The Mighty Mu Epsilon Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity inc.
The Mu Epsilon Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Inc has a rich and distinguished history that is rooted in the determination, integrity and passion that still defines the chapter today. While other Sigma chapters have been around much longer than Mu Epsilon, few chapters have grown and excelled as quickly as Mu Epsilon. Within a few short years of its inception, the chapter expanded in stature and reputation at an extraordinary pace and now stands as one of the preeminent chapters.
As with most great achievements, the Mu Epsilon chapter started with a great idea that came from five visionary young men who recognized an opportunity and followed their intuition to its conclusion. In the Spring of 1979 these five insightful men – Kenneth (K.C.) Colebrooke, Greg Bush, Tony Dixon, Maurice Parris, and Darryl Leonard – were bound by a common thought, one that was propelled by their collective desire to improve their community, assist their fellow man and advance their own lives.
Less than a year later, their idea had involved into a plan, one that would achieve their goals and enrich the lives of many others. The central idea was to establish a Phi Beta Sigma chapter at Florida State University that would stand as a benchmark for all other chapters. It was as ambitious plan given that there was little infrastructure in place, but these were ambitious men.
It started with a phone call from former Sigma Beta club member Kenneth Colebrooke to Phi Beta Sigma Legend Mr Wilkes Kemp Sr. (Omega Chapter 10/19/08), the Sigma Beta Club adviser at his high school in Miami. Mr Kemp (as he was affectionately known) talked him through the process, providing him with insight and direction that would prove to be extremely valuable in the coming months. That conversation led to the most significant discussion to that point in their quest to establish a chapter – a discussion between Mr Kemp and the Sigma’s State Director of Florida, who was Damon Miller Sr at the time.
Miller recognized the young men’s determination, passion and conviction and worked closely with them to carry out their vision. Due to logistics, the initial pledge line had to be held in Miami, so Kenneth Colebrooke and Maurice Parris, who were from Miami, pledged first, and then returned to Tallahassee to bring the other three young men into the Sigma family. Colebrooke and Parris crossed those proverbial burning sands on August 29, 1979.
As planned, they returned to Tallahassee and pledged a line of 14. This first line consisted of students from Florida A & M University (Alpha Eta) and students from Florida State University. This situation was very UNIQUE at the time, that the line name reflected it and was called UNIQUE UNITY. It was March 7, 1980 that the Mu Epsilon Chapter was born. The hard work of establishing the chapter was just beginning.
The Chapter sought to learn everything there was to know about Sigma. There were road trips throughout the state to places such as Tampa where the brothers of Zeta Xi chapter at the University of South Florida to immerse themselves in the Blue and White, learning about history, steps, chants, songs, etc. Through their fortitude and steadfast approach, the Mu Epsilon chapter not only grew but also flourished, attracting new members with a variety of skills, talents and visions.
With each passing year since that fateful day in March 1980, Mu Epsilon has continued to distinguish itself as a chapter of recognition, both within the National fraternity and, more importantly, in the communities that it serves. The chapter has blazed new trails in the areas of community service, humanity and brotherhood. Few chapters, particularly in the Southeast, have come close to matching its extraordinary growth and success in such a short period of time.
The Mu Epsilon chapter of Phi Beta Sigma stands today in a league all its own. Its members have gone on to become, Doctors, Lawyers, Businessmen, Professional Athletes, Educators, Clergymen, Law Enforcement members, Olympic Participants and Medalist,
and of course Fathers. The same ideas and principles that the chapter was founded upon still resonate today. As we move toward 2014 and beyond, the Mu Epsilon chapter of Phi Beta Sigma will remain committed to advancing the philosophies and ideologies of Phi Beta Sigma and extending the legacy of the chapter with one central theme at the forefront A commitment to excellence and service to others.
The Chapter sought to learn everything there was to know about Sigma. There were road trips throughout the state to places such as Tampa where the brothers of Zeta Xi chapter at the University of South Florida to immerse themselves in the Blue and White, learning about history, steps, chants, songs, etc. Through their fortitude and steadfast approach, the Mu Epsilon chapter not only grew but also flourished, attracting new members with a variety of skills, talents and visions.
With each passing year since that fateful day in March 1980, Mu Epsilon has continued to distinguish itself as a chapter of recognition, both within the National fraternity and, more importantly, in the communities that it serves. The chapter has blazed new trails in the areas of community service, humanity and brotherhood. Few chapters, particularly in the Southeast, have come close to matching its extraordinary growth and success in such a short period of time.
The Mu Epsilon chapter of Phi Beta Sigma stands today in a league all its own. Its members have gone on to become, Doctors, Lawyers, Businessmen, Professional Athletes, Educators, Clergymen, Law Enforcement members, Olympic Participants and Medalist,
and of course Fathers. The same ideas and principles that the chapter was founded upon still resonate today. As we move toward 2014 and beyond, the Mu Epsilon chapter of Phi Beta Sigma will remain committed to advancing the philosophies and ideologies of Phi Beta Sigma and extending the legacy of the chapter with one central theme at the forefront A commitment to excellence and service to others.