presented to Past President Carter D. Womack its Centennial sponsorship  check in the amount of $20,000.00. Nationwide is headquartered in Columbus, Ohio the home of Brother Womack. Pictured; left to right is Natalie Siston, Director Affinity Relationship Management , Joanna Schwieterman, Relationship Support, Anne Ariva, President & COO, Director Affinity & Growth Solutions, Carter D Womack, Past International President, Phi Beta Sigma  and Centennial Co-Chair, Ruben Minor, Affinity Relationship Manager for Phi Beta Sigma, and Ann Ritterspach. AVP, Affinity Solutions.

http://www.phibetasigma1914.org/announcements/nationwide-insurance-is-a-centennial-celebration-sponsor/