First Black Fraternity Chartered At University of Wyoming

First Black Fraternity Chartered At University of Wyoming

LARAMIE, Wyo.

The first historically Black fraternity at the University of Wyoming has received its charter after originally organizing on campus five years ago.

Phi Beta Sigma now has seven active undergraduate members and four graduate student members, according to Clarence Neasman, president of the chapter and a junior criminal justice major.

Neasman says he wants to increase the chapter’s membership.

“We are a historically Black fraternity, but we encourage everyone to join us,” Neasman says. “If you want to help yourself, help the community, and help anyone who needs it, Phi Beta Sigma is a great organization. People of every nationality or race are more than welcome to join.”

Currently two Samoans and a Hispanic student are in the UW chapter.

As one of nine predominantly Black Greek lettered organizations, Phi Beta Sigma has a national membership of more than 105,000, with 650 chapters in the United States and abroad. The international organization of college and professional men, founded in 1914 at Howard University, says it is dedicated to enhancing minds and promoting systematic fellowship, African American freedom, justice, equal rights and service to U.S. communities.

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