September 1, 2019, By PBSWest.org

Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Western Region chartered its sixth chapter in three years, as Sigma Zeta Sigma Chapter | Tacoma, WA & JBLM celebrated its chartering at the Tacoma Country & Golf Club on Sunday, September 1, 2019.

The journey began on Saturday, April 27, 2019, when a small contingent of Brothers from Epsilon Epsilon Sigma Chapter wanted to expand the noble ideas of Phi Beta Sigma south of Seattle to the city of Tacoma. They wanted to further build on the foundation of culture which has offered them a life of service and enduring friendships. A fellowship of kindred minds. Within it is the friendship and understanding of those who share a common faith of brotherly unison, who are in quest of the highest intellectual realities and are united in unselfish service to their fellowmen. With these ideas in mind, on Thursday, May 2, 2019, a chapter charter request was submitted to the 33rd Western Regional Dir., Bro. Mark Armstrong and the Regional Board for approval.

On Monday, May 6, 2019, the Sigma Zeta Sigma Chapter was approved and given full recognition within the fraternity by our 35th International President, the Honorable Bro. Micheal E. Cristal. Brothers J. Bass, E. Bond, A. Buchanan, C. Durant, G. Gittens, M. Jones, J. Leach, K. Moore, D. Hunter, C. Webster, and D. White are recognized as its chartering members.

With brothers ranging from age 22 to 65, an executive board averaging over 16 years of service on the international, national, regional and local level of the fraternity, as well as three members elected to the Western Region Executive Board, The Sigma Zeta Sigma Chapter stands poised and ready to uphold the principles and shield of our wondrous band.

"We laughed, cried, and inspired one another in the most remarkable representation of Brotherhood that any of my fraternity brothers can imagine! Thank you all for the support and inspiration to be the best reflection of our principles for the Tacoma and JBLM populations. It fills my heart with unspeakable joy, love, and humility as I facilitated the chartering of my alumni chapter, Sigma Zeta Sigma, over the Labor Day weekend" stated Bro. Keith Moore, Northwest Area, and Alaska State Director after facilitating the event.

Attendees included: Int'l 1st Vice President, Bro. Chris Rey, 33rd Western Regional Dir., Bro. Mark Armstrong, Western Region 1st Vice Regional Dir., Bro. Kedric D. Nalls, Western Region 2nd Vice Regional Dir., Bro. Trenton Joiner, the Gamma Upsilon Gamma Chapter | Oregon State Univ., Kappa Lambda Chapter | Univ., of Washington, Epsilon Epsilon Sigma Chapter | Seattle, WA @dblepsilonsigma, and Omicron Theta Sigma Chapter | Portland, OR.

Also in attendance were our beautiful Sorors of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., WA & AK State Dir. Sor. Jeanie Nelson, OR State Dir. Sor. Wilhelmina Proby, the Eta Mu Zeta Chapter | Tacoma, WA, Lambda Alpha Zeta Chapter | Seattle, WA, Rho Lambda Zeta Chapter | SeaTac, WA, Pi Alpha Zeta Chapter | Portland, OR, Kappa Nu Chapter | Univ., of Washington, and Eta Phi Chapter | Portland State Univ.

Special thanks to Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Zeta Omega Omega Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Tacoma Alumnae Chapter, and Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., Zeta Phi Sigma Chapter, and over 100 family and friends for coming and supporting the growth of our organization.

Photos of the event can be seen here