Some students join organizations such as Fuerza Latina but others join Greek life. Joshua Henry pledged for Phi Beta Sigma in the spring of 2016 and has found a home among them.
Celeste Gessner: Why were you interested in joining a fraternity, and why specifically Phi Beta Sigma?
Joshua Henry: The reason why I got interested in this fraternity was basically the brotherhood. I’m the oldest of out one one so I never really had a big brother so I always had to be the man of the house in that sense. I wanted guidance and someone to look up to. And one day, I saw the brothers of Phi Beta Sigma, the way they interacted with each other, they were always together whether they were eating, doing homework or even partying, I envied them. They had that bond that I wanted. I became interested and I kinda feel like in a corny way Sigma’s kinda chose me because I knew nothing about Greek life and fraternities till I came to Utica College.
CG: What have you learned since crossing into Greek life?
JH: I’ve learned a lot. I’d say the biggest thing I’ve learned since joining is being more humble and understanding people better because nowadays individuals don’t take into consideration other’s feelings, background, history. I think people should be more careful and think about these factors being speaking and taking action. I’ve always been careful with what I say and do but now I consider all factors before speaking.
CG: How much emphasis is put on education?
JH: Phi Beta Sigma’s main focuses are brotherhood, scholarship and service. But scholarship is the most important. Before I even pledged, I would see the brothers in the library. They enforce library hours to ensure we meet the requirements of a 2.5 GPA and go beyond that. At the end of the day, we’re here for our education.
CG: Are there any sort of specific philanthropies PBS focuses on?
JH: March of dimes. March of dimes is a nonprofit organization that to improve the health of infants by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality.
CG: What is expected of you from other brothers?
JH: I’d say to keep my mind focused on upholding our three principles which as I said before are brotherhood, scholarship and service at all times
CG: With that being said, what do you expect from yourself?
JH: As for myself, I feel like I expect myself to use this fraternity as a platform to help other people and do what I have to do to better myself and be uplifting whenever I can be.
CG: Would you consider this organization time consuming?
JH: Absolutely. If I didn’t love it so much, I would hate it. I’m consumed by planning events, upholding what is expected of me, while maintaining my GPA, balance a social life and still try to find time for myself.
CG: What makes this fraternity different from others?
JH: I’d say being are part of the divine nine. The divine nine are fraternities and sororities that are historically African American. I’d say being part of the divine nine sets us apart from others.This organization was founded on January 9th, 1914 at Howard University. Our specific chapter started in ‘81
CG: Is there anything else you can tell me about being part of Phi Beta Sigma?
JH: We’re the people’s fraternities if anything. We’re very uplifting and we always go out of our way for other people even if we don’t know them. Myself specifically, during pledging, I was very down and it was even worse because I couldn’t talk to anybody so I understand the hurt, suffering people endure so I try my best to spread positivity.