On Being an Iota Man

Education

On Being an Iota Man

Since the organization started in 1963, more than 30,000 men have pledged Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Incorporated. AJC Sepia found three local brothers willing to talk about their experiences as Iota Men.

The Shield of Iota Phi Theta is the most commonly used symbol of the Fraternity. Designed by Founder Charles Briscoe, the Shield of Iota Phi Theta was modified slightly several times during the early years of the Fraternity.

I crossed into Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. in the Spring of 1991. I attended Kutztown University and was number four on the line of five. The name of my chapter is Beta Kappa and this chapter was the first chapter in the state of Pennsylvania in 1988. The reason I decided to pledge Iota was because it was different and unique. Meaning that I had never heard of the fraternity before and the brothers on the yard came from all different backgrounds and their personalities were so diverse. The brothers on the yard were athletes, musicians, and visionaries. I observed them individually and did not even know they were fraternity brothers until I saw them during Greek rush. After speaking to them and going through the interview process, we came to the decision for me to participate in the pledge process. (Photo Courtesy of William Ward Jr.)

(Ward cont...) The experience that I had was grueling, educational and fulfilling. It was grueling as my process lasted for four months. All day. Every day. It was educational in that I was able to focus on my studies as it was mandatory and I learned about my line brother’s strengths and weaknesses. It was fulfilling, as I gained friends for life. Iota Phi Theta shaped me into a responsible student, man, father, husband and professional. This is due to the quality guidance of my chapter brothers and friends within the Iota organization. Iota Phi Theta was born out of a revolution and the revolution is repeating itself. So even today Iota Men across the country are in the mix of the revolution just as our founding fathers were in 1963.(Photo Courtesy of William Ward Jr.)

Besides the Fraternity Shield, the next most readily identifying symbol of Iota Phi Theta is The Centaur. A Mythical beast with the head and torso of a man, and the body of a stallion, The Centaur is near and dear to all Men of Iota Phi Theta and its mythology, characteristics, and legacy are a binding force within the Brotherhood. Additionally, Iota Phi Theta intakees are referred to as Centaurs. (Note: The Centaur can appear in Green, Brown, or Gold but must ALWAYS have Red eyes.)

I pledged at Morehouse College and crossed the burning sands on Nov. 22, 1998. I pledged Iota Phi Theta because I wanted to be a part of something that was growing and was started on the value of individuality in the era of the civil rights movement. I became a life member of this organization because it means a great deal to me to be able to talk and interact with the founders of the organization and hear how and why this great organization was created. (Photo Courtesy of Taijuan M. Clayton)

(Clayton cont...) I am still in awe that I can obtain a first-hand account of history rather than read about it. Iota Phi Theta has impacted my life in a positive way. I am an educator who continues to teach our young students about individuality. This generation has to deal with peer pressure on a whole new level, and I work steadfast to allow students to see their own potential by being a role model. My fraternity, although young and small, packs a mighty punch in our community by volunteering our services in all areas, from tutorial services to civil right matters. (Photo Courtesy of Taijuan M. Clayton)

The Official Colors of Iota Phi Theta are Charcoal Brown and Gilded Gold. THE YELLOW ROSE is the official flower of the Fraternity. The rose was chosen by Eternal Sweetheart Audrey Brooks.

My decision to join Iota Phi Theta Fraternity Inc. was highly influenced by the time period that my fraternity was founded in. I am an African -American male and have faced challenges associated with this throughout my entire life. As I grew and researched, I found that all 12 of the founders attended the March on Washington in 1963. At that moment they took it upon themselves to return to Baltimore with change in mind. They directly led sit-ins and protests, while also conceptualizing a fraternity that would be about exacting change in society. This fraternity constantly reminds me of the challenges that the African-American community faces, and have faced for hundreds of years. (Photo Courtesy of Erick Taylor)

(Taylor cont...) The years of 1963 and 2015 are not very different, especially with the repeal of parts of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. I am lucky to have joined this fraternity in a period when our founders are still alive, while having a chance to engage with living historians about some of the most turbulent times in our history. Iota Phi Theta still evolves while following our core of being a fraternity that inspires change, continuing to build traditions, not rest upon them. With the opportunity to engage with men who were alive during such a critical period, and to share an active vision, I can honestly say that I couldn’t have chosen to be a part of any better fraternity in the world. (Photo Courtesy of Erick Taylor)

1/9

The Shield of Iota Phi Theta is the most commonly used symbol of the Fraternity. Designed by Founder Charles Briscoe, the Shield of Iota Phi Theta was modified slightly several times during the early years of the Fraternity.

Today's Gallery Headlines

Jimmy Carter ‘forever’ stamp

PHOTOS: 2025 AJC Photos of the Year

Coca-Cola first ad

PHOTOS: Coca-Cola ads over time

Alonzo Herndon

PHOTOS: Philanthropists leave mark on Atlanta

gainesville, thomas county central

PHOTOS: Thomas County Central pummels Gainesville for 5A state title

More Galleries

First day of school standalone photo assignment

PHOTOS: School starts for Decatur students

Back to School Presser

PHOTOS: New Fulton school prepares for school year

Berry College sunset

PHOTOS: Georgia campuses among Travel & Leisure's most beautiful

Graduates of Goodwill of North Georgia job training program and career development programs line up for a graduation ceremony at the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta on Monday, June 9, 2025. Ben Gray for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution

PHOTOS: Graduates of Goodwill of North Georgia’s job training programs