More importantly, its members continue to build upon the fraternity's commitment to success and excellence with individual and collective achievements in such fields as politics, education, law, business, medicine, and the performing arts. A key appeal of Iota Phi Theta is, as an organization, it refuses to have its members bind themselves to a defined fraternal image but celebrates the individuality of its members. As of now, there are over 30,000 members in the United States and overseas. Since its founding date, Iota Phi Theta has continued to grow and has become the fifth-largest, and fastest growing predominantly black fraternal organization in the United States. They have a strong commitment to bring about empowerment to the African American community. Since its creation, the foundation has distributed over $250,000 in programs and services.
Most recently, the establishment of the National IOTA Foundation and Iota Youth Alliance helped extend Iota Phi Theta idealism regarding service and the building of traditions in the community.In 1992, the fraternity established the National Iota Foundation, a Tax-Exempt entity whose purpose is to assist the needy through scholarships and other financial assistance. Their idealism continues to strive with service initiatives to involve the fraternity with the NAACP, The United Negro College Fund, The National Sickle Cell Foundation, The Southern Christian Leadership Conference, The National Federation of the Blind, and Project IMAGE. Big Brothers of America was supported throughout the 1960s and 1970s.In fact, in 1974, then Grand Polaris, Thomas Dean appeared in a local television commercial on behalf of Big Brothers of America. Iota Phi Theta sought to eradicate segregation with a protest that was organized against the Northwood Shopping Center in Baltimore, Maryland shortly after its founding.
The fraternity was formed as a support system for men of color during the turbulent U.S. On September 19, 1963, in the height of the Civil Rights' Movement, these twelve founders gathered together on the steps of Hurt Gymnasium on the campus of Morgan State College (now known as Morgan State University) and formed Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. Older than their peers, many had served in the military, working full-time while attending classes, and having families. The founders were distinguished from their peers as they were all non-traditional students. Iota brothers participated in various protests and sit-ins throughout the city of Baltimore.
IOTA PHI THETA PLUS
Influences included organizations such as the Black Panthers, SNCC, plus individuals like Malcolm X, and Stokely Carmichael. The fraternity was founded by twelve men in the midst of the Civil Rights Movement even though there were already 4 other prominent Historically Black Fraternities at the time. First published as a newsletter, the Centaur has evolved into a biannual magazine. The Centaur Magazine is the official publication of the Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. The fraternity holds membership in the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), an umbrella organization comprising nine (9) International Historically African-American Greek letter Sororities and Fraternities, and the North-American Interfraternity Conference (NIC). There are currently around 300 undergraduate and alumni chapters, as well as colonies located in over 40 US states, the District of Columbia, the Bahamas, Japan and South Korea. At present, it consists of over 70,000 members. It was founded on Septemat Morgan State University (then Morgan State College) in Baltimore, Maryland. Iota Phi Theta Fraternity ( ΙΦΘ) is a nationally incorporated, predominantly African-American collegiate fraternity. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. This article needs additional citations for verification.