The Zeta Iota chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. was established at Northwestern State University on Oct. 1, 1976. This Divine Nine and National Pan-Hellenic Council fraternity is home to men seeking to practice impactful service through strong familial bonds. They embody the importance of philanthropy, leadership, honor and brotherhood, striving to make a mark on campus and the Natchitoches community.
Lawson Turner, a senior communication major, shared what the fraternity brotherhood means to him. “The ideals of Phi Beta specifically parallel what I want in life, and the brotherhood cannot be replicated. Our principles are brotherhood, scholarship and service, so we are big on representing those who aren’t usually represented,” Turner said.
“This organization is open to all members, and if you look it up, it doesn’t have any specifications on color, skin, religion, or where you’re from,” Turner said. “The whole purpose is to be around those who are like-minded, and to better each other and learn from each other and in service.” For Turner, the fraternity serves as a critical foundation, preparing him for a lifetime of leadership and brotherhood.
Braxon Johnson, a senior fine and graphics arts major, has grown as an individual and brother of Phi Beta Sigma. “Being a part of my organization has taught me how to be a leader, and how to accept myself in modern-day Black culture,” Johnson said.
Through his brotherhood, Johnson found not only a framework for leadership and collaboration but also a deeper understanding of who he is, preparing him for the future. “It has taught me how to grow as a person and effectively work with other people. I want to make sure that Phi Beta Sigma has a voice among the other organizations so we can expand our knowledge,” Johnson said.
The Zeta Iota chapter of Phi Beta Sigma at NSU remains dedicated to fostering leadership and brotherhood. As the chapter approaches its five-decade mark, its legacy is secured not just through its history but through the continuous commitment of its members to represent the unrepresented and carry the organization’s voice and vision forward for future generations.
