Sigma Pi Phi, Alpha Boule Chapter Fraternity Records

Sigma Pi Phi, also known as the Boule ("Council of Nobleman"), is generally considered to be the first African American Greek-lettered organization. Founded in Philadelphia in 1904, Sigma Pi Phi has over 5000 members and 112 chapters throughout the United States and the West Indies. Unlike many other fraternities, it does not have any college chapters, and its members already have received college and professional degrees at the time of their induction. Shortly after the establishment of the fraternity, the founders looked to other cities in which to expand the fraternity and thus establish a national organization. The Philadelphia chapter became known as the Alpha Boule, with subsequent chapters named Beta Boule, Gamma Boule, and so on.

The collection contains records related to the Alpha Boule Chapter of the Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity. Materials include minutes (1956-1992, with some gaps); correspondence; annual reports; financial records; photographs; governance documents such as constitution and bylaws; guidelines for rituals and ceremonies; a scrapbook of early correspondence, minutes and other documents; curriculum vitae of members; and Alpha Boule stationery. There is correspondence and other documents from: Henry M. Minton, Daniel B. Taylor, Jr., Melvin Chisum and E. Theodore Jones. The collection also includes taped interviews of members of the fraternity conducted by Dr. Melvin J. Chisum from 1986-1988.

Original audiovisual materials, as well as preservation and duplicating masters, may not be played. Researchers must consult use copies, or if none exist must pay for a use copy. Certain digital files may also be inaccessible. Please contact the Charles L. Blockson Afro-American Collection for more information.

Processed in June 2010.

Use

The Sigma Pi Phi, Alpha Boule Chapter Fraternity Records are the physical property of the Charles L. Blockson Afro-American Collection, Temple University Libraries. The creator/donor has not assigned their rights to Temple University Libraries. Other creators' intellectual property rights, including copyright, belong to them or their legal heirs and assigns. Researchers are responsible for determining the identity of rights holders and obtaining their permission for publication and for other purposes where stated.

Preferred Citation

[Description and date of item], [Box/folder number], Sigma Pi Phi, Alpha Boule Chapter Fraternity Records, AB, Charles L. Blockson Afro-American Collection, Temple University Libraries, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Publisher

Temple University Libraries: Charles L. Blockson Afro-American Collection

Finding aids author

Machine-readable finding aid created by: Rajkumar Natarajan, Sky Global Services India (P) Ltd.

Date

January 2025

Creator

Sigma Pi Phi. Alpha Boule Chapter Fraternity

Subject

African American fraternal organizations

African Americans -- Education (Higher)

Greek letter societies -- Pennsylvania -- Philadelphia

Race and ethnic history

People

Chisum, Melvin J.

Jones, E. Theodore

Minton, Henry M.

Taylor, Daniel B.

Language

English

Form

Bylaws (administrative records)

Administrative records

Correspondence