Iota Phi Theta Merchandise, History, and Other Info

Honor New and Old Traditions With Iota Phi Theta Merchandise

The 1960’s was a turbulent time for the civil rights movement, trying to move forward and demand equality for all races. Iota Phi Theta became a fraternity during this time. At Morgan State University on September 19, 1963 twelve men began the Iota Phi Theta fraternity. These twelve men were Albert Hicks, Lonnie Spruill, Jr., Charles Briscoe, Frank Coakley, John Slade, Barron Willis, Webster Lewis, Charles Brown, Louis Hudnell, Charles Gregory, Elias Dorsey, Jr., and Michael Williams.

The founding fathers of Iota Phi Theta were different from the traditional students in many ways. Many of them were not straight out of high school, some having served in the armed forces, and others having families with small children. Many of them were working full time jobs while at the same time working as full time students. This set Iota Phi Theta apart from other fraternities because they were generally more responsible and mature. The purpose of the fraternity developed from this foundation: "The development and perpetuation of Scholarship, Leadership, Citizenship, Fidelity, and Brotherhood among Men."

The motto of Iota Phi Theta is "Building a Tradition, Not Resting Upon One!" Through this motto the brothers of Iota Phi Theta work hard to expand and improve their efforts in their personal educations and the betterment of society as a whole. Iota Phi Theta is actively involved in community service initiatives such as The National Federation of the Blind, The United Negro College Fund, The National Sickle Cell Foundation, the NAACP, and many more. You can also see members in their Iota Phi Theta sweatshirts, hats, clothing, hoody sweatshirts, T-shirts, and other merchandise helping and volunteering in local communities across America.

Many members of Iota Phi Theta have gone on to great careers. NBA Hall of Fame member Elvin Hayes, NFL Defensive Back Chidi Iwuoma, composer Webster Lewis, actor Desi Arnez Hines II, Congressman Bobby Rush, and many others are all members of Iota Phi Theta. Some of these alumni can still be seen wearing their Iota Phi Theta jewelry like rings, bracelets, and more. The Iota Phi Theta fraternity has a long and lasting tradition of excellence.

The Iota Phi Theta colors are gilded gold and charcoal brown. These colors can be seen all year round on members of Iota Phi Theta when they wear their hats, shirts, sweatshirts, or on party favors at fraternal gatherings. Iota Phi Theta Merchandise can especially be seen during rush time when pledges are showing their enthusiasm and desire to become a member. Once the pledges are accepted they have an induction ceremony where with Iota Phi Theta party favors and other merchandise to reflect the spirit of the event. New members often receive gifts like pins, a flask, blanket, or glass at the ceremony. Then the members wear their pins at formals and on other occasions.

Being a member of Iota Phi Theta is something to truly be proud of. From civil rights movements and taking part in protests, to health initiatives and fund raising for charity services, then and now Iota Phi Theta is working hard to honor their motto and create a better world for all people.