Triangle Iotas named NC chapter of the year, Polaris named regional brother of the year

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.

Triangle Iotas welcome two new brothers to the fold

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.”

AEO launches Voter Education Series with gerrymandering discussion

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.

Where Do We Go From Here? AEO launches community effort in response to killings

Where Do We Go From Here?

Triangle fraternity chapter launches community input, collaboration effort following recent killings

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.

Community Service: Serving others during coronavirus

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.

Community Service: Volunteering at the Salvation Army

Brothers from the Alpha Epsilon Omega Alumni Chapter of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc., prepared meals, served meals, and completed housekeeping duties at The Salvation Army in Raleigh, N.C. on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.