Iota Phi Theta is a nationally incorporated social/service fraternity which continues to remain true to the original purpose envisioned by its founders. That purpose being: "The Development and Perpetuation of Scholarship, Leadership, Citizenship, Fidelity, and Brotherhood among men.

While the fraternity's membership is comprised mainly of African-Americans, membership is not restricted by race, creed, or national origin. Founded September 19, 1963 at Morgan State University - Baltimore, Maryland, the fraternity presently consists of over 200 undergraduate and alumni chapters with appoximately 19,000 members located in 30+ states, the District of Columbia, and the Bahamas.

Throughout American and worldwide, Iota Phi Theta has come to represent excellence in all areas. We are, and shall remain, dedicated to our founders' vision and motto: "Building A Tradition, Not Resting Upon One.

1963 was a turbulent year. History-making events occurred that would radically and permanently affect the country as a whole, and African-Americans in particular ...

* On April 12, America watched with horror and outrage as Birmingham Police Chief Eugene "Bull" Connor and his officers used water hoses and police dogs against peaceful civil rights demonstrators.
* On June 12th, Medgar Evers, NAACP field secretary and civil rights leader, was assassinated at his home in Jackson, Mississippi by a segregationist.
* On August 28th, 250,000 people participated in the historic "March on Washington" and heard Martin Luther King, Jr. deliver his historic "I Have a Dream" speech

... Three weeks later and less than 50 miles away, in Baltimore, Maryland, another group of men would make a different kind of history.

On September 19, 1963, at Morgan State College (now Morgan State University), 12 students founded what is now the nation's fifth largest, predominately African-American social service fraternity: The Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Incorporated.

The Honorable founders of Iota Phi Theta were: Albert Hicks, Lonnie Spruill, Jr., Charles Briscoe, Frank Coakley, John Slade, Barron Willis, Webster Lewis, Charles Brown, Louis Hudnell, Charles Gregory, Elias Dorsey, Jr., and Michael Williams.

Based upon their ages, heightened responsibilities, and increased level of maturity, this group had a slightly different perspective than the norm for college students. It was this perspective from which they established the Fraternity's purpose, "The development and perpetuation of Scholarship, Leadership, Citizenship, Fidelity, and Brotherhood among Men." Additionally, they conceived the Fraternity's motto, "Building a Tradition, Not Resting Upon One!"

International Headquarters: 1600 N. Calvert Street Baltimore, Maryland 21202.

Official Colors: Charcoal Brown & Gilded Gold

Number of Chapters & Colonies: 245

Number of Initiated Members: Approximately 40,000

National Service Initiatives:
The National Iota Foundation
The I.O.T.A Youth Alliance
The Digital Heritage Initiative
The Afya Njema Program
The Sickle Cell Awareness Campaign
The Developing Better Fatherhood Project
The Businesskids Project

National Interfraternity Conference (NIC)
National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC)


For more information, see national website at www.iotaphitheta.org

Iota Phi Theta Sweethearts are a recognized, respected and honored tradition of the Fraternity and have a long history of affiliation with Iota. This history harkens back to the days of our Founding and the circumstances of the day.

In the early 1960's at Morgan State University, Iota Phi Theta was blessed to have an invaluable ally in the person of Ms. Audrey Brooks. Ms. Brooks was a member of the Morgan State University staff and in this capacity, she played a crucial "behind the scenes" role for the Fraternity. In many instances, her actions and influence prevented the fledgling organization from being victimized by those who would have seen Iota fail. (Click here to view our tribute to Ms. Brooks.)



The spirit and dedication of Ms. Brooks lives today through the Iota Phi Theta Sweetheart Organization and with good reason. As Iota Phi Theta navigated the rocky waters of our early years, the Brotherhood could always count on the support of our Sweetheart organization. Be it serving as hostesses for a national meeting or as a support team at a stepshow, our Hearts have always been there ... on the front lines ... providing vocal and moral support for the Brothers of Iota. Today, Iota Sweethearts (many of whom are wives of Iota Men) continue to support the organization in a major way.

Like many things about Iota Phi Theta, our Sweetheart organization represents a departure from the norm as practiced by other groups. Most notably, Iota Phi Theta Sweethearts do not "pledge." They are selected through a specific set of criteria as defined in our Official Sweetheart Directive.

Additionally, the Iota Sweetheart organization is not to be seen or construed as a substitute for a Sorority. In fact, thousands of Iota Sweethearts have gone on to join NPHC sororities. Iota Phi Theta is an avid supporter of these sororities and their activities. In keeping with this support and respect, we frown upon any activities undertaken by our Sweetheart Organization that might be seen as competitive to, or disrespectful of, these organizations.

In a Sweetheart Workshop held during the 1999 Iota Phi Theta Conclave, Ms. Brooks stated, "The Purpose of Iota Sweethearts is to smile and be gracious on behalf of Iota. Anything else is inappropriate." As in all things, we endorse Ms. Brooks' view on this subject wholeheartedly.

Iota Sweethearts hold a special place in the hearts and minds of the Brotherhood and we are dedicated to their uplift, support, and respect!

In Loving Memory of: Ms. Audrey Brooks
Eternal Sweetheart

In the spring of 2008 nine unique, talented and diversified young men tired of the way things were at the University of Connecticut came together with the idea of bringing something different then what was being offered to there school. They came with the idea of bringing Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. to the University.

These nine men were:

Yusef Watson
Alix Altenor
Jesse Wooten
Jeff Ambroise
Carlton Jones
Jason Ellis
Jabaree Dunham-Carson
Joshua Freeman
and Adonis Chamble.

Zeta Theta was chartered at the University of Connecticut in Storrs, CT on March 28th, 2008 by nine brothers looking to make a change on their campus and in their communities.

The Nine Chartering Brothers of Zeta Theta Chapter

I.S. H.I.T.M.E.N (History In the Making Embarking New England)