Dozens of Iota men, Iota Sweethearts, members of other Divine Nine organizations, and guests gathered at Biltmore Hills Park in Raleigh, N.C. to celebrate Iota Phi Theta’s Founders Day.
The event, hosted by the Triangle Iotas, was a success due to the large turnout, including dozens of Iota Men.
The Triangle Iotas are greatly appreciative of everyone who attended.
Bros. Keith Johnson & K.G. Mudiwa, along with Polaris Stan Chambers Jr., greeted students and parents as they entered the school. Being at Oak Grove was extra special for the brothers, for Bro. Darryl Bradshaw is serving as an administrative intern at the school.
Welcoming students to the first day of school has become a tradition for the Triangle Iotas. Brothers welcomed students at Burton Elementary in 2019.
Triangle Iotas Polaris Stan Chambers Jr. was sworn in as the Eastern Region Representative to Iota Phi Theta’s Board of Directors during the fraternity’s virtual Conclave on July 30.
Chambers, who was elected during the Eastern Region’s virtual conference in April, will also serve as board secretary.
Even with this large responsibility, Chambers will continue serving as Polaris of the Triangle Iotas and advisor to the Epsilon Pi Chapter (East Carolina University).
This historical moment for the chapter and we appreciate our past Polaris dedication and work.
The Triangle Iotas prepared and gave away food to families in need in Raleigh, N.C. on Saturday during a Mobile Market sponsored by the Inter-Faith Food Shuttle and Abundant Life Cathedral.
The event, which happens every fourth Saturday, coincided with Iota Phi Theta’s National Day of Service, where brothers across the country performed community service throughout the day.
Chapter Polaris Stan Chambers Jr., along with chapter Vice-Polaris Jermaine Goods, chapter Treasurer Anthony Soriano, and brothers Richard Gamble, Jean Sandaire, and Gerald Denis participated in Saturday’s event, which benefited over 100 families and gave away over 1,000 food items.
Photo Credit: ABC11
CONTACT
Stan Chambers Jr.
Polaris
Alpha Epsilon Omega Alumni Chapter
Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc.
aeo.iotaphitheta@gmail.com
(919) 641-0469
DURHAM, N.C. (May 10, 2021) - The Alpha Epsilon Omega Alumni Chapter of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc., is calling for justice and accountability. We are distressed at yet another incident highlighting the ongoing disconnect between law enforcement and people of color, particularly in the African-American community, as well as all marginalized and disenfranchised groups.
We call for an immediate end to the “us-versus-them” mentality. The change we want to see starts with conversations, actions, and repercussions that lead to better enforced policy and procedures, not more lives lost. This basic, yet vital necessity to hold law enforcement accountable when they commit unlawful acts against the citizens they are sworn to protect, now becomes even more evident in our current state of civil unrest.
We demand ongoing, meaningful conversations that enhance the lives of our fathers, mothers, sons, daughters, and neighbors. We demand great integrity when a law enforcement officer’s accountability is questioned within moral conscience. These calls to action must be answered to help build trust between those who protect and those being protected accordingly.
A clarion call for doing what is right isn’t always easy, nor does it come lightly. Our beloved fraternity, an international organization of mainly African-American men, has many members who are active police officers and sheriff’s deputies. We realize the dangers they face daily. We thank them for risking their lives to protect our communities. But as a historically Black fraternity, we cannot ignore the dangers that are prevalent for Black men, especially when encountering law enforcement - just because of the color of their skin.
Whether its Ferguson, Louisville, Minneapolis, Elizabeth City, or many other places across our country, we are constantly reminded that no community is too big or small from the challenges that stem from decades of societal and institutional racism.
Our organization is also no stranger to the societal unrest we face today.
Iota Phi Theta was founded in 1963 during a time of great social injustice and civil unrest. As such, our fraternity strives to enhance the communities we serve by, in part, advancing the equal treatment of all people. Achieving this, in part, requires accountability not only on our part, but from those who serve our communities.
We understand that body camera footage is considered evidence, but in times of great accountability, it is when our public institutions should be the most accountable to themselves and their communities. It shouldn’t take a court order to do what’s right. It shouldn’t take clashes between police and residents to do what’s right.
We ask Sheriff Tommy Wooten II and the Pasquotank County Sheriff’s Office to release all body cam footage related to the killing of Andrew Brown Jr. Is such not, in the words of the department’s mission statement, “committing ourselves to the people, traditions, and diversity of our county”?
We also ask the sheriff’s office, the Elizabeth City Police Department, and all other law enforcement agencies in Pasquotank County and throughout Northeastern North Carolina to engage in regular and purposeful community building. It shouldn’t take a shooting to open lines of communication between a community and those who protect it.
Lastly, we ask our brothers and sisters of the National Pan-Hellenic Council who live, learn, and work in Elizabeth City to be active members of any coalition working to build understanding and trust between residents and government entities. In turn, we are more than willing to assist our Pasquotank County brothers at Elizabeth City State University and throughout the community with similar efforts.
Our condolences run deep for the family of Andrew Brown Jr. Simultaneously, our desire runs deep for the type of coalition building that limits these type of fatal misunderstandings.
From our ongoing Law Enforcement Series to our overall award-winning Time To Build Initiative, the men of Alpha Epsilon Omega will continue our work in ensuring this happens.
About the Triangle Iotas
The Alpha Epsilon Omega Alumni Chapter of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc., has empowered change in the Triangle region of North Carolina for nearly 30 years through service, leadership, collaboration, and action. This focus has resulted in multiple state and regional awards, including the fraternity’s 2020 N.C. Alumni Chapter of the Year and the 2021 Eastern Region Social Action & Impact Award. Visit triangleiotas.org to learn more about our efforts.
The former Triangle Iotas Polaris Stan Chambers Jr. brought special greetings to the women of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., as they gathered virtually for their 76th Eastern Regional Leadership Conference.
Chambers not only brought greetings, but also shouted out area sorority members who are influential in their respective communities.
We hope the women of the Eastern Region of Zeta Phi Beta have a successful virtual meeting. This video was released in 2021.
Bro. Gerald Denis spent Saturday morning giving back to the community by passing out free groceries to residents outside Abundant Life Cathedral COGIC in Raleigh, N.C.
Thank you Bro. Denis for giving your energy to others, especially during a time of great need.
The Triangle Iotas hosted the second session in its Law Enforcement Series on Thursday, taking a wide variety of questions from the public.
The three officers, two of which are members of the Triangle Iotas, answered questions that range from community policing to how the coronavirus has impacted their jobs.
Do you have questions you’ve always wanted to ask a law enforcement officer?
The Triangle Iotas are hosting a forum on Feb. 18 at 7 p.m. where law enforcement officers will answer questions from community members.
Selected questions will be answered live on the Triangle Iotas’ Facebook page.
Submit your questions here.
Polaris Stan Chambers Jr. participated in a panel discussion Friday evening sponsored by the Clinton Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
The discussion hit on a variety of issues, including COVID-19, systemic racism, voter engagement, and the Biden/Harris agenda.
Polaris Chambers highlighted the Triangle Iotas’ ongoing community engagement, from its Voter Education Series to its ongoing Law Enforcement Series.
“Discussions like these are pivotal in helping the community understand the impact of the Divine 9, as well as hear firsthand how our respective organizations are working to enhance the areas we serve,” Chambers said. “I appreciate the Clinton Alumnae Chapter for brining us together, and I hope we’re able to work more closely on the issues impacting our communities."
Knowing your rights could make the difference between life and death.
Learn from current police officers about what you can and can't do when you're stopped by the police.
We will stream this conversation live on our Facebook page this Thursday at 7 p.m.
We look forward to seeing and hearing from you.
The Triangle Iotas created a quick video urging those who haven’t already voted to do so on Election Day.
And if you haven’t voted yet, then GO VOTE!
The Triangle Iotas are on the forefront of promoting the importance of voting and access to voting, from our Voter Education Series to our listing of North Carolina voting FAQs to participating in early voting events such as the Power to the Polls march.
For #ThetaManThursday, we want to thank our chapter members who have already voted.
Thank you for doing your part, and we look forward to many others following suit.
Triangle Iotas (from L to R) Bros. Anthony Soriano, Gerald Denis, Wladimir Merard, and Jermaine Goods, along with Theta Phi (St. Augustine’s University) Bro. Rodney Hawkins, participated in the Power to the Polls event in Raleigh on Saturday.
Hundreds of people participated in the early voting event, organized by the African American Cultural Festival of Raleigh and Wake County, which involved walking 1/2 mile from the MLK Memorial Gardens to the voting site at Roberts Park.
The Triangle Iotas were proud to walk alongside other NPHC organizations in the event, which comes as the chapter prepares for its final workshop in its Voter Education Series.
The Triangle Iotas won big for its community efforts during the 2020 Eastern Region Annual Regional Conference, receiving the most honors out of all chapters:
The Triangle Iotas were named the 2020 N.C. Alumni Chapter of the Year, and was a finalist for the Eastern Region Alumni Chapter of the Year.
Polaris Stan Chambers Jr. was named the 2020 Eastern Region Alumni Brother of the Year.
Epsilon Pi (East Carolina University), which is overseen by the Triangle Iotas, was named the 2020 N.C. Undergraduate Chapter of the Year.
“We are extremely humbled by the state and regional recognition for the work we’re doing in the community,” Chapter Polaris Stan Chambers Jr. said. “2020 has been a very challenging year for all of us, but these are the times in which black fraternities and sororities need to double down on their community impact. We’re elated for these honors, but the work doesn’t stop.”
The Triangle Iotas were recognized for its Time to Build Initiative, which include a five-part Voter Education Series done in partnership with the N.C. Black Alliance, and the Beta Pi Sigma and Theta Lambda Sigma alumnae chapters of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.
Polaris Chambers was honored for his work in building up the fraternity in the Triangle, from revamping the chapter to conceiving the Time to Build Initiative, “deaning” a graduate line, and serving as advisor to Epsilon Pi, among other efforts.
Since Epsilon Pi was reactivated in 2019 following a 15-year hiatus, the chapter has been consistent in its efforts around intake, programming, and building the fraternity’s presence and reputation at a large school. Polaris Chambers is also the advisor for Epsilon Pi.
“Stay tuned, for we’re just getting started,” Chambers said.
The Triangle Iotas are honored to welcome two new brothers to our chapter and fraternity.
Daniel “Nomos” Tyler (L) is an officer with the Kinston (NC) Police Department and a United States Marine Corps veteran. Delvon “Soter” Jackson (R) is an officer with the Gaston County (NC) Police Department.
Both men have hit the ground running with a project that will be integrated into the chapter’s Time to Build Initiative.
“Serving the community, and being part of something bigger than themselves, are engrained into Daniel and Delvon, which is why they were excellent candidates for the Triangle Iotas and Iota Phi Theta,” said Chapter Polaris Stan Chambers Jr., who was in charge of their intake process. “I look forward to their efforts as Iota men in enhancing the communities we serve.”
The Triangle Iotas, in partnership with the N.C. Black Alliance, launched its five-part Voter Education Series with a detailed discussion about gerrymandering and its impact on black communities.
The conversation, which was hosted for free on Zoom, detailed how gerrymandering is influenced by the Census and redistricting, which often negatively impact black communities.
Upcoming conversations, which will be posted on the Time to Build page, will focus on the electoral college, making one’s vote count, being an informed voter, and your rights on Election Day.
DURHAM, N.C. (June 9, 2020) – The killings of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd have spurred a group of Triangle men to tackle this daunting question: Where Do We Go From Here?
The Alpha Epsilon Omega (AEO) Alumni Chapter of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc., created a page – triangleiotas.org/timetobuild – to solicit public input regarding how the black community moves forward following the deaths of Arbery, Taylor, Floyd, and countless others from racism and police brutality. The effort is part of a longer strategy to engage, educate, and empower supporters to take action.
“So many people are angry right now. So many people are asking what they can do,” said Stan Chambers Jr., AEO president. “They all have ideas and they want to help. We want to turn their ideas into a cohesive, goal-oriented plan that ensures the work towards equality, inclusion, and success for African-Americans and others continue long after the protests end.”
AEO will use the community’s ideas to outline a plan within the next 60 days, which will be public, consisting of actions with 0-3, 6-9, and 12+ month deadlines. The chapter also plans to launch an information series exploring topics related to voting (i.e. – How does the electoral college work?) within the next two months.
“No one organization, no one person has the ability to solve systematic racism and inequality on their own,” Chambers said. “As members of a fraternity founded during the height of the Civil Rights Movement, we felt duty-bound to do our part in implementing change, and we want the community to be part of the solution.”
About Alpha Epsilon Omega
The Alpha Epsilon Omega Alumni Chapter of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc., uses mentorship, community service, and strategic partnerships to make a difference in the Triangle. Chartered in 1995, the chapter has earned multiple state and regional awards through its work in “Building a Tradition, Not Resting Upon One.” Visit triangleiotas.org to learn more about the chapter.
About Iota Phi Theta
Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc., was founded on Sept. 19, 1963 – less than a month after the March on Washington – by 12 non-traditional students at Morgan State University committed to “The Development and Perpetuation of Scholarship, Leadership, Citizenship, Fidelity and Brotherhood Among Men.” The fraternity has grown to over 40,000 members and 300 chapters across the globe. Visit iotaphitheta.org to learn more about the fraternity.
AEO extends its deepest condolences to the family of Bro. William “Big Tex” Wyatt (10-Beta Theta-88), who recently joined the fraternity’s Alpha Iota Omega Chapter.
Wyatt was among the five brothers who chartered the Alpha Epsilon Omega Alumni Chapter in 1995, and served as the chapter’s first Polaris.
Thank you Bro. Wyatt for your service to the fraternity.
With community needs so great during the fight against coronavirus, brothers from Alpha Epsilon Omega have stepped up to answer the call of service.
Bro. Gerald Dennis spent today handing out groceries to families in need at Abundant Life Cathedral in Raleigh.
In addition, chapter Polaris Stan Chambers Jr. recently donated to the Ronald McDonald House to help in their ongoing efforts.
Thank you brothers for answering the call of service during this great need.
