Organizations

Fraternal, Social Service, and Religious Organizations

Why was Sigma Pi Phi (the Boulé) founded?

The first black Greek letter organization, Sigma Pi Phi, known as the Boulé, was formed at a meeting in the Philadelphia home of physician Henry McKee Minton (1870–1946) on May 4, 1904. Six men were present for the initial meeting. The Boulé was founded for men “who had made places for themselves in their communities through useful service”; it was designed to meet the social needs of black professional and business leaders, and to address social issues. It focused on post-college years of the black elite who provided meaningful service in the community. It was expected that the members would have similar attributes in education, skills, and level of accomplishment. Minton became the first grand sire archon.



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