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A CEREMONIAL RESOLUTION
25-131
IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
October 2, 2023
To recognize and honor Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Incorporated for 6 0 years of brotherhood
‘and service.
WHEREAS, Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Incorporated, an international social service
organization, was founded on the campus of Morgan State University in 1963, at the height of
the Civil Rights Movement;
WHEREAS, the first undergraduate chapter of Iota Phi Theta in the District of Columbia
was established at the University of the District of Columbia in 1971, and received a charter as
the Fraternity’s eighth undergraduate chapter;
WHEREAS, the second graduate chapter of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Incorporated, was
established in the District of Columbia in 1970, and received a charter as the Beta Omega
Chapter of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Incorporated;
WHEREAS, Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Incorporated’s purpose is the development and
perpetuation of scholarship, leadership, citizenship, fidelity, and brotherhood among men;
WHEREAS, Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Incorporated has grown to include over 75,000
members and 300 chapters throughout the United States, Asia, and the Bahamas;
WHEREAS, Iota Phi Theta is the youngest amongst the group of African -American
social service organizations commonly referred to as the Divine Nin e;
WHEREAS, the Beta Omega Graduate Chapter of Iota Phi Theta established a 501c3
non-profit organization in the District of Columbia, Beta Omega Social Services, Incorporated,
in 2013;
WHEREAS, Beta Omega Social Services has partnered with District entities and private
corporations, including the Office of Out of School Time and the Department of Human Services
to provide educational, nutrition, academic and career development services to citizens of the
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District of Columbia, and to communities East of the River in particular;
WHEREAS, Beta Omega Social Services provides youth programming, including
college scholarships, STEM education services, and mentorship in District of Columbia Public
and Charter Schools including Ketcham Elementary School, Drew Elementary School, Bard
High School, Eastern High School, Ron Brown High School , Dunbar High School, and
Roosevelt High School;
WHEREAS, Iota Phi Theta is currently in its 23
rd
administration under the leadership and
programmatic agenda of international Polaris Dr. Sean Housen Sr.;
WHEREAS, Iota Phi Theta Fraternity Inc., has partnered with the Administration for
Community Living and the United States Department of Health and Human Services , and the
National Council on Aging to support access to critical vaccines for seniors and persons with
health impairment or health conditions through its Five Star Vaccine Program ;
WHEREAS, Iota Phi Theta’s Good Health Wins Campaign, a partnership with the
National Council of Negro Women, addresses health disparities and supports increases access to
vaccines and community health resources;
WHEREAS, the year 2023 marks the 60th anniversary of the founding of Iota Phi Theta
Fraternity, Incorporated.
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this
resolution may be cited as the “Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Incorporated 60th Anniversary
Recognition Resolution of 2023” .
Sec. 2. The Council of the District of Columbia congratulates Iota Phi Theta Fraternity,
Incorporated for 60 years of brotherhood and service, and especially recognizes the Beta
Omega Graduate Chapter , its non- profit subsidiary, Beta Omega Social Services,
Incorporated, and the various undergraduate chapters that have been active in the District
since 1970.
Sec. 3. This resolution shall take effect immediately.