Sigma Pi Phi Alpha Kappa Boule records

Collection — Box: 1-7

Identifier: MS-0116

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

This collection contains records documenting the Alpha Kappa Boule chapter of Buffalo, New York of Sigma Pi Phi. The bulk of the materials are the administrative records of the chapter and include correspondence, finance reports, memorandum, committee minutes, announcements and membership records. Also included are a charter, constitutions, manuals, oaths, speeches, and newsletters.

Dates

1954-2003

Creator

Sigma Pi Phi. Buffalo, New York Chapter (State University of New York at Buffalo) (Organization)

Language of Materials

Collection material in English.

Terms of Access

The Sigma Pi Phi Alpha Kappa Boule records, 1954-2003, are open for research.

Copyright

Copyright of papers in the collection may be held by their authors, or the authors' heirs or assigns. Researchers must obtain the written permission of the holder(s) of copyright and the University Archives before publishing quotations from materials in the collection. Most papers may be copied in accordance with the library's usual procedures unless otherwise specified.

Historical Note

The Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity was founded in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1904 by a group of six African American men of the medical profession. It was established for the purpose of giving educated and successful African American men a place to join in a social, spiritual, and communal bond. The fraternity, often referred to as the Grand "Boule," meaning "council of noblemen"- is considered to be the first African American Greek-letter organization. Among the fraternity's most prominent members were Martin Luther King, Jr., W.E.B. Dubois, Arthur Ashe, Ralphe Bunche, and Vernon Jordan.

Members of the fraternity are known as "Archons" and their wives are known as "Archousae." With the Grand headquarters being in New York City, there are five regional Boules representing the Northeast, Southeast, Central, Western, and Pacific regions. Within each region are local Boules. Today there are over 4,200 total members. The fraternity places emphasis on social action and education while supporting civic, charitable, and religious affairs in each Boule's respective community. Each Boule and it's members participate in youth programs and community activities designed for young people. The Boule Foundation is a substantially endowed foundation which provides educational opportunities for youths through scholarships and participation in national social programs.

Extent

2.71 Linear Feet (7 manuscript boxes)

Additional Description

Abstract

Collection of Sigma Pi Phi Alpha Kappa Boule includes correspondence, minutes, committee reports, memorandum, newsletters and journals.

Arrangement

The Sigma Pi Phi Alpha Kappa Boule records are arranged alphabetically.

Acquisition Information

Donated by James Pappas, October 2005.

Accruals and Additions

No further accruals are expected to this collection.

Processing Information

Collection processed by Mark McGuire, October 2006.

Subjects

African Americans -- Education (Higher) Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
Associations, institutions, etc. -- African American membership Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
Charters Subject Source: Art & Architecture Thesaurus
Constitutions Subject Source: Art & Architecture Thesaurus
Correspondence Subject Source: Art & Architecture Thesaurus
Greek letter societies -- New York (State) -- Buffalo Subject Source: Local sources
Greek letter societies -- Periodicals Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
Greek letter societies -- United States -- History Subject Source: Local sources
Oaths Subject Source: Art & Architecture Thesaurus
Speeches (documents) Subject Source: Art & Architecture Thesaurus
State University of New York at Buffalo -- Archives