chi sigma news
chi sigma news
chi sigma news
Christmas fest
december 21, 2024
With the support of generous sponsors, volunteers, and committee members, the Community Christmas Fest transformed the school’s cafeteria into a winter wonderland. The highlight of the day was the toy and coat giveaway, which provided much-needed warmth and joy to children. “Seeing the excitement on the children’s faces reminded us of why we do this every year,” said Brother Damon Bennett, Social Action Chair and Chair of the Christmas Committee. “This event is about more than just giving toys and coats—it’s about creating a sense of community, hope, and togetherness.”
“The collaboration between Phi Beta Sigma and Zeta Phi Beta truly highlights the strength of our bond as constitutionally bound brother-sister organizations,” said Soror Robin Thomas, a key organizer of the event. “Together, we were able to create something magical for our community.”
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wreath laying initiative
december 14, 2024
the brothers of the Chi Sigma Chapter along with family, friends, and community members, gathered at the Northern New Jersey Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Sparta, NJ, for a deeply moving Wreath Laying Ceremony. This annual event is part of a national initiative to honor and remember the sacrifices of our nation’s veterans during the holiday season.
The ceremony began with a solemn moment of reflection and gratitude, as attendees stood united in respect for the men and women who selflessly served our country. The event served as an opportunity to recognize the sacrifices of those who came before us and to reinforce the importance of service, unity, and remembrance.
Following the opening ceremony, participants dispersed throughout the cemetery to place wreaths on the graves of veterans. Families of the interred were given the honor of placing wreaths first, followed by volunteers who ensured that no grave was left without recognition.
Damon Bennett, Social Action Chair of Chi Sigma Chapter, reflected on the significance of the event, stating, “This wasn’t just about laying wreaths; it was about honoring lives, sacrifices, and a legacy of service that paved the way for our freedoms today.”
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Thanksgiving day lunch
The brothers of the Chi Sigma Chapter hosted a Thanksgiving Lunch on November 28, 2024, which was a tremendous success, thanks to the incredible turnout and support from our brotherhood and community partners!
This incredible unity across our Sigma family and Divine Nine organizations exemplified the spirit of service and brotherhood. Together, we made a meaningful impact on the elders and veterans in our community, who expressed heartfelt appreciation for the warm meals, thoughtful conversations, and memorable fellowship.
Christmas fest
december 21, 2024
The Chi Sigma Chapter, Hillside, NJ, in collaboration with the Eta Omicron Zeta and Beta Alpha Rho Zeta Chapters of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, hosted the annual Community Christmas Fest: A Sigma-Zeta Family Event at Hillside High School. The event brought together families from the Hillside community to celebrate the holiday season with toys, coats, and festive cheer, leaving a lasting impact on over 100 children and their families.
With the support of generous sponsors, volunteers, and committee members, the Community Christmas Fest transformed the school’s cafeteria into a winter wonderland. The highlight of the day was the toy and coat giveaway, which provided much-needed warmth and joy to children. “Seeing the excitement on the children’s faces reminded us of why we do this every year,” said Brother Damon Bennett, Social Action Chair and Chair of the Christmas Committee. “This event is about more than just giving toys and coats—it’s about creating a sense of community, hope, and togetherness.”
“The collaboration between Phi Beta Sigma and Zeta Phi Beta truly highlights the strength of our bond as constitutionally bound brother-sister organizations,” said Soror Robin Thomas, a key organizer of the event. “Together, we were able to create something magical for our community.”
wreath laying initiative
december 14, 2024
the brothers of the Chi Sigma Chapter along with family, friends, and community members, gathered at the Northern New Jersey Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Sparta, NJ, for a deeply moving Wreath Laying Ceremony. This annual event is part of a national initiative to honor and remember the sacrifices of our nation’s veterans during the holiday season.
The ceremony began with a solemn moment of reflection and gratitude, as attendees stood united in respect for the men and women who selflessly served our country. The event served as an opportunity to recognize the sacrifices of those who came before us and to reinforce the importance of service, unity, and remembrance.
Following the opening ceremony, participants dispersed throughout the cemetery to place wreaths on the graves of veterans. Families of the interred were given the honor of placing wreaths first, followed by volunteers who ensured that no grave was left without recognition.
Damon Bennett, Social Action Chair of Chi Sigma Chapter, reflected on the significance of the event, stating, “This wasn’t just about laying wreaths; it was about honoring lives, sacrifices, and a legacy of service that paved the way for our freedoms today.”
Thanksgiving day lunch
The brothers of the Chi Sigma Chapter hosted a Thanksgiving Lunch on November 28, 2024, which was a tremendous success, thanks to the incredible turnout and support from our brotherhood and community partners!
This incredible unity across our Sigma family and Divine Nine organizations exemplified the spirit of service and brotherhood. Together, we made a meaningful impact on the elders and veterans in our community, who expressed heartfelt appreciation for the warm meals, thoughtful conversations, and memorable fellowship.
turkey Giveaway
November 23, 2022
the Brothers of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Chi Sigma Chapter, Social Action Committee provided and assisted with the Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway, at the Hillside Recreation Center, located in Hillside NJ. From 2pm to 5pm, families were able to stop by the community center to recieve various food items (in a holiday box) such as cranberry sauce, cream of mushroom soup, stuffing, green beans, macaroni and cheese, apple sauce, along with their choice turkey, chicken, or smoked ham. Soror Mrs. Dahlia Vertreese (Mayor of Hillside), our chapter brother Mr. Craig Epps (Councilman in Hillside) and Mr. Robert Rios (Councilman in Hillside) were on hand to greet families and assist with the distribution of food items. The residents were please with the brothers for their participation and assistance.
wakanda forever
NOVEMBER 12, 2022
A GREAT TIME WAS HAD WITH THE BROTHERS OF PHI BETA SIGMA FRATERNITY, INC – CHI SIGMA CHAPTER & OUR SORORS AT OUR WAKANDA FOREVER COMMUNITY MOVIE SCREENING TODAY. THANK YOU TO EVERYONE THAT CAME OUT TO SUPPORT.
Trunk or treat
October 31, 2022
The brothers of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc., Chi Sigma Chapter, Social Action Committee participated in the 2022 Plainfield Trunk or Treat. The brothers, along with our Sorority sisters, the ladies of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., gave out lots and lots of goodies (candy bars, lollipops, starbursts, tootie rolls, to name a few) to all the kids that stopped by our decorated trunk.
The event had a good turnout and the organizers were very appreciative of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity’s continued participation. Thank you to all that donated candy, donated money and/or came out to pass out candy.
Happy Halloween!
Newark Breast Cancer Walk
October 17, 2022
The brothers of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Chi Sigma Chapter, Social Action Committee participated in the American Cancer Society Making Strides in Newark Breast Cancer Walk at Mulberry Commons Park, located in Newark, NJ. We were glad to also support our Sorors of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Gamma Omicron Zeta (GOZ) Chapter. The Chi Sigma Chapter also made a monetary donation to the GOZ Team to help with the fight to find cures and fund vital cancer research. Today, we did a small part in making a big difference.
Hillside Breast Cancer Walk
October 8, 2022
The brothers of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Chi Sigma Chapter, Social Action Committee participated in the Township of Hillside’s Annual Breast Cancer Walk at Bristol Myers Field, located in Hillside, NJ. We were glad to also support our Soror (Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.) Dahlia O. Vertreese, Mayor of Hillside NJ and our chapter brother, Mr. Craig Epps, Councilman Hillside NJ. Along with the 1.5 to 2 mile walk, some of the services that were provided were voter registration, water, fruits, hotdogs and hamburgers, photo IDs, and a raffle to win bikes. The brothers wore pink today to show support and promote cancer awareness. The Chi Sigma Chapter also made a monetary donation to the American Cancer Society to help with the fight to find cures and fund vital cancer research. Today, we did a small part in making a big difference.
World Homeless Day
October 7, 2022
The brothers of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Chi Sigma Chapter, Social Action Committee participated in the Newark Emergency Services for Families (N.E.S.F) Day of Service in Recognition of World Homeless Day in Lincoln Park- Newark NJ. Along with ours Sorors of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., we volunteered with providing several services that was offered to the community of Newark NJ. This included providing food, clothes, haircuts, Covid-19 Vaccination and screening, personal hygiene items, and medical screening to name a few services. There was also an area where individuals could take a shower and receive clothing and personal hygiene items (comb, toothpaste, toothbrush, deodorant, undergarment, etc.). We assisted Soror Trisha Jones (in the purple shirt) in managing various stations and she was grateful for our participation. According to various studies, homelessness is a complex social problem with a variety of underlying economic and social factors such as poverty, lack of affordable housing, uncertain physical and mental health, addictions, and community and family breakdown. Today, we did a small part in making a big difference.
National Day of Service
September 24, 2022
This day has been deemed as Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. National Day of Services. All Chapters has been asked to conduct a Community Service Project that is geared around, Social Action, Education, and/or Bigger and Better Business.
The Chi Sigma Chapter, Social Action Committee was able to donate almost $200 of various non- perishable items/goods to a local church food pantry. We selected the Shiloh Baptist Church, located in Plainfield, New Jersey where we have several of our Sorors who attend this church, including Soror Flora Williams (pictured).
sickle cell walk
September 17, 2022
September is Sickle Cell Awareness month. The brothers of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Chi Sigma Chapter, Social Action Committee, participated this morning in the “Lets Walk About It!” Sickle Cell Awareness walk in Newark NJ. This was presented by Donna T. Darrien Memorial Foundation for Sickle Cell Inc., and was their 20th Annual Walk that many organizations came out to support, including the ladies of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Ms. Mary Moses Hunter, Founder (pictured in Purple hoodie) was happy with all the organizations that were in attendance and made sure to grab a photo with the men of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. A monetary donation was made to the foundation from the chapter.
New Members
September 2, 2022
* Brother Chris Porter
* Hon Brother Mayor Tony Vauss of Irvington, NJ (Essex County)
The Honored Bro Reverend Al Sharpton – Founder & President of the National Action Network, joined the Brothers of Chi Sigma Chapter for the induction ceremony. Shout out to our Chapter President Bro George Darby & Bro Nigel Coelho – Eastern Regional Vice Director for coordinating the membership induction celebration that included hundreds of community guests, members of Sigma & Zeta, along with the representation of the following Divine Nine Mayors of Essex County, New Jersey.
scholarship luncheon
July 9, 2022
The Brothers of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc – Chi Sigma Sigma Chapter awarded $13,000 in scholarships to deserving young men that graduated from various high schools in Northern New Jersey. These young men will soon be matriculating on a college campus near you!
Shout out to our International President Hon Bro Chris Rey for delivering an inspirational message before our SOLD OUT crowed! As our late Sigma Brother – George Washington Carver once said, “When you do the common things in life in an uncommon way, you will command the attention of the world.” Today these young men fully commanded our attention!
relay for life
May 20, 2022
The brothers of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Chi Sigma Chapter, Social Action Committee participated in the Relay for Life, American Cancer Society walk that took place in Cranford, New Jersey. The Relay For Life movement is dedicated to helping communities attack cancer. Through funds donated, time given, or awareness raised, our communities are teaming up – virtually or in person – to make a difference. When we rally together in the fight against cancer, we can accomplish anything. The Chapter raised and donated over $500 dollars, along with participating in the walk and other activities. Ms. Vicky Allen (Cranford Walk contact person) and the other organizers were very appreciative of our Fraternity’s participation even though the weather was bad (heavy rain and thundering and lightning at times). Thank you to all that donated and/or participated in this event.
voter registration
April 9, 2022
The men of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Chi Sigma Chapter, Social Action Committee partnered with the ladies of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Gamma Omicron Zeta Chapter, Social Action Committee to conduct two Voter’s Registration Event in Newark NJ. The first one was at Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church from 10am to 12pm, and the second one was at Mount Vernon Baptist Church from 1pm to 4pm. Members at both locations were happy to see both organizations doing something good for the community.
