Sigma Pi Phi Alpha Kappa Boule records
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
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)
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.
- 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
Source
- Pappas, James G. (Contributor, Person)
- Sigma Pi Phi (Contributor, Organization)
- University Archives (Repository, Organization)
- Title
- Finding Aid for the Sigma Pi Phi Alpha Kappa Boule records
- Status
- Completed
- Author
- Finding aid prepared by Mark McGuire.
- Date
- 2006
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- Undetermined
- Script of description
- Code for undetermined script
- Language of description note
- English
Repository Details
Part of the University Archives Repository
420 Capen Hall
Buffalo New York 14260-1674 US
716-645-2916
716-645-3714 (Fax)
lib-archives@buffalo.edu