Little Rock Mayor Mark Stodola didn't hide his admiration for the people making up the sea of royal blue monogrammed jackets he saw before him July 15 at the Statehouse Convention Center in Little Rock. The envious official jokingly asked how he could get one.
Stodola was on hand to welcome delegates during the opening ceremony of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc.'s five-day international conclave, "I Am My Brother's Keeper." The free, open-to-the-public event took place in Governor's Hall II and III of the convention center. The opener bore the theme "There's Something Special Going On in Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity." Fraternity member Monaleto Irby and Kendra Kelly, Miss International Phi Beta Sigma, steered the program, which included a tribute to members of the Little Rock Nine.
Among the kickoff activities was a performance of a gospel number, "Expect the Great," by the Sigma Singers, and a skit that included some snappy fraternity-step-show choreography.
Short tribute speeches were given by presidents and other officials representing the "Divine Nine" -- the nickname given nine historically black Greek-letter organizations -- starting with Mary Breaux Wright, international president of the Sigmas' sister sorority, Zeta Phi Beta. Each tribute was followed by a presentation to Jonathan A. Mason Sr., Phi Beta Sigma international president. Wrapping up the ceremony were performances by gospel artists Le'Andria Johnson and Donald Lawrence & Co.
A reception also honoring the Little Rock Nine followed in the Wally Allen Ballroom. Guests enjoyed a vegetable buffet and passed hors d'oeuvres, a short performance by American Idol Season 13 contender Clark King, and dance music.
Phi Beta Sigma was founded 101 years ago at Howard University in Washington.
High Profile on 07/26/2015