Chapter History
R.E. Reid, Albert H. Holder, James A. Cotton, Phillip E. Powell, and George B.D Stephaus submitted an application for a Graduate Chapter to be established in Newport News, Virginia on June 8, 1961. Their application was approved by Parlett L. Moore, Eastern Regional Director and they received their Charter as Delta Epsilon Sigma. During the early years, additional members included the following brothers:
Lloyd Buckner |
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When the former chapter of Delta Epsilon Sigma became inactive in the late 1960s, local and newly transplanted Brothers of the Peninsula of Southeastern Virginia felt the need to revitalize Phi Beta Sigma in this area to carry out our creed of Brotherhood, Scholarship and Service through our national programs of Bigger and Better Business, Social Action and Education.
The Zeta Delta Sigma Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. of Hampton, Newport News, and Williamsburg, Va., was chartered in 1974 by Bro. James Holmes, Bro. Fred Holcomb, Bro. Crawford Smith, Bro. Rev Preston Hayes, Bro. Angus Cave, and Bro. Clarence Kane. Later in 1980, the men of Zeta Delta Sigma were extremely fortunate in having a group of beautiful dedicated wives who organized themselves into an auxiliary group designated as "The Sigma Shadows." This group of talented and articulate women committed itself to support the education and scholarship programs of the chapter. Their support was indeed been outstanding in every respect. We salute the Sigma Shadows, currently known as the Sigma Wives!
In the mid-1970’s, several Sigma Brothers had moved to the Peninsula from various parts of the country. These Brothers felt a strong urge to bring the Peninsula the spirit and dedication of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. In 1974, the Zeta Delta Sigma Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. received its charter.
Action
Our Social Action Program goals have always emphasized the need to influence the African-American Voting Community to become more involved in the politics of our nation. Because of our concern in this area, we have worked in concert with other organizations to increase Voter Registration and participation. We are a NAACP life member, and we regularly provide additional financial support to further its goals. Other events that ZDS actively participates in that fall within the purview of Social Action, includes March for Babies, Turkey Drive, Relay for Life, Salvation Army – Ringing of the bells, and Peninsula Food Bank.
In Education, the chapter has sponsored a tutorial program for five years at Hampton Roads and Citizens Boys Clubs. Zeta Delta Sigma provides annual scholarships for Sigma Beta (SB) Club members graduating from high school. In 2003, ZDS sponsored the 1st Annual Hampton Roads Youth Step Show Challenge, a SB Club scholarship fund raiser. It continues today. In 2009, the chapter’s SB Club, chartered in 1977, celebrated its 32nd Annual SB Club Scholarship & Awards Banquet.
These and other fund raising efforts enable the chapter to provide thousands of dollars in scholarship money to deserving high school seniors and collegiate brothers. In addition to financial aid, the alumni brothers offer mentoring, counseling and friendship to our SB Club members and collegiates.
The men of Zeta Delta Sigma take pride in our accomplishments of the past years and look forward to the challenges and demands of the future.
Location and Facilities:
Zeta Delta Sigma is located in Hampton, VA. The mailing address is Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Zeta Delta Sigma Chapter, P.O. Box 7395, Hampton, VA 23666. Chapter meetings are held at the Edustar Academy of Performing Arts at 424 Catalpa Avenue, Hampton, VA 23666 on the second Saturday of each month at 3:00pm. From I-64 take I-664 to Powhatan Parkway. Turn left onto Powhatan Parkway and go to the 3rd light which is "Shell Road." Turn right onto "Shell Road" and travel approximately .8 mile to "Catalpa Avenue." Turn left, the street number is 424. From Big Bethel Road, travel to "Briarfield Road" and turn left. Then turn right onto "Aberdeen Road." Turn left onto "Pembroke Avenue" and turn right at next light which is "Old Aberdeen Road." Then make a left onto "Shell Road." Travel 1/2 mile and "Catalpa Avenue" intersects from the right, 424 is the number.
